Book Review: Eline Snel's Guides to Mindful Parenting

Post by Dori

Hello, wonderful parents and guardians! Today, I’m excited to share my thoughts on the incredible works of Eline Snel, an acclaimed author whose books have been transformative in the field of mindful parenting. Her books offer practical tools and insights that help nurture mindfulness and emotional well-being in both children and parents. Let's dive into a review of some of her most impactful books.

1. “Sitting Still Like a Frog: Mindfulness Exercises for Kids (and Their Parents)”

Overview:

"Sitting Still Like a Frog" is Eline Snel’s most popular book, providing a simple and engaging introduction to mindfulness for children aged 5-12. The book comes with a CD of guided meditations narrated by Myla Kabat-Zinn, which makes it easy for parents and children to practice mindfulness together. This was my very first choice in the mindfulness book category for kids.

Key Insights:

- Accessible Exercises: The book offers practical mindfulness exercises that are easy to understand and implement. Activities like "Being a Frog," "Listening to Sounds," and "Body Scan" help children develop attention, relaxation, and emotional regulation.

- Parent Involvement: Snel emphasizes the importance of parents practicing mindfulness alongside their children. This joint practice fosters a supportive environment and strengthens the parent-child bond.

- Emotional Awareness: The exercises are designed to help children recognize and manage their emotions, promoting emotional intelligence from a young age.

Personal Takeaway:

This book is a fantastic resource for introducing mindfulness to young children. Its engaging and playful approach makes mindfulness accessible and enjoyable, turning it into a fun family activity.

2. “Breathe through This: Mindfulness for Parents of Teenagers”

Overview:

In "Breathe through This," Eline Snel addresses the unique challenges faced by parents of teenagers. The book offers mindfulness techniques to help parents navigate the often turbulent adolescent years with greater calm and empathy.

Key Insights:

- Understanding Adolescence: Snel discusses the emotional and psychological changes that teenagers undergo, helping parents understand their behavior from a compassionate perspective.

- Mindful Communication: The book provides tools for mindful listening and communication, essential for fostering open and respectful dialogues with teenagers.

- Stress Management: Parents learn techniques to manage their own stress and remain centered, which in turn helps create a more stable home environment.

Personal Takeaway:

This book is an invaluable guide for parents of teenagers. It offers deep insights into adolescent behavior while providing practical, mindfulness-based strategies to maintain a healthy and supportive relationship.

3. “Sitting Still Like a Frog Activity Book: 75 Mindfulness Games for Kids”

Overview:

A companion to “Sitting Still Like a Frog,” this activity book is filled with mindfulness games and exercises for children. It’s a hands-on guide that makes practicing mindfulness a fun and engaging experience.

Key Insights:

- Engaging Activities: The book includes 75 mindfulness games that range from creative activities to thought-provoking exercises. These activities help children practice mindfulness in diverse and enjoyable ways.

- Interactive Learning: The exercises are designed to be interactive, encouraging children to actively participate and learn through play.

- Building Practical Skills: The games support the development of various life skills such as attention, patience, and empathy.

Personal Takeaway:

The activity book is a fantastic extension of Snel’s original work, offering even more ways to bring mindfulness into daily life. It’s perfect for parents looking to make mindfulness a consistent and fun part of their children’s routines.

4. The Little Frog Awakes: Mindfulness Exercises for Toddlers (and Their Parents)

Following the success of "Sitting Still Like a Frog" and "Breathe Through This," Eline Snel introduces "The Little Frog Awakes," a wonderful addition to her collection, tailored specifically for toddlers and their parents. This book is designed to help the youngest members of our families, ages 2-4, and their caregivers explore mindfulness together through playful, easy, and engaging exercises.

In "The Little Frog Awakes," Snel brings her expertise in mindfulness to the world of toddlers. Through captivating stories and activities, she provides tools that help little ones develop calmness, patience, and self-awareness from an early age. The exercises are designed to be short and fun, fitting perfectly into the busy daily routines of toddlers while planting the seeds of mindfulness.

One of the highlights of the book is the accompanying audio tracks that guide both parents and their toddlers through the exercises. This feature allows parents to fully participate in the mindfulness journey with their child, fostering a deeper connection and a shared practice. Narrated with a soothing and gentle voice, these audio tracks make it easy for even the youngest children to follow along.

Eline Snel understands the unique challenges parents face, especially when raising toddlers who are full of energy and curiosity. "The Little Frog Awakes" not only addresses the needs of children but also provides parents with techniques to manage stress and cultivate mindfulness in their own lives. The book empowers parents to model mindful behavior and integrate mindfulness into family life in a practical and enjoyable way.

Incorporating "The Little Frog Awakes" into your daily routine can create moments of peace and mindfulness that benefit both you and your toddler. It is a valuable resource for any parent looking to introduce their young child to the world of mindfulness and build a foundation for emotional health that can last a lifetime.

Conclusion

Eline Snel’s books are a treasure trove of wisdom and practical advice for parents seeking to incorporate mindfulness into their family life. Her accessible language, engaging exercises, and deep understanding of child, adolescent and toddler psychology make her books an essential addition to any mindful parenting library. Let this extract from her website be your inspiration:

At Better Parents, Better Planet, we believe in the power of mindfulness to transform parenting and enhance the emotional well-being of both parents and children. Eline Snel’s work provides valuable tools to start this journey with your family.

Have you read any of Eline Snel’s books? 📚 Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. 😊 Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more reviews, insights, and tips on conscious parenting! 🐸

Warmly,

Dori,

Better Parents Better Planet