“Give it back!” My six-year-old son roared from the other room. “No, it’s mine!” his sister retorted.
Then came the silence.
An unsettling quiet that left me wondering if I should anticipate more shouting or an unexpected crash. Driven by curiosity, I ventured to see what was unfolding. I found my daughter sitting cross-legged on her bedroom floor, visibly fuming. Her nostrils flared, yet her fist was pressed against her stomach, rising and falling with her breath.
“What’s going on?” I asked.
“I’m mad at him,” she replied.
“I can see that. But what are you doing?” I inquired.
“I’m popping my mad bubbles.”
Mad bubbles?
Gradually, her breathing steadied, and the tension in her face eased. It dawned on me—her technique was effective.
In 2016, our local elementary school kicked off a mindfulness pilot program named Rewind. Each morning, students listen to recorded mindfulness sessions broadcast over the loudspeakers.
Hosted by Emma Green, one of Rewind’s founders, the sessions guide children through simple yet effective exercises, including breathing techniques, visualization, gratitude, and even the concept of “popping emotional bubbles.” Each session concludes with a motivating reminder to “Seize the day!” While just three minutes long, these practices have a profound impact on the students.
Rewind defines mindfulness as “a mental exercise that involves focusing on a single element—your breath, surrounding sounds, or even the act of eating. This practice of ‘being present’ can rewire the brain.” Engaging in mindfulness regularly can physically alter the brain’s structure, especially the amygdala, which shrinks with consistent practice, reducing stress levels. Conversely, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and awareness, becomes more robust.
Less stress and improved decision-making equate to happier children.
My fourth grader, who has been part of the Rewind program for two years, enjoys the playful tasks Emma shares during the sessions. These activities encourage mindfulness and help him stay grounded in the present.
- “Every time you feel the breeze on your face, shout, ‘Yay!’”
- “Spot someone in the hallway you don’t know and give them a friendly high-five.”
- “When you sip cold water, take a moment to appreciate its chill.”
Such exercises foster deeper connections—with oneself, with others, and with the world—all within just three minutes.
Rewind’s approach employs “scientifically supported, secular techniques derived from meditation, validated through biofeedback studies.” The effectiveness of mindfulness training has been consistently validated by research.
Moreover, it proves especially beneficial in helping children cope with the emotional aftermath of tragedies—a pressing concern in today’s educational environments. As noted on Rewind’s website, “Schools in communities affected by recent crises are utilizing Rewind to aid in emotional recovery.”
This initiative teaches children how to be present, quiets the internal noise they often experience, and imparts lessons that many adults take years to master. It’s working, as evidenced by increased emotional expression among students and a notable decline in aggressive behaviors. My daughter now knows how to pop her mad bubbles—something I’m still figuring out.
If you’re interested in bringing Rewind to your school, you can find more information here. By initiating this positive change, you’ll not only benefit your child but also contribute to the well-being of future generations.
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Summary:
Mindfulness programs like Rewind can significantly improve children’s emotional well-being by teaching them to manage their feelings and stay present. With just a few minutes of guided practice each day, students learn valuable coping mechanisms that promote happiness and reduce stress.