ABSTRACT
Chapter 14 considers how in many ways we teach what we are. Vulnerable children can frequently push our buttons, so putting a little effort into developing our own self-awareness and self-acceptance will make a difference to how we cope with, respond to and work with these experiences. The chapter includes a self-assessment questionnaire and a link to a drivers questionnaire as tools to better understand ourselves. The chapter also considers the value of mindfulness practices for both adults and children (including practical examples) as important ways of looking after ourselves, ways to enhance our capacity to ‘stay in the moment’ and stop and think before reacting and to help us become aware of our own possible triggers.
The chapter includes both discussion of the benefits of these practices and practical notes on introductory courses I have done with school staff to enable them to try (or train) to take relaxation practices for children into the classroom or small group. A detailed case study of an ongoing and inspirational daily ‘creative relaxation class’ in a primary school is also included.
