The Self-Compassion for Kids Mini-Lessons contain an engaging blend of metaphors and content from the Path to Resilience as well adapted content from the adult Mindful Self-Compassion training. Your training in Mindful Self-Compassion (a prerequisite for this training) has provided you with a foundation in self-compassion. Self-Compassion in the Classroom includes a 14-week training in the Path to Resilience, which will further enable you to effectively understand and share the Self-Compassion for Kids Mini-Lessons.  

The Self-Compassion for Kids mini-lessons are designed to help children to become aware of their emotions and respond with mindfulness and self-compassion when they are struggling. The mini-lessons were created by Jamie Lynn Tatera – a certified Mindful Self-Compassion instructor as well as the developer of the Self-Compassion for Children and Caregivers (SCCC) program. These mini-lessons contain a number of the foundational concepts from the SCCC program (not the whole program). The thirty plus mini-lessons each last between 5-15 minutes depending upon the individual lesson and how much time teachers allocate for group sharing.

The overarching goal of these lessons is to help children to:

1. Identify when they are struggling
2. Know that they are not alone in their struggles
3. Cultivate self-acceptance
4. Relate skillfully to challenging emotions (self-soothing)
5. Cultivate curiosity and mindfulness
6. Be kind to themselves when they are having a difficult time
7. Be able to choose a helpful response when they are struggling
8. Identify and soak in positive experiences

Self-Compassion for Kids Mini-lessons include the following components: informal mindfulness practice, relevant brain science, engaging stories/examples, practices and/or exercises, and group sharing.

Who is the target audience for this training?

This training is designed for classroom educators who would like to receive training that will enable them to teach foundational self-compassion for kids mini-lessons to their students.  Individuals who teach children in a non-classroom setting, such as clinicians, yoga teachers or social workers are welcome to take this course, but may want to consider the full Self-Compassion for Children and Caregivers Teacher Training.

Are there any prerequisites for this training?

Yes. This training is designed for individuals who have previously taken Mindful Self-Compassion training.   

I can’t attend the live-online Q&A sessions.  Can I still take this training?

Yes, this training is offered asynchronously with live-online Q&A sessions. The live-online Q&A sessions are enjoyable and beneficial, but they are not a required component of the training.

Can I take this class for graduate-level continuing education credits?

Educators can take this course for graduate-level continuing education credits for an additional fee. Email [email protected] for details.

I teach preschool-aged children. Are these lessons applicable?

These lessons are designed to be taught to children aged 7-10, but they can be adapted for slightly older or younger children.  Preschool aged children would require the instructor to be adept at adapting lessons for a younger age group.  

I am a parent who would like my children to learn self-compassion.  Should I take this training?

This training is designed for educators aspiring to teach Self-Compassion for Kids Mini-Lessons to children. If you are a parent who would like to help your child grow self-compassion, Compassionate Parenting or a Parent-Child Self-Compassion class might be a better fit.