The Silly Walk: A Mindfulness Practice for Youth and Teens
Today’s fast-paced, connected, and highly charged world is placing unprecedented stress and pressure on kids and teens.
Kids don't have an on/off switch... especially those with executive function difficulties, who struggle to regulate their attention, emotions and behaviors.
We need to equip youth with skills to cope with the increasingly demanding lifestyle, combat the symptoms, and establish mindful and compassionate living – to last a lifetime.
We can do this by allowing some silliness into their lives while exploring the elements of mindfulness.
Watch me demonstrates a fun mindfulness practice that will help kids identify and activate their different zones of regulation.
Want more mindfulness interventions for your young clients?
Join Dr. Christopher Willard for a new certificate course on Mindfulness-based interventions for children and teens.
This online course will add depth to your mindfulness practice and empower you with the tools to share and adapt mindfulness for youth in practical yet engaging ways.
Christopher Willard, Psy.D., is a psychologist and educational consultant in the Boston area specializing in mindfulness-based work with adolescents and young adults. He holds an appointment at Cambridge Hospital, a Harvard Medical School teaching site, and leads workshops nationally and internationally. Dr. Willard has been practicing meditation for over 15 years. His thoughts on mental health have been featured in The New York Times, cnn.com, and elsewhere. He is the author of Child’s Mind (2010), The Mindfulness For Teen Anxiety Workbook (2014), and Co-Editor of Mindfulness with Youth, From the Classroom to the Clinic (2015).
Christopher Willard, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist, author and consultant based in Massachusetts. He has spoken in over 31 countries and has presented at two TEDx events. He is the author of 20 books, including Alphabreaths (2019), Growing Up Mindful (2016). and Feelings are Like Farts (2024). His thoughts on mental health have been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, mindful.org, cnn.com, and elsewhere. He teaches at Harvard Medical School.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Christopher Willard receives compensation as a consultant and has employment relationships with Harvard Medical School, Cambridge Health Alliance, and the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy. He receives royalties as a published author. Dr. Willard receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from Psychotherapy Networker and PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Christopher Willard is the president and board member of the Mindfulness In Education Network. He is on the advisory boards of Mindfulness First and Peace in Schools. Dr. Willard is a member of Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy.
