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Executive functioning (EF) encompasses crucial cognitive abilities that guide goal-oriented behavior and adaptation. For children aged 4 to 12, the cultivation of these skills, such as planning, working memory, and inhibitory control, is particularly important. The development of EF significantly impacts academic achievement, social skills, and overall well-being by enabling children to manage tasks, focus attention, and regulate emotions. Activities and games can effectively support the growth of these fundamental cognitive capacities during this critical developmental period. Strong EF skills ultimately contribute to greater independence and resilience in children.

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In this podcast I and my friend Josh discuss ADHD apps designed for children, particularly elementary schoolers, and their role in supporting executive function skills. It highlights how these digital tools aim to improve areas such as focus, emotional regulation, and task management, often through gamified learning and interactive features. The text specifically emphasizes ChomChom, an app tailored for children aged 5-11 with ADHD and related challenges, detailing its unique features like mindfulness exercises and a parent dashboard. By comparing ChomChom with other available apps, the source offers guidance on selecting the most suitable digital support for a child's individual needs and discusses the future potential of technology in ADHD management.

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Our story today highlights the concept of reward charts and how two siblings with different personalities navigate their morning routines. It emphasizes self-awareness, self-regulation, and responsible decision-making, especially for young Cherry as she learns to manage her time and impulses. For everyone thinking what a reward chart is ? A reward chart is a visual tool used to encourage positive behaviors. It involves tracking progress with stickers or stars, and earning a special privilege or treat after achieving a set goal. In the story, Cherry uses a reward chart to motivate herself to wake up on time.

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Hey there, Everyone! It's your host Pubali Sen here, and I'm so excited to welcome you to "Mindfulness For Kids"! Get ready for amazing stories that will help you chill out and feel super good. And guess what? Parents, we've got some cool tricks for you too, so you can help your kids feel their best.

Come on, let's zoom into the incredible world of Chomchomville! This place is bursting with colors and awesome characters. You'll meet Chomchom, the coolest beagle ever, and his amazing family: Cherry, a super playful 6-year-old, and her big bro Lee, who's 10 and always up for fun. And don't forget their awesome parents, Mr. Jerry and Mom Zee! Oh, and there's more! You'll meet their awesome cousin Lilly, the super sporty Mr. Sunny from their school, and even their grumpy neighbor, Miss Liza!

Buckle up, little adventurers, because today Chomchom is taking us on a brand-new adventure as we explore the topic of ‘Learning to be a good sport, win or lose, and congratulating others on their success’.

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This heartwarming tale follows Cherry, a six-year-old girl, and her brother Lee, who are embroiled in a heated argument over a birthday gift – a fluffy pink unicorn. Their sibling rivalry threatens to overshadow Cherry's special day. In this tale wise Chomchom, Their pet Beagle help them understand each other.
The air in the living room hung thick with tension. Cherry, her face crumpled in a pout, clutched the fluffy pink unicorn tightly to her chest. Lee, his brow furrowed, hovered nearby, his eyes fixed on the coveted toy.

"It's mine!" Cherry declared, her voice trembling with frustration. "It's my birthday present!"

"But I want to play with it too," Lee whined, reaching for the unicorn.

"No!" Cherry shrieked, pulling the unicorn away. "It's not fair! You never share your things with me!"

Their parents exchanged weary glances. This sibling squabble had been escalating all day. The once joyful atmosphere of Cherry's birthday had been replaced by a tense standoff.

Suddenly, Chomchom, their beloved beagle, padded into the room, his tail wagging tentatively. He sat down between Cherry and Lee, his big brown eyes filled with concern. He whined softly, nudging Cherry's hand with his wet nose.

Chomchom whined again, then trotted over to Lee, gently nudging his hand with his nose. He then ran back to Cherry, nudged her hand again, and then ran back to Lee. He repeated this a few times, seemingly trying to mediate between them.

Lee, watching Chomchom's antics, couldn't help but chuckle. "He wants us to play together," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Cherry, still holding the unicorn tightly, looked at Lee. "But he doesn't understand," she said. "This is my special toy."

