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In this powerful episode, Melissa McIntosh—former Educational Assistant turned mindfulness mentor—shares her journey from burnout in the school system to building Mindful Kids Inc.

Her mission? Helping families reconnect through simple, effective mindfulness practices that truly support emotional regulation.

We explore why mindfulness isn’t just for kids, how parents can model regulation, and what it really means to build a calm home from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness is a lifestyle, not a technique – It’s about consistent, bite-sized practices that shift the family dynamic over time.
• One size doesn't fit all – Each child has unique tools that work for them; helping them discover what fits is the magic.
• Academics aren't the foundation – Emotional awareness must come first for real learning and connection.
• You are the expert on your child – Trusting your intuition, even when it goes against the system, is critical.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – Meet Melissa: Her transition from education to mindfulness, and why she followed her gut.

[03:45] – The moment she realized the system wasn’t working—for kids, for families, or for herself.

[06:30] – Why her husband’s calm energy opened the door to mindfulness—and how it changed everything at home.

[10:15] – The missing piece in schools: involving parents and seeing the whole child, not just academics.

[14:00] – Why mindfulness must start with parents before it can help their children.

[18:15] – How kids can learn to filter outside energy, like “Steve’s nosebleed,” through a calm lens.

[22:00] – The Mind Jar explained: how a simple tool helps kids settle their thoughts and feelings.

[26:00] – What it looks like when kids start teaching mindfulness at home—and why that’s the real win.

[30:00] – Mindfulness as a superpower that grows with your child over time.

[33:45] – What to do when kids are dysregulated and the tool doesn’t “work.”

[36:00] – The moment you realize: it’s working.

[38:00] – Why gratitude is part of mindfulness—and how it changes the emotional tone of a family.

Resources Mentioned

Mindful Kids Inc. – Melissa’s mindfulness-based programs for kids and families:

https://www.mindfulkidsinc.com

Follow Melissa on

• Instagram: @mindfulkidsinc
• Facebook: