Goldie Hawn Wants To Make Your Kids Happy

By drodriguez Sep 28, 2011

Goldie Hawn’s friendly bright smile is arguably one of her most notable features, so it comes as no surprise that the actress thinks of herself as a “happiness expert.” In her latest book, 10 Mindful Minutes, Hawn suggests that parents and teachers need to give kids a break…a “brain break” that is.

The actress and mother of four recently sat down with ABC News to discuss her new book and how she believes it can do wonders for children and adults alike. The book outlines steps teachers and parents can take, like incorporating daily meditation into the classroom, that she feels will allow students to handle stress and in turn succeed in life with a more positive outlook.

Hawn’s latest book was not some flash-in-the-pan idea but rather a culmination of the work she has done over the last 10 years, part of which was creating the Hawn Foundation dedicated to helping “children find happiness and success in life.”. Through her foundation Hawn, along with a team of neurologists and psychologists, have developed the MindUp Program which is used in classrooms to aid teachers in providing the proper tools to teach kids how to manage emotions and behaviors in a healthy way.

Hawn admits that the 9/11 terror attacks were part of the reason why she has become so interested in the science of happy kids. Hawn says, “I really thought that at that point the world would never be the same again, that our children were going to be inheriting a lot of issues, a lot of problems. I thought 'what can I do? What can one person do to change the way things are?’”

She encourages parents to reduce stress levels and find their happy place by taking “10 Mindful Minutes” for themselves every day as well. Hawn explains why she believes this is so important, “Children mirror who you are. If you're happy, if you show them smiles, if you show them good attitude, if you show them kindness, understanding, fun. … They just replicate it.”

Do you think Hawn’s idea of meditation in the classroom can help kids focus and have a more positive outlook?

Tell us what you and your kids do every day to de-stress!

Make a Comment

Comments

by richlady | Hendersonville, NC

Oct 09, 2011

I saw this segment on the news and thought that since they have taken recess out of school, this is the least we can do for kids. I am sure there is added stress without a chance to get out and run around. I also think they pick up on the angst of the adults in their lives. They need all the help they can get.

by Krajcimama | LOWER BURRELL, PA

Oct 03, 2011

One of the sanity savers in our house is to turn off the TV and just sit on the floor together. My kids are all young (5, 4 and 2 year old twins) so we don't really meditate or have the attention span to do anything super organized but having quiet time with little outside stimulation always helps to improve the moods around here! I think that it would be awesome for my son's teacher to take time to just let them relax and focus after their lunch to get ready for a successful afternoon! Definitely something to look into. . . might make a nice teacher gift?

by kaybe8 | Staten Island, NY

Sep 28, 2011

We could all use a lesson on distressing. I think Goldie's idea of meditation in the classroom is a great idea. These days children have so many activities that they might not be given time to relax or decompress. Learning how to meditate and center your self is a tool that can be used for your entire life. I try not to fill every waking hour of my children's day with activities. I give them the opportunity to have free time (play, relax, read etc.)

by AndreaLBoyer | Fort Bragg, NC

Sep 28, 2011

I need to find appropriate ways to destress my kids and myself. My husband just left for his fourth deployment, and although I do my best to generally foster a peaceful atmosphere, I could use some tools and techniques to make it happen. I do have the kids take deep breaths, but we could really benefit from taking it a step further.

by AskTina | Norristown, PA

Sep 28, 2011

When my kids get home they always get a snack and tell me about their day. It gives them some time before they start their homework to talk freely and vent if need be.

by MissMargo | Scammon Bay, AK

Sep 28, 2011

Sounds Gre8t!!:)...Wish they had that in our school here, think it would help them out very well...

by newyearsknight | CLIFTON HTS, PA

Sep 28, 2011

It's a great idea because of the overload of information from technology.

by kmiddleton09 | Oklahoma City, OK

Sep 28, 2011

I love this. I think this could do wonder for kids and adults alike.

by lenianjoe | Wheat Ridge, CO

Sep 28, 2011

Oh I just love Goldie Hawn! She appears to have such a happy, upbeat personality! When my girls and I get stressed we take "power" walks around the block. Usually just once or twice and then sit down together and talk about what was so stressful to us and better strategies to handle our stressors!

by heatherv112506 | Vero Beach, FL

Sep 28, 2011

I totally agree with her! De stressing works wonders on the mind. When my daughter comes home from a stressful day at school, she take 15 minutes to herself to lay on her bed, and squeeze a stress ball or she balances a beach ball on her feet while they are in the air. After she is done she comes out and tells me how she could of made things less stressful and happier for herself during the day. It also helps when you can slow down a busy life style (lord knows that's hard enough)