Lee, remembering how much he cherished his prized Lego castle, understood. "I know," he said. "It's okay. You don't have to share it if you don't want to."

Cherry looked surprised. "Really?"

Lee nodded. "It's your birthday present. You should be able to enjoy it without having to share it if you don't want to."

Cherry smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Thanks, Lee."

Lee smiled back, feeling a sense of pride in himself for understanding Cherry's feelings.

Chomchom, sensing the easing of tension, wagged his tail excitedly and licked both Cherry and Lee's hands.

Cherry, feeling a surge of affection for her brother, decided to make a compromise. "Okay," she said, "you can play with it for five minutes after dinner."

Lee, surprised by her generosity, beamed. "Really?"

Cherry nodded. "But only for five minutes."

Lee agreed, and the tension in the room finally dissipated. They spent the rest of the afternoon playing with other toys, laughing and enjoying each other's company.

Later that evening, as Cherry and Lee were playing with the unicorn, Lee turned to his sister. "Thank you for letting me play with it," he said sincerely.

Cherry smiled. "You're welcome. But remember," she said, "you don't have to share your things if you don't want to. Everyone has the right to decide what they want to share and with whom."

Lee nodded, understanding. He realized that while sharing was important, respecting other people's boundaries was equally important.

Chomchom, curled up at their feet, watched them with sleepy eyes. He had successfully mediated the sibling squabble, teaching them a valuable lesson about sharing, respect, and the importance of understanding each other's feelings.

From that day on, Cherry and Lee learned to communicate better and respect each other's boundaries. They learned that sharing was a gift, but it was also important to respect each other's belongings and feelings. And they learned that sometimes, all it takes

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Chomchom was a little beagle boy with floppy ears, a waggly tail, and a nose for adventure! He loved exploring every nook and cranny of his home, from the sunny spots on the rug to the mysterious corners under the sofa. Sometimes, though, his adventures got him into a bit of trouble.

"Chomchom! No chewing on the table leg!" his mom would say, gently scooping him up. "Time out for you, little one."

Chomchom knew the drill. Time out meant sitting quietly on the special rug in the hallway for a few minutes. He didn't like it much. It was boring! He'd much rather be sniffing out treats or chasing his tail.

One day, Chomchom's Aunt Zee came to visit. Aunt Zee was a kid play specialist, which sounded very important and exciting. She had a bright smile and a bag full of colorful toys. Chomchom wagged his tail so hard his whole body wiggled!

Aunt Zee played hide-and-seek with Chomchom, built a magnificent pillow fort, and even taught him how to do a "paw-five." Chomchom had the best day ever!

But then, disaster struck! Chomchom, in his excitement, accidentally knocked over a vase of flowers. Water splashed everywhere, and the beautiful vase shattered into pieces. Uh oh.

Chomchom's mom sighed. "Chomchom, time out," she said, pointing to the rug in the hallway.

Chomchom hung his head and trudged towards his time-out spot. But before he could reach it, Aunt Zee gently stopped him.

"Wait!" she said with a twinkle in her eye. "Instead of time out, how about we try a time-in?"

Chomchom tilted his head, his ears flopping with curiosity. "Time-in?" he woofed.

"That's right!" Aunt Zee said, leading him to a cozy corner of the living room. "A time-in is a special time to calm down and feel better."

She pulled out a soft blanket and a basket of interesting toys. There was a squishy ball, a crinkly toy, and even a puzzle with colorful shapes!

"When you feel overwhelmed or upset," Aunt Zee explained, "you can come to your time-in space and relax. You can play with these toys, take deep breaths, or just cuddle up in the blanket."

Chomchom was intrigued. This sounded much better than sitting alone on the rug! He snuggled into the blanket and started playing with the crinkly toy. The crinkling sound was so soothing, and the toy was so much fun to chew on!

Aunt Zee sat beside him, gently stroking his fur. "It's okay to make mistakes, Chomchom," she said softly. "We all do. But it's important to learn how to calm down and make things right."

Chomchom looked up at Aunt Zee with his big, brown eyes. He felt safe and loved.

