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Mindfulness for Mums: Simple ways to help you and your family feel calm, connected and content
Having suffered from anxiety for much of her life, Izzy Judd has brought together a brilliant collection of simple activities and exercises to help mothers find their own piece of calm. There are exercises both for you to do alone and with your children of all ages, giving them their own tools to help remain happy and peaceful too. This practical book will hold your hand through the challenging days as well as the exciting and happy ones, and most importantly will provide something you can teach your children and share together over the years.
288 pages, Paperback
Published January 7, 2021
41 people are currently reading
153 people want to read
About the author
Izzy Judd
5 books26 followersIzzy Judd was born into a musical family in 1984. She studied the violin first at Chethams School of Music and then The Royal Academy of Music. She was a member of electric string quartet Escala, who took part in Britain's Got Talent in 2008 and went on to release a top-ten album with Simon Cowell's label SYCO. Izzy met Harry Judd on McFly's Wonderland tour in 2005 and they married in 2012. Izzy is now a full-time mum to their daughter Lola.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 11, 2023
This was a hard one to rate, the idea of the book is really nice and may work great for some mums. However I felt it was aimed at mothers with older children I wouldn’t be able to do half these exercises with my baby. Some of the “single heart” activities were useful but not new to me as they are pretty common meditations and moments used world wide. I also listened to this as an audio book as I don’t have much time to read unless it’s during the night feed and a chapter here and there with a nap so would need to buy the book to go back to remember some of these exercises which I personally wouldn’t go and do. Nothing against the author as it’s a nice idea but not very practical for me
March 10, 2024
Great, simple ideas to make life as a mum a bit calmer.
July 7, 2020
Listening to this in audiobook format both added to and detracted from my “reading” experience. It was lovely to be able to hear the book read by the author herself - it added an extra layer of calm to the content and helped bring more heart to the stories of her life that she chose to share. The stories helped illustrate when the exercises could be useful and helped to convey that she was coming from a place of wanting to help others rather than preaching to others. The downside to listening to the book as an audiobook is that I struggled to follow some of the exercises in the right way. Despite that, I enjoyed the book so much that I bought a physical copy so I could refer back to the exercises that way.
I particularly enjoyed the idea of some of the exercises being family-friendly. I struggle with anxiety so I’m keen to explore ways to introduce coping mechanisms into my son’s life early so that he has extra tools in his arsenal if he ever has to face anything similar - I would have appreciated a deeper understanding of these concepts as a child so it’s great that Izzy Judd has provided ways of sharing that with younger children in a non-invasive way.
I particularly enjoyed the idea of some of the exercises being family-friendly. I struggle with anxiety so I’m keen to explore ways to introduce coping mechanisms into my son’s life early so that he has extra tools in his arsenal if he ever has to face anything similar - I would have appreciated a deeper understanding of these concepts as a child so it’s great that Izzy Judd has provided ways of sharing that with younger children in a non-invasive way.
August 2, 2020
I like the idea of this, but unfortunately it isn’t very inclusive. I was listening to this book but quickly realised that this is a book for mums with a partner - ‘a mindfulness corner is a place where each member of the family understands is a place for quiet, where you have permission to sit peacefully.’ Doesn’t really work for a single parent with a two-year old.
January 31, 2020
Judd writes with gentle honesty and compassion and avoids coming across as judgemental or preachy (which is dangerous territory for a book like this). She shares some of her parenting difficulties alongside some of her parenting wins, making her relatable. I found listening to the book felt like having a conversation with a trusted friend when the sh*t has hit the fan and you’re at your wits end. She offers perspective and advice rooted in her own experience, and she speaks openly about the depths of motherhood that she’s experienced.
Her honesty around how this troubles her, particularly considering the difficult journey she had in conceiving (something that particularly resonated with me) sets this book apart from other how-to-survive-parenting type books. The conflicting emotions of love and exasperation in parenting are real and she captures this brilliantly, while still offering a solution-focused approach to next time.
