Mindfulness for Kids: Slow Dance by Wonder Machines

Screen time, sugar, mental health, and the power of choice.

I am constantly researching alternatives to screen time, social media, and technology that detract from the happiness and development of children. I also struggle with the poison we feed children, too. It’s so hard to not get FOMO and want to join in on social media or junk food when it's all around us.

My own children crave sugar and computer time constantly- and the cultural pressure to give them junk food and let them use their devices frequently is intense. I don’t want to cave in and just accept that people are supposed to consume poison through their relationships with food and technology.

As far as food education and children to have a mindful diet full of fiber, whole grains, protein, fat, and carbs, vitamins, and minerals, I feel I am doing okay. I ask my kiddos to put veggies or fruits on their plates even when they would rather not and to experiment with new foods that promote wellbeing. “Did you know that has half the fiber you need for the whole day. Fiber helps you make poop!”

Somehow technology feels less in my control as a parent and educator. I recently started as a marketing consultant for a mindful, wonder-inspiring, beautiful tech gadget company called Wonder Machines because of our value alignment. I had an ah-ha moment once I received my own Slow Dance by Wonder Machine. I saw that there are uses of technology that promote mindfulness. We can elect to put them in our houses, offices, and yoga studios instead of tvs or computer monitors in spaces where people congregate.

Introduction

The Slow Dance by Wonder Machines is a special invention by Jeff Lieberman, inspired by his two friends, who are dancers and got married. Jeff, who went to MIT and has four degrees in physics, math, mechanical engineering, and media arts and sciences, wanted to make a gift that showed the love of his friends. So, he created the Slow Dance. This art piece uses technology to make objects look like they are moving in slow motion. Even though it uses technology, it helps people slow down and enjoy something beautiful.

How Technology Affects Kids

Today, kids spend a lot of time on screens, like phones, tablets, and computers. This can cause problems like anxiety, depression, and feeling lonely. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, kids aged 8-12 spend about 4-6 hours a day on screens, and teens spend up to 9 hours.

Important Facts About Mental Health and Technology

1. Screen Time: Kids aged 8-12 spend 4-6 hours on screens daily (American Academy of Pediatrics).
2. Mental Health: 1 in 5 kids in the U.S. has a mental health problem (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
3. Feeling Alone: 48% of parents worry their kids are addicted to screens (Pew Research Center).

U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy said, “We see rates of depression, anxiety, and loneliness going up among young people. I’m concerned that social media is an important driver of that youth mental health crisis.” He also said, “This is the defining crisis of our time.”

Inspired by Alternative Tech

The Slow Dance by Wonder Machines is a special creation by Jeff Lieberman, inspired by his two friends, who are dancers and got married. Jeff, who went to MIT and has four degrees in physics, math, mechanical engineering, and media arts and sciences, wanted to make a gift that showed the love of his friends. So, he created the Slow Dance. This art piece uses technology to make objects look like they are moving in slow motion. Even though it uses technology, it helps people slow down and enjoy something beautiful.

The Slow Dance: A Break from Screens

The Slow Dance can help kids take a break from screens and feel more mindful and present. Jeff Lieberman’s creation uses special lights to make things like a feather look like they are moving very slowly. This can help kids feel calm and focused.

The Magic of the Slow Dance

The Slow Dance helps kids feel a sense of wonder and awe, which is often lost with too much screen time. Studies show that feeling awe can reduce stress and make people feel happier. Watching the Slow Dance can help kids feel these positive emotions.

Seven Fun Mindful Activities for Kids with the Slow Dance

1. Focused Watching: Ask your child to spend five minutes just watching the Slow Dance. Tell them to clear their mind and only focus on the moving object.
2. Storytelling: After watching the Slow Dance, have your child create a story about the objects they see moving. This helps them use their imagination and stay mindful.
3. Drawing Feelings: Give your child paper and crayons to draw how the Slow Dance makes them feel. This can help them express their emotions.
4. Nature Objects: Find a feather or leaf outside and use it in the Slow Dance. Talk about how these natural things move and how beautiful they are.
5. Breathing Exercise: While watching the Slow Dance, guide your child to breathe deeply. Inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, exhale for four counts, and hold again for four counts. This helps them feel calm.
6. Mindful Listening: Play soft music while your child watches the Slow Dance. Ask them to focus on both the music and the movement.
7. Gratitude Journaling: After watching the Slow Dance, have your child write or draw three things they are thankful for. This helps them think about positive things in their life.

Get Your Own Slow Dance with a Special Discount

You can bring the magic of the Slow Dance into your home or yoga space with a special discount. Use the code GiftOfAwe at checkout to receive $50 off your purchase. 

The Slow Dance by Wonder Machines is not just a cool gadget; it's a tool to help kids feel calm and mindful. By adding this special art piece to your child’s daily routine, you can help them take a break from screens and find peace and wonder in the world around them.

References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2019). Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Retrieved from aap.org
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Children’s Mental Health Report. Retrieved from cdc.gov
3. Pew Research Center. (2020). Parenting Children in the Age of Screens. Retrieved from pewresearch.org

By using the Slow Dance, we can help our kids live more mindful and happy lives, where technology helps them instead of causing problems.