Later, Aunt Zee talked to Chomchom's mom about time-ins. "Time-outs can sometimes make children feel isolated and ashamed," she explained. "Time-ins, on the other hand, provide a safe and comforting space for them to regulate their emotions."

Chomchom's mom listened thoughtfully. "That makes a lot of sense," she said. "I want Chomchom to learn from his mistakes, but I also want him to feel loved and supported."

From that day on, Chomchom's home had a special time-in corner. Whenever Chomchom felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or sad, he knew he could go to his time-in space to calm down and feel better. He loved his time-in corner! It was his own little haven of peace and comfort.

And you know what? Chomchom started making fewer mistakes. He learned to control his impulses and think before he acted. He was still a playful and curious little beagle, but now he had a new tool to help him navigate his adventures with more care and confidence.

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Host 1: Okay, so let's dive right into this parenting dilemma that's been around forever. You know that moment when your kids are just in full meltdown mode?

Host 2: Yeah.

Host 1: And you're just like, "What do I even do?" Timeout always seems like the go-to. But are we maybe doing more harm than good?

Host 2: Right.

Host 1: So today, we're going to be looking at this question, and we're going to be using an article from the Child Mind Institute called, "Are Timeouts Harmful to Children?"1

Host 2: Interesting.

Host 1: So, this one's for all you parents out there. You know, when you really think about it, sending a kid to their room to think about what they've done is kind of a new thing when you think about it. I always just assumed that timeouts were like a universal…

Host 2: Oh yeah, for sure, they're everywhere now.

Host 1: But it's actually a pretty recent thing. The article says that they kind of became popular in the 1950s2 as a more humane way to discipline kids than what they were doing before.

Host 2: So, what were they doing before?

Host 1: A lot of corporal punishment3.

Host 2: Oh, so like spankings and stuff.

Host 1: Yeah, exactly.

Host 2: Wow, okay. So it was seen as a gentler alternative.

Host 1: Much gentler.

Host 2: But what made everyone change their minds about this? Like was it society changing?

Host 1: I think it was a few things. You know, after World War II, there was just tons more research about psychology, including stuff about child development and like how parents affect their kids3. So, I think that research probably helped people realize that hitting your kids is probably not a good idea4. So, we moved away from all that, and then timeout became the new thing, right?

Host 2: But then how did it become so popular?

Host 1: Well, behaviorism was also getting really big then, and that's all about, you know, rewarding good behavior and ignoring bad behavior4. Like if a kid throws a tantrum, you just ignore them. Eventually, they'll learn that it doesn't get them what they want45.

Host 2: So, it's like they're saying, "Okay, this isn't working. I need to try something else."

Host 1: Exactly.

Host 2: Okay, I get it. But like anything popular, people started criticizing timeouts too. Didn't that Time magazine article cause a whole big…

Host 1: Oh, yeah, in 20145. That was the one that said it was like solitary confinement5.

Host 2: Exactly. I remember reading that and feeling kind of bad about what I was doing. I think a lot of parents felt that way.

Host 1: Yeah, but I think they came back later and clarified what they meant6. They said they weren't against all timeouts, just the ones that are used as a really harsh punishment6.

Host 2: So, it's not really about the timeout itself, it's about how you use it.

Host 1: It's all about how you use it. I think this whole debate shows that we really need to think more carefully about when to use timeouts6. And the Child Mind Institute article really helps with that. They make a really important point about the difference between ignoring the behavior and ignoring the child7.

Host 2: You're saying it's about setting boundaries but not making the child feel rejected?

Host 1: Exactly. You don't want them to feel like you don't care7.

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Welcome to our deep dive into mindfulness for kids and teens. We've got a really interesting mix of sources for this one: articles with activities, a popular app, and even a look at how physical activity can help with anxiety. By the end, you'll have a ton of strategies to help the kids in your life deal with, well, everything.

So, one of our articles starts with a quote from Eckhart Tolle. He says, "In today's rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being.” What do you think that means for kids, especially with how connected they are all the time these days?

That's a great question. Yeah, it's easy to see how all the stimulation makes it tough to just be. For them, the joy of just being might be those times when they're like completely absorbed in building with Legos or just lost in their own little world or even just like feeling the sun on their skin. It's about those times when their minds quiet down and they're just present.

