Review by Booklist Review
Hawn's legions of fans will likely not be surprised to learn she has long supported a program to help people live happier lives. This guide for parents to teach children how to achieve happiness draws on years of research and numerous experts' counsel. In early, science-focused chapters that include coverage of how the brain works, Hawn and journalist Holden address a litany of problems plaguing modern children, from depression to poor academic performance to suicide. Emotional literacy, they contend, is just as important as academic literacy, if not more so, and they posit, Isn't that all we want for our children for them to be happy? Hence, joy is to be taken seriously, and pursuing it isn't a casual endeavor. Children need to learn why they lose control of emotions, the roots of frustration, and how to control outbursts. Parents need to reflect on their own behavior and rethink the value of optimism and happiness. Hawn and Holden give a crucial yet overlooked subject the attention it deserves.--Mondor, Colleen Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Hollywood icon Hawn is a mother of four and a grandmother whose Hawn Foundation supports the MindUP program in schools in the U.S., Canada, and Great Britain. Here, she collaborates with writer Holden to present elements of the program that parents can use in daily life with kids. The authors explain that mindfulness helps children develop social and emotional intelligence, resulting in greater awareness, less stress, and higher levels of happiness and empathy. Developed by brain experts, the program also helps children use their senses to hone their brain muscles; in a chapter called "Mindful Sensing," Hawn covers mindful listening, seeing, smelling, tasting, and movement with suggested activities appropriate for various ages to accompany each sense. Hawn explains how to help children use mindful breathing (she calls it her "secret sauce") to become more reflective and self aware, and gain emotional control. The practice, she asserts, requires only three minutes a day to create positive change. It also helps kids sleep better and manage stress and/or anger, among other benefits. In "Reflections" throughout the text, Hawn looks back on her own childhood and shares her personal experiences as a mother. Hawn's gentle, heartfelt approach to mothering and her mission to help children develop happier, healthier lives will be both useful and inspiring for parents. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
The beauty of both of these books is that they help readers relieve stressful situations with simple, tailor-made exercises. The difference is in their intended audiences: licensed psychotherapist Bush writes for adults, and actor Hawn writes for parents guiding children. Bush offers 70 short exercises for when readers are stopped at a red light, taking a shower, or waiting in line. She reminds readers to roll out goodwill to fellow travelers, remember what matters in life, and release current worries by visualizing them going down the drain. Bush is masterful in explaining triggers and putting forth tools without the usual paragraphs of verbiage that weigh down books of this sort. Hawn uses scientific principles to help parents and children develop mindful awareness and live in the present moment. While she writes from experience and from the heart, Hawn spends too much time justifying the approach and lingering on personal experiences. Her advice is still worthwhile as she helps parents model kindness and express authentic sadness, empathy, and optimism. Adults and children will be well served by both of these titles. [10 Mindful Minutes, see Prepub Alert, 4/11/11.] (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
