Also available online!

Would you like your child/children to be confident, resilient and know just how brilliant they are? If so, please click here!

Would you like your child to have tuition, with a mindful approach, in GCSE languages or KS2/SATS English or Maths? If so, please click here!

Would you like to train to support children’s mental health? If so, please click here!

Would you like to run your own business supporting children’s mental health? If so, please click here!

My name is Tara Russo and I have 25+ years’ experience of caring for and working with children and teens as a teacher in England. My business supports children’s mental health. My extensive teaching experience coupled with my Connected Kids™ training enables me to help children to shine.

Kids’ courses

Through my Mindful Me course I work directly with children and young people aged 10 – 17 years, connecting them to confidence, helping them to feel happier, to manage their behaviour, to be more resilient and more focused by teaching them mindful techniques including meditation, to help them cope more with the stresses and strains of modern life. And a happy, contented child = a happy, contented parent/carer/teacher. I hold 1-2-1 sessions in person and online which are tailored to the individual needs of your child. I lead group sessions and create bespoke programs for schools, colleges and associations. For more details on the kids’ courses I offer please click here

Additionally I have been approached to tutor children in GCSE languages and also KS2 English so am delighted to offer tuition in those subjects as of September 2021. Of course my tuition has a mindful approach, helping children to overcome any anxiety that might pose a challenge to success in those subjects. For more information on tuition please click here here

Adult training courses

There are two levels of training: foundation level which teaches trainees how to support children’s mental health; professional level, which focuses more on special needs and allows you to set up your own business.

As a teacher of many years I have found Foundation level has given me a greater insight into making my classroom an even safer place regarding my pupils’ emotional needs. It fosters resilience, positive mindset and a can do attitude which allow our pupils to feel good about themselves and face challenges more readily.

With regard to the Professional level, upon successful completion of this, the certified Connected Kids™ tutor can be insured, set up their own business and charge a fee for their rewarding services. For more details of adult training workshops click here.

How I help children with mindfulness and meditation

The benefits of these skills are that they

improve focus and attention – regular meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex – the reflective part of the brain and encourages a state of relaxed, wakeful attention. Meditation also promotes a better quality of sleep which also boosts focus.
have a positive impact on the physical body – regular meditation and mindful tools help to boost relaxation and thus alleviate physical symptoms of stress e.g. tummy upsets, so less time off school.
promote self-regulation of behaviour – a strengthened prefrontal cortex allows children and young people to be aware of that split second of time between stimulus and reaction thus permitting a considered response to stress e.g. being able to overcome the urge to react aggressively to another pupil who is goading them.
manage impulsivity – as children strengthen their prefrontal cortex they are more aware of their choice of how to react to stimuli e.g. the teacher asking the class a question and the child being aware that they have a choice not to shout out the answer.
encourage positivity – teaching children how to process negative emotions and let go of negative thoughts and so that they can face regular aspects of life more easily, e.g. studying or sitting exams without being overwhelmed by fear and anxiety
build self-esteem – children know that whatever is going on around them they can choose how they react on the inside. They are more aware of those choices and responses and with this comes empowerment. They can be more confident about their ability to respond positively to situations they find stressful and modify their behaviour accordingly.
build resilience – children and young people have more of an ‘I can’ approach to difficulties because they have more confidence to deal with frustration in a positive way

I help children to manage their:

anxiety
stress
anger issues
ADHD
ASD
difficulties sleeping
headaches
stomach pains
self harming
difficulties in maintaining focus
behavioural problems

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness simply means being present in the ‘here and now’ in our thoughts; with practice we can improve our ability to focus on the current moment without interference from overwhelming fears about the future and memories of negative events in our lives.

Mindful activities do not act as a magic wand that removes difficulties from our lives but help us to deal with negative emotions such as anger, fear, resentment and jealousy without repressing or denying them. It is the fighting and repressing of such uncomfortable feelings that causes problems such as destructive and attention seeking behaviour, self-harm and eating disorders which are prevalent amongst our young people.

What are mindful activities?

Mindful activities include breathing techniques, basic yoga, mindfulness meditation to aid relaxation, visualisation, mindful colouring and mindful listening.

Parents/carers, schools and other organisations, please do not hesitate to get in touch if you feel I could help. Click here for contact.

Tara Russo

BA (Hons) University of Salford
P.G.C.E University of Bristol
Connected Kids™ Tutor

ICO no: ZA389974