
You Won't Believe How a Tiny Mantis is Transforming Kids' Lives!
About this episode
Dive into this inspiring episode featuring Mariana Gordon and Sondra Bakinde, the dynamic duo behind The Meditating Mantis—a captivating new children's book series designed to teach mindfulness, breathing, and emotional resilience to kids and their families. With backgrounds in school psychology (Mariana) and art and storytelling (Sondra), these mindful moms created the character Mio the mantis to help children explore emotions, master calming techniques, and embrace the true power of stillness. Their mission? To make mindfulness magical, accessible, and fun for both children and adults, and to bridge generational gaps with creative, non-clinical tools. They talk candidly about using their personal parenting experiences to shape the Mindful Mantis method, and how their curriculum—now adopted by eager schools—blends breathwork, movement, journaling, and affirmations so that every child can thrive, even in today's fast-paced, high-stress world.
Later in the episode, we're joined by Brittany Win Lee, author of Good Night Body: Finding Calm from Head to Toe. Brittany shares how her book gently introduces body scan meditation and relaxation to children at bedtime, drawing from her own journey as a parent and pastor.
If you're a parent, teacher, or anyone interested in empowering children with meditation, mindfulness, and emotional intelligence, this episode is packed with practical takeaways, heartfelt stories, and resources to support calm and connection in your family or classroom!
Get every episode summarized
Each time Reading With Your Kids Podcast publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Magic, Mystery & The Incredible Phyllis Wong
Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Catitude At The Pool
Reading With Your Kids Podcast

Raffi Riffs On Love, Chores & Children's Music
Reading With Your Kids Podcast

This Episode Is For The Birds! Celebrating America's State Birds & Curious Kids
Reading With Your Kids Podcast