Abstract
Throughout development, school-aged children often face everyday challenges that require confidence and increased independence. However, when students dwell on their emotions and become reactive, it can be difficult to self-regulate and may further result in maladaptive coping strategies. Practicing mindfulness can help children learn to focus, manage stress, develop appropriate skills for healthy coping as well as build better relationships with others. The purpose of this project is to provide educators, parents, and students with current research and resources useful in empowering parents to facilitate self-regulation skills amongst themselves and their children. This project will also assist the parent-child relationship as students will feel connected to adults (e.g., parents) outside of school by helping them identify and establish healthy social, emotional, coping, and communication skills. The Mindfulness Applications for Parents and Students (MAPS) curriculum is differentiated into two developmental levels: TK-2nd grade and 3rd-5th grade. The first section consists of 8 activities aimed for TK-2nd grade and the second section consists of 8 activities aimed for 3rd-5th grade. This project contains a literature review on the research supporting the importance and benefits of mindfulness applications for parents and their children. The literature reviewed was used to develop the MAPS curriculum, a research-informed tool designed to foster self-regulation skills, emotional readiness, and overall well-being for parents and students. This project serves as an additional resource for parents and teachers to promote prosocial coping strategies as well as influence positive parent-child relationships in the home setting.