Table 1 Topics covered during each M3 session

1

Topic: An introduction to the brain, breathing, and mindfulness

Description: The focus of session one is building a comfortable environment and introducing main concepts such as how the brain and our thoughts and feelings work together, mindful awareness, and deep breathing. Parents also learn about neuroplasticity and the STOP model of mindful parenting.

2

Topic: How our brains work under stress

Description: Session two teaches how the brain works under stress. Children and parents learn to further identify which part of their brain is busy when they feel big emotions and how mindfulness and a brain break can calm their amygdala, so they can choose to respond, rather than react to stressful situations.

3

Topic: Mindful awareness and mindful breathing

Description: The concept of mindfulness is further explored in session 3, with children learning what is mindful or unmindful thinking and practicing how to be in the present moment. Parents learn about the effects of breathing on the brain and body and learn mindful techniques to use with their child.

4

Topic: Mindful sensing

Description: Further practice at being in the moment, through mindful sensing, is the focus of session 4. Both parents and children participate in a variety of activities using the five senses mindfully.

5

Topic: Mindful movement

Description: Mindful movement is the topic of session 5. Parents learn about the brain-body connection, and mindful awareness of their body and their children’s body during parent-child interactions. Child also learns mindful awareness of their body including how good posture relates to good thinking.

6

Topic: Perspective taking

Description: Both parents and children learn how perspective taking is a skill they can practice and strengthen through mindful awareness. Parents explore their child’s perspective through imagining their child is video recording all interactions and using that to understand how they should act in similar situations. Children learn perspective taking through games, books, and video.

7

Topic: Choosing optimism and appreciating happy experiences

Description: Choosing optimism and appreciating happy experiences are the focal points of session seven, with parents discovering that optimism can be learned and three techniques to be a more optimistic parent. Children learn about positive and negative thinking, how it affects how we feel and mindful ways to think more positive and have a growth mindset.

8

Topic: Expressing gratitude and acts of kindness

Description: Using mindful awareness to practice gratitude and kindness are explored, with children participating in activities that encourage being thankful, and doing acts of kindness for those around them. Parents similarly learn how gratitude and kindness are linked to better mental health and stronger family relationships and that kindness starts with being kind to ourselves.