It's like they're mindful without even knowing it.

Exactly. And the research shows that encouraging that natural mindfulness can have some amazing benefits for kids. Studies have linked mindfulness practices to better focus, better emotional regulation, and even better social skills. It's not just about being calm. It's about giving them the tools to handle stress, deal with challenges, and build good relationships.

I find that fascinating. That just paying attention can have such a big impact on how they develop. Makes you wonder, how early can you start introducing mindfulness?

Well, you can actually start really young. Obviously, you wouldn't expect a toddler to sit still and meditate for half an hour. But, there are age appropriate activities that can introduce the idea of being in the moment. Like think about blowing bubbles. Encourage them to really notice the colors, the shapes, how they move. Or go for a nature walk and help them use their senses to explore what's around them. It's about making it playful and fun, fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder.

I love those ideas. It's about making mindfulness part of everyday life and not making it a separate thing.

Precisely. And one of the things we're looking at today, the Calm Cham app, really takes that concept and runs with it. It's designed to make mindfulness fun for kids. It uses games, interactive stories, and even personalized challenges.

Okay, I'm definitely curious about Calm Cham. But before we jump into the app itself, let's look at some of those more traditional mindfulness activities. The article, "25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens," is full of ideas.

Oh yeah. That article is a gold mine. And I really appreciate how it stresses tailoring the activities to the child's age and interests. A five-year-old is obviously going to respond to different things than a teenager.

Right. How about we start with something simple and active? The article mentions mindful posing. Basically, kids try poses like Superman or Wonder Woman and notice how it makes them feel. I have to admit, I chuckled when I read that one. It seems so playful, but I can see how it could be powerful too.

It might seem silly at first, but there's a lot of wisdom in that. Having kids strike a power pose and focus on how their bodies feel can help them connect with feelings strong and confident. It's like a physical way to have a positive mindset. And at a deeper level, it introduces the idea that how we feel physically can affect how we feel emotionally.

Almost like tricking their brains into feeling more empowered.

Exactly. And you can make it even more playful for younger kids by doing animal poses. Imagine a room full of kids roaring like lions or flapping their wings like birds. They're not just movi

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Helloooo, and welcome back! I'm your host, Pubali Sen, mama bear to two little cubs – five-year-old Ihaan, my resident volcano of emotions, and two-year-old Elena, the queen of dramatic sighs. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the wild jungle of toddler emotions, you've come to the right place. Today, we're diving deep into the magical world of emotional regulation, and how something as simple as talking about feelings can transform your tiny humans into zen masters… Okay, maybe not zen masters, but definitely calmer, happier kiddos.
Sounds familiar, right? That's the symphony of my everyday life. But here's the thing I've learned: those meltdowns, those tantrums, those ear-piercing shrieks – they're not just your child trying to push your buttons. They're a cry for help, a desperate attempt to communicate something they don't yet have the words for.

And that's where the magic of talking about emotions comes in.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. "Pubali, are you serious? My three-year-old can barely string a sentence together, let alone articulate the complex nuances of their emotional state!"

Trust me, I get it. But here's the secret: it's not about expecting them to deliver a Shakespearean monologue on their inner turmoil. It's about introducing them to the vocabulary of feelings, giving them the tools to label those swirling storms inside them.

The other day, Ihaan was building a magnificent cookie tower. It was a masterpiece of engineering, at least in his five-year-old eyes. Then, disaster struck. Elena, in her wobbly toddler glory, bumped into the table, sending the cookie tower crashing down. Cue the waterworks.

Now, my old self would have probably jumped into "fix-it" mode. "Oh, it's okay, Ihaan! We'll build another one. Here, have another cookie." But this time, I remembered the power of emotional vocabulary.

I knelt beside him, and instead of dismissing his feelings, I acknowledged them. "Ihaan, I see your cookie tower fell down, and you look really sad."

He sniffled, "Yeah, I'm sad. And mad!"

