Reading: Shared Enjoyment, Learning, and Connection with Your Child

Reading: Shared Enjoyment, Learning, and Connection with Your Child

For this blog I’ve decided to write a book review and share my thoughts with you folks. It’s a children’s book I came across at the public library and signed out. I found this book to be a wonderful piece for parents to read with their kids as a way to connect and engage with them, while both the parent and child learn new skills in a fun and playful way.

The book is titled, “Peaceful Like a Panda: 30 Mindful Moments for Playtime, Mealtime, Bedtime – or Anytime”. This book is written by Kira Willey and Illustrated by Anni Betts. The chapters in this book include: 1. Rise and Shine 2. Are We There Yet? 3. Brain Boosters 4. Playtime 5. Let’s Eat 6. Good Night.

Each chapter has different mindfulness activities that are quick and fun to do. The illustrations are great as well, very colourful and child-friendly. The mindfulness activities encourage children to practice different breathing exercises, move and use their bodies, and gain awareness of their feelings. Because the activities are playful, fun, quick, and not too difficult child can stay attentive and interested. Books are one way to make it easier for kids to learn or practice skills while staying  mindful and engaged in the process.

Engaging with a child in reading this book (or other similar books) can achieve many things at once. Books such as this one can make the skills seem less scary and less overwhelming to learn. When parents and children read together, parents can demonstrate and model the skills making them feel more understandable and less stressful to learn. Reading regularly as part of a daily routine is a way to help build parent and child connection and support secure attachment. Books provide an opportunity for a grown up to teach and share ideas and information that make feel more accessible to a child who might not be as responsive to direct teaching. I encourage folks to check out this book or the many other books available that you can use to engage and connect with your child while learning important skills and practicing strategies together.

Written by: Gary Mah, MSW, RSW, Social Worker with Wildflowers