Sitting Still Like a Frog
Author: Eline Snel
Publisher: Shambhala Publications

Sitting Still Like a Frog offers an approachable resource for introducing children and their parents to mindfulness meditation. The book and accompanying CD, published in 2013, includes a number of helpful practices for children to work with their emotions, fall asleep more easily, and cultivate patience and awareness. It is based on what author Eline Snel calls the “frog method,” which, according to her website, was developed based on scientific research and which has been found by several pilot studies to have positive influence on well-being. The method has been used in several primary schools in the Netherlands.

Here’s what Kelly Peck, a teacher at the Middle Way School, has to say about Sitting Still Like a Frog:

“As a teacher at a Buddhist School, I found Sitting Still to be an accessible resource. I was able to incorporate its ideas into the classroom right away, such as the concept of your personal weather report. I would ask the children, “what’s the weather like inside of you?” They then responded “good like a sunny day” or “tired like a rainy day.” In the classroom, we often talk about the weather outside, so this exercise presents a tangible way to talk about feelings. Feelings are like the weather, they change and it is important to remember that nothing ever stays the same. With that being said, there is always a blue sky above the clouds and within you.  

This book also touches upon subjects such as self-esteem, the psychology of being trapped in behavioral patterns that don’t serve you and how long breaths can help with the fight-or-flight response. 

I would highly recommend that teachers and parents have this book on their shelf.”

Sitting Still was followed by a sequel for the parents of teens, Breathe Through This, and most recently by the Sitting Still Like a Frog Activity Book (published by Bala Kids), which includes 75 mindfulness games that cover such topics as mindful movement, engaging the five senses, and cultivating kindness. The book also contains stickers, craft exercises, and more. You can access guided audio practices, recorded by Myla Kabat-Zinn, here.

Eline Snel is a therapist, a certified MBSR trainer, and founder and director of the International Academy for Mindful Teaching in the Netherlands. In addition to her books, Snel has developed training programs for teaching mindfulness to children, adolescents, and adults. The International Academy for Mindful Teaching offers training programs around the world.

BONUS Resource: In addition, you may download five free, interactive, and fun activities from the Sitting Still Like a Frog Activity Book to introduce mindfulness to the kids in your life! Building on the mindfulness meditation practices introduced in Sitting Still Like a Frog, these activities will provide a hands-on way for kids to become more relaxed and attentive, more aware of their bodies and emotions, and more open toward others. This download includes five mindfulness activities focused on building muscle memory, relaxing with yoga, healthy eating, writing, and drawing.

To access these activities, you will need to enter your email address on the website of Shambhala Publications, but you are free to unsubscribe from their list.  Access the free download here.