Commons Speaker Series #6–Raising Mindful Children

Many hardy people braved the cold to attend the presentation on Raising Mindful Children, the sixth installment of the Commons Speaker Series. The discussion began with an overview and introduction to mindfulness by Siobhan LeGros, Lower School art teacher and mindfulness instructor, with several exercises to focus awareness and practice active listening. This was followed by the neuroscience of how the brain works, specifically the different sections of the brain and how neural pathways are forged and strengthened. Cheddy Harvey, Lower and Middle School psychologist, approached the topic through the recent research on interpersonal neurobiology by Dr. Daniel Siegel from UCLA.  Practical advice and sample activities for parents to pursue with their own children were shared by Patti Northrup, former Harley health teacher and current health instructor in Vermont. Time was reserved at the end for questions from the audience, which were varied and insightful. As an overview to mindful practice and how starting with parents and teachers benefits the children they work with, the evening generated much interest and discussion. Many participants stayed after the presentation to share their own experiences, compare stories, and peruse the resources and books recommended by the three presenters.

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