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Taming the Monkey Mind: Mindfulness Cards for Busy Kids – A Parent and Educator's Review

In my work with children and at home, I've noticed more kids struggling with racing thoughts. Their minds are always 'on,' hindering focus at school and true rest. Tension builds up in their bodies too. That's where the Monkey Mind cards come in—a beautiful set of 30 cards with kid-friendly mindfulness exercises. Let me share why they're a game-changer.

Table of contents

Mindfulness for Children with Monkey Mind Cards

For the monkey in your head.

It's a familiar feeling for adults and kids alike: a head full of buzzing thoughts, jumping from one idea to the next like a monkey swinging through the trees. This 'monkey mind' makes it hard to focus on your feelings or make thoughtful choices. Instead, reactions are impulsive, driven by the mental chatter.

The Monkey Mind cards offer simple mindfulness exercises to help children tame this monkey, reconnecting them with their bodies and thoughts.

Background of the Monkey Mind Cards

Designed to restore calm to mind and body, these cards are built tough from sturdy cardboard, perfect for repeated use in classrooms, playgroups, or homes.

Vibrant colors and engaging illustrations feature animals on the front, with key phrases and exercises on the back. They not only quiet the monkey mind but also highlight children's inner strengths.

Each exercise draws on nature's powerful qualities—like those within every child (and adult)—covering impulse control, self-confidence, empathy, resilience, and relaxation through varied card colors.

The Monkey Mind Card Set

The set includes 30 unique cards and a concise instruction booklet. Tips for selecting a card:

  • Listen to your gut feeling and choose.
  • Fan the cards text-side up and pick what feels right.
  • Select for upcoming challenges or people on your mind.
  • Draw one each morning for a calmer start.
  • Use before bed to ease into sleep.
  • Perfect for birthdays to reflect on feelings.
  • 'Exciting moments' cards for events like presentations or PE.
  • 'I'm coming' cards combat procrastination, helping shift from play (like Lego) to tasks like homework.

Doing It Together Makes It Even Better

I use these cards myself before tough meetings or during evening rushes. Depending on age, kids can pick their own or trade cards. Read aloud if they can, or guide them through. Do the exercise together and discuss: 'You look happy—how does that feel?' Naming emotions helps young ones especially.

Review: Monkey Mind Cards and Mindfulness Exercises for Kids

Our oldest often battles overstimulation, leading to meltdowns. These cards help immensely. I start with deep breaths to settle them.

With a friend, they fanned the cards: one picked the lion, the other the monkey. Monkey card visualizes thoughts as bananas—the monkey grabs one, letting others drop. At 5, it's advanced, but closing eyes and tuning in calms him noticeably.

The lion card? 'Discover the queen in yourself.' We used a mirror, acting as brave or tough kings, affirming it aloud. A bit of that strength lingers. We ended by praising each other's strengths, watching faces light up—playtime was magical after!

Conclusion: Mindfulness Exercises and the Monkey Mind Card Set

I'm thrilled with this set. Playfully effective for peace and confidence, it's quick for busy days. Quality materials and storage box included. We'll use them often at home and school for kids needing calm.

Read more and order the set here

Giveaway

Win a set! Comment below why you'd use these cards. Ends January 10, 2021.