While I found myself questioning “Isn’t that just common sense?” at a few points during the book (eg advice given to organise packed lunches the night before) I found in balance I could take a lot more from her other suggestions - some of which I’ve already started to put into practice. The suggestions are workable for families with toddler-aged children as well as teenagers; the commonality being their calm and compassionate approach to reconnecting with our children, understanding their emotions and offering them space, time, love and safety to feel their feelings. .
Her honesty around how this troubles her, particularly considering the difficult journey she had in conceiving (something that particularly resonated with me) sets this book apart from other how-to-survive-parenting type books. The conflicting emotions of love and exasperation in parenting are real and she captures this brilliantly, while still offering a solution-focused approach to next time.
While I found myself questioning “Isn’t that just common sense?” at a few points during the book (eg advice given to organise packed lunches the night before) I found in balance I could take a lot more from her other suggestions - some of which I’ve already started to put into practice. The suggestions are workable for families with toddler-aged children as well as teenagers; the commonality being their calm and compassionate approach to reconnecting with our children, understanding their emotions and offering them space, time, love and safety to feel their feelings. .
January 30, 2021
Reflections and lessons learned:
Is this a great book, a great book for me or a great book for me at this difficult time? It doesn’t matter - I have picked up so many fabulous ideas that will unwittingly help to get through an unprecedented (refuse to use the phrase new normal) family time of the second school lockdown, and more general top life tips for dealing with the odd moments that can throw us all. Does Judd whine and harp on about the difficulties encountered as a parent? Not at all - it’s not that type of book. Instead it’s a “why not try...” gentle recommendations like listening to a kind friend, using their own experiences, to try and make a clearer path through the emotional and practical needs of dealing with children and self, but can also be applied to most personal interactions. I think that I’ll be considering the why I’m WAITing and finger tapping each day. My children already can’t wait to start on the inspirational “I’m bored” jar too.
I usually return a library book as soon as finished to be able to share the joy and to reserve the next, but I’m going to cheekily keep this one for repeat listens over the next month. I also already have it on my gifting list for new parents that may also have the open mind to listen to potential alternative approaches
Is this a great book, a great book for me or a great book for me at this difficult time? It doesn’t matter - I have picked up so many fabulous ideas that will unwittingly help to get through an unprecedented (refuse to use the phrase new normal) family time of the second school lockdown, and more general top life tips for dealing with the odd moments that can throw us all. Does Judd whine and harp on about the difficulties encountered as a parent? Not at all - it’s not that type of book. Instead it’s a “why not try...” gentle recommendations like listening to a kind friend, using their own experiences, to try and make a clearer path through the emotional and practical needs of dealing with children and self, but can also be applied to most personal interactions. I think that I’ll be considering the why I’m WAITing and finger tapping each day. My children already can’t wait to start on the inspirational “I’m bored” jar too.
I usually return a library book as soon as finished to be able to share the joy and to reserve the next, but I’m going to cheekily keep this one for repeat listens over the next month. I also already have it on my gifting list for new parents that may also have the open mind to listen to potential alternative approaches
May 24, 2023
Great information and ideas to teach kids mindfulness. I want my kids to have good emotional guidance for when they go through hard time and learn to appreciate many things in their lives.
You do live in your head so keeping it peaceful and learning to guide negative emotion is very important to me. I feel like learning about how to regulate your emotion is as important as daily workout, eating healthy and sleeping well. But I know all that first have to come from us parents as an example. I will try to keep taking a little time everyday on my gratitude and meditation postpartum. I hope to include our kids in my daily ritual when they are ready and pass down the great benefit to them.
Surprised to find out she is the wife of Harry Judd from McFly and a violinist! Relatable because they are both musician who went through anxiety :P
You do live in your head so keeping it peaceful and learning to guide negative emotion is very important to me. I feel like learning about how to regulate your emotion is as important as daily workout, eating healthy and sleeping well. But I know all that first have to come from us parents as an example. I will try to keep taking a little time everyday on my gratitude and meditation postpartum. I hope to include our kids in my daily ritual when they are ready and pass down the great benefit to them.
