In this episode of "Teach Your Kids," we delve into the transformative world of meditation with Samantha Snowden, a seasoned meditation teacher and content developer at Headspace. Samantha shares insights into how meditation supports learning, the development of Headspace's kid-friendly meditation programs, and practical tips for any parent to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. Samantha addresses the misconception that some people have about meditation and mindfulness, defining it and highlighting its multi-faceted benefits for children. The episode also explores ways parents can find time for meditation and tailoring practices for children with special needs, including autism and ADHD. Samantha addresses specific examples of working with children of a variety of ages and intricate challenges such as trauma, anxiety, anger, and video game addiction. Tune in for a holistic exploration of meditation's profound effects on both children and parents, gaining valuable insights from Samantha's wealth of experience and expertise. Samantha Snowden, with a bachelor's degree in psychology from UCLA and a master's degree in clinical and educational psychology from Columbia University, is a mindfulness coach and facilitator. She has dedicated over a decade to creating meditation and mental health content for Headspace and has worked with children, adolescents, families, and individuals globally. Her contributions extend to various youth empowerment programs, including UCLA's Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC) and the Canadian Association of International Programs.
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Time Codes
[00:00:00] Manisha Snoyer introduces the episode and her guest, Samantha Snowden
[00:03:15] Samantha’s collaboration with Headspace and development of content for children
[00:04:03] Samantha discusses adapting meditation and mindfulness techniques for children
[00:07:30] The conversation focuses on specific techniques and practices that are effective for meditation and the importance of recognizing and naming emotions
[00:12:30] Creating a positive emotional culture at home
[00:14:26] Strategies for discussing emotions with children are explored
[00:17:00] Samantha explains the relationship between meditation and mindfulness
[00:22:00] Samantha describes meditation practices suitable for children of different ages and strategies for implementing them
[00:28:01] The conversation delves into the variety of content material available on the Headspace app
[00:31:20] Samantha discusses the neuroscience behind meditation and its cognitive benefits
[00:36:00] The topic shifts to adapting meditation practices for children with ADHD and on the autism spectrum
[00:45:36] Manisha and Samantha discuss the role of engaged educational screen time and the connection to meditation
[00:52:24] Meditation strategies for busy people
[00:55:00] Manisha and Samantha highlight the calming impact of meditation voices and sounds, emphasizing their role in enhancing focus and mental well-being
[01:00:00] Closing thoughts: Self-compassion, the power of imagination, and connecting with your child
This podcast is made possible through a generous grant from the Vela Education Fund
VELA Education Fund is catalyzing a vibrant alternative education ecosystem. VELA provides trust-based funding to entrepreneurs, fosters community-building and knowledge-sharing, and increases visibility through storytelling that promotes cultural awareness and acceptance of the out-of-system space. Today, VELA serves the largest community of out-of-system education entrepreneurs in the country, with over 2,000 community members. About half of VELA’s community members operate small learning environments, and the other half are ecosystem and community builders offering direct services and support across the out-of-system space. Learn more at