Bingo! We had a breakthrough. He was able to label his emotions, and that in itself was calming him down. We talked about how it's okay to feel sad and mad when something we worked hard on breaks. We even came up with a plan to build an even bigger, better tower together.

The meltdown subsided, replaced by a collaborative spirit and a renewed sense of hope. All thanks to a few simple words.

Now, I'm not saying that every emotional outburst will magically dissolve into rainbows and sunshine with a few magic words. But by consistently labeling emotions, you're giving your child an invaluable gift: the gift of self-awareness.

Imagine a world where, instead of a screaming, flailing child, you have a child who can say, "Mommy, I'm feeling frustrated because I can't put my shoes on." It's a game-changer, my friends.


Elena, my little drama queen, is all about those big, dramatic emotions. At the playground the other day, another child snatched her favorite bucket. Cue the tears, the stomping, the full-body meltdown.

Instead of scolding her for "overreacting," I scooped her up and said, "Elena, you seem really angry that your bucket was taken."

She buried her face in my shoulder and mumbled, "Angry! Bucket gone!"

And there it was again – that powerful connection between feeling and expression. We talked about how it's okay to feel angry, but it's not okay to hit or grab. We brainstormed other ways she could express her anger, like using her words or asking an adult for help.

The result? A calmer Elena, who, while still upset, was able to articulate her feelings and even attempt a solution. It was a small victory, but a victory nonetheless.
So, how can y

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Podcast Description:

Feeling overwhelmed by juggling school, extracurricular activities, and personal time? In this episode, Miss Lily shares her top tips for mastering time management. Learn practical strategies for tracking your time, setting priorities, creating a flexible schedule, and minimizing distractions so you can stay on top of everything without the stress. Discover how to find the perfect balance between work and play to make the most of your day.

Podcast Transcription:

Hello, everyone! It's Miss Lily, and today we're diving into a really important skill—time management! With good time management, you can stay on top of everything without feeling stressed. Let's get started!

As you get older, you have more responsibilities: school work, extracurricular activities, spending time with friends and family, and balancing it all can feel overwhelming. But don't worry! With good time management skills, you can stay on top of everything without feeling stressed out. Let's get started!

The first step in time management is understanding how you spend your time. Before you can organize your schedule, it's important to know where your time goes. Start by keeping track of your day for a few days. Write down everything you do: school, sports practice, homework, free time, even scrolling through your phone. This will help you see where your time is going and where you might be able to make better use of it.

Now that you have an idea of how your time is spent, it's time to set priorities. Not everything you do in a day has the same level of importance. For example, homework and studying are high-priority tasks because they help you succeed in school, while watching TV or playing video games might be fun, but they're not as important. To manage your time well, always focus on the most important tasks first. This way, you get the essential things done before moving on to less urgent activities.

Next, create a schedule. Use a planner or calendar to organize your day. Block out time for school, homework, and fun activities, while remembering to include breaks. Start by writing down all your fixed activities, like school, practice, or lessons. Then, block out time for homework, studying, and any personal activities you enjoy, like hanging out with friends or playing sports.

Another key part of time management is learning how to avoid distractions. It's easy to get sidetracked when you're supposed to be working on homework or studying; maybe you get a text from a friend, or you feel like watching a quick video. But small distractions can take up a lot of time if you're not careful. To stay focused, try setting your phone on "Do Not Disturb" mode during study time, or keep it in another room so you're not tempted to check it. You can always catch up with friends later when your work is done.

It's important to be flexible. Sometimes, unexpected things come up—maybe you get extra homework, or there's a last-minute event you want to attend. It's okay to adjust your schedule when needed. The key is to make sure you still find time for your most important tasks. If something takes longer than expected, or if plans change, just shift things around and keep moving forward.

Finally, don't forget to find balance—time management is about work and play. Make sure your schedule includes time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones. When you create a schedule that includes both work and play, you'll feel more balanced and less stressed. Remember, having fun is just as important as getting things done.

Let's review the steps to mastering time management:

1. Track your time. Keep a log of how you spend your day.
2. Set priorities. Focus on the most important tasks first.
3. Create a schedule. Use a planner or calendar to organize you