A Friend in Me: Self-Compassion for Kids (Ages 7-12)

Schedule and Registration

Note: CFM requires a minimum of 10 registrants per course. Classes with fewer than 10 registrants will be cancelled and provided a refund. Please be aware of this when making arrangements to attend this course.

Date Day & Time Register Teacher Location
May 7 - June 25, 2024 Tuesdays
5 p.m. - 6 p.m. PT
Register Online Mariana Ampudia In-Person at the UCSD Population Health Building

Course Description

This program is designed for children ages 7-12. This skill-building program utilizes a combination of age-appropriate exercises - mindfulness, yoga/mindful movement, art, meditation practices, and multimedia - to cultivate kindness, encourage insight, build skills of self-awareness and empathy, and strengthen the capacity for greater emotional regulation and stronger emotional resilience.

Kids can easily experience what is commonly known as the "monkey mind," a mind that jumps around, and is continually distracted by thoughts and ruminations about the past and future. Neuroscience research provides strong evidence that when practiced, mindfulness can help to calm the mind and body, alter the structure and function of the brain/pre-frontal cortex, and promote a greater sense of well-being.

One of our pre-teen students stated, "I may not always understand my feelings, but I know if I name it, I can tame it. I can choose what is important to pay attention to and can focus better when I need to." By building the capacity to become more self-aware, kids develop greater resilience and emotional strength in the face of adversity. Mindfulness and self-kindness help to cultivate the skills to respond with greater kindness and generosity to the needs of others as well as their own.

A Friend in Me Course Fee

$380 ($355 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course)

UCSD Employee Rate: $355 ($330 if you pay in full 30 days in advance for the course)