Starbright--Meditations for Children: A Personal Guide for Parents and Teachers to Help Young Children Sleep, Focus, and Feel Centered

by Maureen Garth

Driven by the desire to help her three-year-old daughter settle down into a peaceful night's sleep, Maureen Garth devised meditations that would help her daughter feel secure and cared for. Starbright is a collection of the stories Garth created as her child grew older. These innovative meditations are simple visualizations parents and teachers can read to their children to help them sleep, develop concentration, awaken creativity, and learn to quiet themselves. "Unfortunately, a lot of children have trouble learning these techniques by the time they are seven or eight," writes Garth. "Relaxation and visualization, if taught at an earlier age, could enhance not only children's school work but other areas of their lives. Their concentration would improve; their artistic abilities would develop; they would feel more centered; their daydreaming could not only bring joy, but be constructive." In her engaging, warm, and personal style, Garth teaches parents how to help their children relax, concentrate, and develop artistic and mental abilities, as well as enjoy a good night's sleep.

Genres: Childrens, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Education, Parenting

112 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 1991

Reviews

[Tym · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am by no means an expert on meditation so I’m coming from a pretty naive perspective. These meditations are all mostly positive and while I’m not sure of their effectiveness but they are, at the very worst, harmless. A few seemed a bit long but there are many options to choose from. For me this 0ne is a very solid 3

[Ellen Bungenstock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding meditations written to delight and calm children of any age. My 2 and 3 year olds beg for it nightly. FYI the introduction includes a non-denominational guardian angel that protects and leads listeners to secret garden to explore. It is completely skippable, but as a Catholic family, we love the nod. The rest of the meditations are completely secular and quite wonderfully written.

[Tim]

Done

[Lady Luna Star · Rating 5 out of 5]

lovely childrens meditation book!

[NjM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a very useful tool that was suggested by our pediatrician. One of our children has a very hard time sleeping at night, especially during stressful or chaotic times (start of a new school or grade, making friends, family changes, etc.). We implemented the use of this book during those times and we all found it helpful, even magical for all of us! As a parent, it gave me quality time and calmness at night with my kids. My kids loved the imagination it gave them, in turn helping them fall asleep faster and more serenely. A better night's sleep helps everyone the next day! I highly suggest this book to anyone, but especially parents who find it difficult to get their child to sleep calmly. (Ages of my children when we started reading it: 8 and 5, two years later we still find it useful at their respective ages.)

[H.E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read my son this book every night- last thing. My friend recommended this as her son (in Henry's class) loves it and now Henry has to have his meditation every night! I tell him it helps him have sweet dreams, and a lot of times we have fun expanding on the meditation and making up new stories to tie in with them. I would think every child would love this!!

[Julia Eppingstall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was read these beautiful short stories as a child and recall them sending me off to a peaceful and magical sleep each time. Heartwarming, well written and of course well read to me by my mother, the stories are enchanting and rich. Highly recommended for children, will read this to mine when I have them some day!

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

This is basically a book about how to get children to relax. My special needs + ADHD daughter actually loved it when I'd read parts of it to her at night. Some of the meditations are too long, but I would just read part of those. A great idea, but not a perfect execution.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book to my boys at night (aged 3 and 5). They love it. The times when they lay still it really seems to help them fall asleep, in particular the 5 year old who has ASD and difficulty falling asleep.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very dear book for children. Contains some truly helpful guided meditations, which I used to do with my sons when they were little. Very comforting.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely awesome!!!!

[Laurie Petersen]

These meditations for kids are so good that adults can use them profitably, too.

[Ellin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a child very prone to nightmares my mum used to read this book to me almost nightly. Nowadays I read it to my 4yo niece when she stays over - she refuses to go to sleep without her "garden story". Recommended for all kids - and adults who fancy a gentle bedtime story.