This October is Mental Health awareness month. Here at Talu HQ we’re focused on understanding what mental wellness means for kids, and how we as adults, can help young minds thrive.

Kids aren’t just small adults, their bodies and brains work in their own special way. What works for us grown-ups, may not work for young kids! Last week we asked everyone on Instagram ‘what works for your family?’ and have collected your ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ recommendations here.

We’ve also created a Self- Care scavenger hunt print out for kids so that they can build better brain habits! Download at end of article.

Mindfulness for mini’s

These apps have taken the evidence-based mindfulness practices and adjusted them for kids.

Moshi App (ages 3-7) A sleep x meditation app with big promises to help kids fall asleep faster and sounder.
Stop, Breathe, Think Kids (ages 5-10) Mindfulness-based mediation with a daily check-in feature.
Barbie x Headspace collaboration We’re all about Barbies vlog (especially where she talks about the dream gap). Barbie picked out her favourite short Headspace meditations which are free online.
Box Breathing Kids (all ages!) BOOKMARK this little gem for an on-the-go breathing exercise for when emotions hit the fan.

Guided bedtime visualisations

After a long day, switch out the bedtime adventure story to read through some fantastical guided meditations by the creator of Cosmic Kids Yoga. Visit the magic treehouse, soar up to the moon and swim in a rainbow waterfall with this peace out guided meditation script.

Monsters that eat worries

Worries are especially difficult to deal with because they’re invisible. Research has shown that the act of writing down negative thoughts and throwing them in the bin can reduce their power. This worry monster plushie helps kids get their worries out onto paper, then watch them be gobbled up.