Practices to Inspire Joy and Mindfulness with Your Children

Children already have this incredible, innate connection to themselves, to nature, and to the cosmos. It’s as if they haven’t forgotten the magic of being alive yet. I’ve found that when I take the time to nurture this connection in them, something magical happens—I start to remember my own.

Through the chaos of motherhood and everyday life, these little practices I do with my children help them stay grounded in their natural wisdom and they bring me back to mine.

So, I wanted to share a few of the things we do in our family to cultivate more connection, creativity, and mindfulness.

Starting the Day with Affirmations

When we begin our mornings with our Whisper of the Heart affirmation cards, the day really ends up looking so different. It’s such a simple practice, but it’s a beautiful ritual that centres us all.

These are the things we like to do with our cards

• Pick a Card Together: Each of us picks a card, and we let its message guide our day. We look at the artwork and talk about what it reminds us of—maybe a special memory, a loved one, or something in nature.
• Feel the Affirmation in Your Body: One of my favourite things is asking my children, “Where do you feel this in your body?” For example, if the card says, I expect miracles, we might explore what a miracle feels like in our body “Does it make your heart feel warm? Do your toes tingle?” It’s such a fun way to connect with ourselves physically and emotionally and it also helps us realise a miracle (or any emotion/experience) when it does happen.
• Create Your Own Magic: Sometimes my children will draw their own pictures inspired by the affirmation. It’s their way of processing and really experiencing it, and their little masterpieces often end up on our altar or fridge!

We also always bring our affirmation cards with us. Whether we’re at the beach, by the creek, or walking through the forest, they help us see the world through a lens of wonder.

For example, if we are by the creek or beach we’ll look for cards that have water in them and talk about how water connects everything.

These moments remind us how connected we are to everything around us. It’s also a great way to slow down and be present in nature.

Embodying the Elements

The wisdom of nature’s elements—Earth, Water, Fire, and Air—is central to the practices in our family.  By exploring these elements with my children, we create space to reflect, connect, and grow. Here are some of our favourite activities:

• Water: The Flow of Emotions
  We use a simple yet powerful activity called the Feelings Jar. It’s just a glass jar filled with water and glitter, but it teaches so much. When the water is still, we talk about how it mirrors calm feelings. When we shake the jar, it reflects stormy emotions. Watching the glitter slowly settle reminds us that all feelings eventually pass and that peace always finds its way back.
  At night, we place a glass of water on our altar, setting positive intentions for it. In the morning, we drink it consciously as a way to nourish our “inner waters” and start the day with gratitude.
• Fire: The Power of Transformation
  Building a fire together is one of our most cherished rituals. We gather sticks and kindling, light the fire, and sit around it, sharing things we’re grateful for. The fire becomes a symbol of transformation as we reflect on what we’re ready to release. Sometimes, we write these things on paper and offer them to the flames as an act of letting go. This practice has taught my children the power of renewal and how even challenges can fuel growth.
• Earth: Planting Seeds of Love
  Planting seeds is a beautiful way to connect with the grounding energy of the Earth. Each day, we fill a small vessel with water, speak words of gratitude to it, and use it to water the seedlings. Watching them grow reminds us of the importance of nurturing the things we love, including ourselves. Walking barefoot on the Earth or creating small offerings of flowers and crystals deepens our connection to this nurturing element.
• Air: Breathing with Intention
  We start each morning with deep belly breaths, inviting awareness into our bodies and minds. One of our favourite activities is Rainbow Breathing—drawing a rainbow on paper, tracing each colour with a finger, and syncing our breaths with the movement. This simple practice brings mindfulness into our day and helps us feel connected to the unseen life force all around us.

Reflection and Creativity

After a busy day, we often journal or draw together. It’s a way to capture the magic of what we’ve experienced and gives us a chance to slow down. For me, it’s a beautiful reminder of how much wisdom my children already hold—and how much I’m still learning from them.

When we take the time to nurture these connections, we’re not just helping our children stay rooted in their natural sense of wonder. We’re also reconnecting to our own. These small rituals—drawing a card, reflecting on the elements, or just sitting in silence together—become threads that weave us closer to each other and the world around us.

If these practices resonate with you, my Whisper of the Heart affirmation cards and Elements book are here to support your journey. They’ve been lovingly designed to inspire connection, mindfulness, and wonder in both children and parents. Whether you’re starting your morning with an affirmation, exploring the elements in nature, or simply creating moments of stillness, these tools can help you weave more magic into your family’s days. You can find my cards below. 

Much love 

Mac