Being a kid isn’t always easy.
As we get older, we look back on our own childhood or at the children in our lives. We think about carefree summers, late-night sleepovers, school, and recess.
But sometimes we forget that being a kid can be tough, too.
Children have big emotions, just like adults. And just like adults, kids today are trying to understand why they feel the way they do—and learn how to cope.
Parents, teachers, and caretakers in the Phoenix area have been searching for a better way to meet children where they’re at and give them the tools they need to build and sustain emotional intelligence.
But self-expression and mindfulness can help.
By exploring both mindfulness and self-expression, we nurture children’s mental and emotional well-being and give parents and teachers the tools they need to be supportive. Using evidence-based and age-appropriate teaching techniques, children foster mind-body connection, develop compassionate communication, and engage in joyful exploration. Children who learn how to express themselves emotionally can go on to thrive in academics and in other parts of their lives.
And when we remove the stigma of mental illness, we start to build a world of acceptance, inclusion, and celebration of the gifts each of us has to offer.
It starts small. It starts simple -
It starts with PLAY!
At PLAY, we believe in the importance of teaching children how to identify, manage, and cope with their feelings so they can grow into healthy adults. We’re a team of educators, counselors, artists, and yogis dedicated to making mindfulness practice simple and accessible to diverse populations throughout the Phoenix area.
Our community programs are specifically designed based on age group, occupation, and/or professional support:
Children (grouped by age)
Family classes (ages 0-6)
Parent classes
Teacher, counselor, and district-level training
Employees at corporate businesses
We work with underserved communities and Title 1 schools to encourage self-expression and healthy emotional processing. We’re committed to the work we do day in and day out. Why? Because every child deserves to PLAY.
Bringing Mindfulness Curriculum to the Greater Phoenix Area:
185
Title I School Classrooms
53
Local Families
3
Healthcare Providers
What’s a mindfulness kit?
PLAY kits are portable, long-lasting, and adaptable for all ages and learning environments. Kits feature our innovative teaching tools, curriculum, and instructions on how to integrate mindfulness into everyday life.
To date, we’ve delivered more than 350 mindfulness kits for kids and counting.
Check out our mindfulness kit items here!
Interested in ordering a kit? Supporters who donate $110 or more can opt to receive their own mindfulness kit.
We’ve received awards & recognition.
PLAY is proud to be the winner of Lululemon’s Here to Be award for the second year in a row!
The Lululemon Centre for Social Impact is setting out to break the barriers that prevent access to well-being. The company leverages expertise and resources to invest in and advocate for the well-being of those most impacted by systemic inequity around the world. By 2025, they hope to positively impact 10 million people.
Together, we’re paving the way for a new generation of emotionally intelligent, compassionate, and successful young adults.
Want to see the latest from PLAY? Follow us on Instagram!
Mindfulness and Self-Expression for Every Child in Every Community