Surprised to find out she is the wife of Harry Judd from McFly and a violinist! Relatable because they are both musician who went through anxiety :P
March 12, 2024
If “Live, Laugh, Love” was a parenting book…
I like the idea of this book and agree wholeheartedly with the overall sentiment of it – that well-rested mums (and dad for that matter) are better parents. But, I felt that there was little in here that was new or that useful sadly. It felt written in a very twee, fairytale way that shied away from the grittiness and strength that motherhood can pull out of you; a missed opportunity. It has taken me about a year of on/off trying to plough through but it's just not been a good read, honestly.
Perhaps this would be a lovely gift for a new mum, but as a parent of a pre-schooler and pre-teen, it didn’t feel that relatable to me.
I like the idea of this book and agree wholeheartedly with the overall sentiment of it – that well-rested mums (and dad for that matter) are better parents. But, I felt that there was little in here that was new or that useful sadly. It felt written in a very twee, fairytale way that shied away from the grittiness and strength that motherhood can pull out of you; a missed opportunity. It has taken me about a year of on/off trying to plough through but it's just not been a good read, honestly.
Perhaps this would be a lovely gift for a new mum, but as a parent of a pre-schooler and pre-teen, it didn’t feel that relatable to me.
January 11, 2022
It was ok - had some good thoughts and ideas but nothing new for me to try or practice. Some things show that it's practical for mums who have the resources - both material and social - as opposed to mums who work/have multiple children/have complex needs/aren't financially able to create a special corner of their home to practice mindfulness.
Izzy has put her heart into writing this book and it shows, though.
Izzy has put her heart into writing this book and it shows, though.
February 12, 2020
An easy read. Its always helpful to hear advice and learn new tips when it comes to parenting. This book helps you practice mindfulness and I would definitely recommend If you are struggling with anxiety. Its not going to cure you but will help with the way you think. Worth a read.
May 21, 2020
A wonderful book that will no doubt help lot of mums. There are great activities to help your children with mindfulness as well. Some fabulous mindful exercise to practice for any given time. Highly recommended by my whole family.
February 24, 2020
Easy for reading, just remind parents that they have to have minute for themselves!
March 3, 2020
Will definitely take a few things away from this book
February 14, 2021
Really interesting and inspirational, loved it and it gave me a lot of things to think about.
February 20, 2024
It had some good information, and some good ways of introducing mindfulness to children, but was a bit drawn out and I feel like a lot of the text was a bit unnecessary and repetitive.
February 18, 2020
This book is well written and you can almost hear Izzy Judd’s calming voice as she is explaining how she practises mindfulness within her family life. There are some wonderful ways to help you in practising mindfulness which I have begun using and what I also like is there are ways that you and the whole family can apply the techniques together. Sadly my children weren’t so keen (although I’m not ready to give up yet) however I think for a new mum with younger children who can implement the techniques from the start then these could be a really powerful strategy and tool to have in those moments of need.
February 23, 2023
5 Stars (9.00 on CAWPILE)
This book came along at the exact right time for me. I had just had a baby and was scrolling my library app during long/regular night feeds when I came across this audiobook. I have suffered with anxiety throughout most of my life and this was definitely exacerbated by being pregnant for the first time and not knowing what to expect. Mindfulness really helped during my pregnancy and now, after reading this, I have new tips and exercises to do as a Mum and with my child as they get older. I found this book really relatable and enjoyed hearing about Izzy Judd’s own experiences, how mindfulness has helped her and how we can use it in everyday life. Also that we are not alone in feeling overwhelmed as new parents. After finishing the audiobook I bought a physical copy to highlight the sections that I found most helpful.
This book came along at the exact right time for me. I had just had a baby and was scrolling my library app during long/regular night feeds when I came across this audiobook. I have suffered with anxiety throughout most of my life and this was definitely exacerbated by being pregnant for the first time and not knowing what to expect. Mindfulness really helped during my pregnancy and now, after reading this, I have new tips and exercises to do as a Mum and with my child as they get older. I found this book really relatable and enjoyed hearing about Izzy Judd’s own experiences, how mindfulness has helped her and how we can use it in everyday life. Also that we are not alone in feeling overwhelmed as new parents. After finishing the audiobook I bought a physical copy to highlight the sections that I found most helpful.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews