Mindfulness for children

Every child deserves a space where they can express their feelings in complete confidence. A space to relax, understand, calm down… and grow up with peace of mind.

I was fortunate enough to be trained in person by Eline Snel, founder of the « Mindfulness Works » method and author of the international bestseller « Calm and Attentive Like a Frog ». As a certified instructor at the Academy for Mindful Teaching (AMT) since 2016, I teach this method faithfully, gently and rigorously, in a safe and caring environment where young people can explore their experiences with confidence.

This secular and scientifically validated approach is now an international benchmark for helping children and adolescents manage stress, emotions and attention.

Recognised and used in schools, private groups and individual sessions, it offers a solid and accessible framework for supporting young people on a daily basis.

Just like adults, children—from a very young age—are subject to stress, academic pressure, multiple demands and the excessive stimulation of our modern lifestyles. They are often asked to concentrate, but rarely taught how to do so.

Mindfulness allows them to pay attention consciously, in the present moment, without judgement, with openness and kindness. It gives them space to observe their feelings, thoughts and emotions, and to reconnect with themselves.

It also allows them to:

  • calm down
  • refocus
  • clarify what they need
  • react less impulsively
  • concentrate better

All children who wish to:

  • develop their attention span
  • manage stress
  • become familiar with their bodies and emotions
  • (re)discover calmness

Particularly relevant for:

  • stress or anxiety
  • attention disorders
  • sleep difficulties
  • lack of self-confidence
  • high emotional sensitivity
Laurence’s sessions are based on the fun and effective method « Mindfulness Works!« , developed by Dutch therapist Eline Snel, founder of the Academy for Mindful Teaching (AMT). Laurence had the privilege of being trained directly by Eline Snel in person and participating in a silent retreat with her, which enables her to support children with depth and authenticity.

The now famous book « Calm and Attentive Like a Frog » helps parents support the practice at home.

In developing this method, Eline Snel drew heavily on the MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) programme created for adults by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a doctor and researcher, a programme which, it should be noted, has been scientifically validated.

Programmes for ages: 4–7, 8–11

Eight weekly sessions lasting 45 minutes or one hour, depending on age and concentration span, either individually or in small groups (3–8 children), over eight weeks.

Follow-up is personalised with the child and parents. It should be noted that individual sessions allow for quality discussion time, address specific requests and offer the child the opportunity to express themselves freely, without fear of judgement or the gaze of others.

Each session focuses on a different theme, with the calm and attentive frog always serving as a guiding thread:

  1. Observing and concentrating
  2. Listening to your body
  3. Taste, smell, hearing, sight and touch
  4. Patience, trust and letting go
  5. Detecting, recognising and accepting emotions
  6. Discovering the flow of thoughts and influencing your thoughts
  7. Being kind is pleasant
  8. The secret to happiness

As the programme is structured and progressive, it is essential that children attend each of the sessions initially planned.

At the end of each session, an email is sent to parents, providing a brief summary of the topic covered and suggesting simple, quick exercises. These exercises can be done for 5 to 10 minutes a day, either alone or with the help of a parent, to support the child’s practice and reinforce what they learn in the session.

It is important for parents to understand that training, whether formal or informal, is an integral part of the method. It is not a question of « doing something extra », but of doing what the child already does differently, with attention. This approach allows the child to gradually acquire the tools, learn to regulate their emotions and better manage stress in everyday life, independently.

When children feel stressed, upset or have trouble falling asleep, they have specific exercises they can practise completely independently. However, it is recommended that at least one parent be involved to accompany and support the child in their practice, build confidence and integrate the exercises in a natural way.

To extend the experience at home and optimise results:

  • The book Calm and Attentive Like a Frog is intended for parents to understand the method and support their child.
  • The recordings, accessible via QR codes at the end of the book, are intended for children to easily practise the exercises at home.
8-session programme:

  • 45 minutes – 1 hour (4–7 years old) – £390 (= £48.75 per session)
  • 1 hour (8–11 years old) – £390 (= £48.75 per session)

Includes sessions, parent meetings, personalised follow-up, summary emails and materials.

To ensure that the programme remains accessible, payment can of course be spread over several instalments.

« I am delighted to have enrolled my youngest son in the mindfulness sessions offered by Laurence. From the very first meeting, Ilan was enchanted by Laurence’s gentleness and good humour. Thanks to these sessions, he has learned to recognise and accept his emotions and to enjoy the present moment in order to move forward more effectively. Thank you again for this valuable experience! » A, Executive