Ann Friedman, Mindfulness for Parents and Children
August 2, 2017
"We are told in school to pay attention! Yet, nobody ever teaches us how to do this. Like the adults around them, children's minds wander. Their thoughts often create anxiety: What if I fail the test? What if mom is late to pick me up? Why are mom and dad arguing? Nobody likes me."
Mindfulness is a training to let go of these unhelpful thoughts and to pay attention to the present moment with kindness and curiosity. This meditation led by Ann Friedman, Ph.D., included experiential exercises that children can do with their parents at home to focus on the present moment. Learning mindfulness has been shown to help children focus their attention. It can decrease stress, anxiety and depression in both children and adults and create a sense of well-being.
About the presenter:
Ann Friedman, Ph.D., is a Licensed Psychologist who served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Counseling Psychology Graduate Program for over ten years. Ann holds both a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. She completed her Residency in Clinical Psychology at U.T. Medical School and her Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Clinical Neuropsychology at Baylor College of Medicine.
Since 2007, Ann has studied mindfulness intensively with various national teachers. Over this time, she has attended annual 7-to-10 day silent retreats and worked with national teachers on a monthly basis. In 2015, she received a Certification in Mindfulness Facilitation from the Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) of the Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine at UCLA. She is now in a program to become an affiliate teacher with UCLA. Ann has also completed courses on teaching children and teens, including Sitting Like a Frog with Eline Snell and The Still Quiet Place by Dr. Amy Saltzman.
Ann currently teaches mindfulness classes for adults, teens, and for caregivers and their children through her company, Mindful Being, P.C. at The John McGovern Houston Health and Medical Science Museum and Rothko Chapel, as well as in her private office. Ann is available to teach mindfulness to social and civic groups, schools, businesses, and healthcare organizations. She can be reached at ann@mindfulbeinghouston.com or by calling (713) 443-6273. For further information, please see her website at mindfulbeinghouston.com.
Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, and more.
