” We are all born limitless with the potential to achieve anything we desire!”
Mini Magical Minds supports your children’s mental and emotional wellbeing through understanding how their brains work and teaching techniques to calm their body and mind.
Sarah Jane Rigby through her books, has created Magical characters who explore positive cognitive development techniques through engaging and immersive storytelling.
Mini Magical Minds supports parents, teachers and all those working with children through understanding how children’s brains develop, story telling, breathing techniques, ‘I am’ affirmations and through the power of gratitude to raise happy, healthy and confident children.
Sarah Jane Rigby
A Mother, Nanna, qualified Nursery Nurse and SENco who has looked after children of all ages in various child care settings.
Most recently as a teaching assistant for a reception class and as a one-to-one support for a little superstar.
Born near Manchester in England. She has lived in New Zealand, Australia and is now loving life in Spain.
Her favourite thing to do is write children’s books. She is passionate about educating children about the power of their limitless magical mind.
Join Sarah in sprinkling a little bit of happiness wherever you go!
Here at Mini Magical Minds we have created our ‘My First Journals’.
Let’s create, for our little superstars, a routine of gratitude, goal-setting and noticing our thoughts and feelings.
These are more than just colouring books; They are amazing journaling gateways to self-expression and self-discovery. With playful, inspiring positive affirmations, promps for thought and space for drawing and writing.
‘I Am Mermazing’, ‘I Am Out of this World’, I Am Roarsome!’, ‘I Am Magical’ and ‘I Am Dino-mite!’ will encourage children to document their thoughts, dreams, experiences and gratitude as they realise just how magical their mind can be.
My First Journals also include ‘positive affirmations’ to colour, cut out and keep and a ‘breathing exercises’ page.
We also have My First Holiday Journal to store precious memories of your special family times.
Journaling can offer numerous benefits for children, including:
Building Routine: Establishing a journaling habit can help children develop a consistent routine, promoting discipline and responsibility.
Creativity: Journals can be a space for creative expression, where children can write stories, draw, or explore their imagination
Emotional Expression: Writing in a journal provides a safe space for children to express their feelings and emotions, helping them process their experiences. Journaling positive experiences and gratitude can also boost their self-esteem.
Critical Thinking: Journaling encourages children to reflect on their thoughts and experiences, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Self-Reflection: It allows children to reflect on their daily activities, promote self-awareness, and understand their personal growth over time. Seeing the progress and achievements can also give a serious confidence boost.
Stress Relief: Writing, drawing and colouring can be therapeutic, helping children cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult situations by providing an outlet for their thoughts.
Goal Setting: Children can use their journals to set and track personal goals, helping them to develop planning and organizational skills.
Strengthening Relationships: Sharing journal entries with parents or caregivers can enhance communication and strengthen bonds through shared experiences and discussions.
Our brains are split into three parts
The very first part of the Brain to develop is the Primitive, Survival or Lookout Brain, this is followed by the Emotional Brain, storing memories and the emotions attached to them and finally the last part of the Brain to develop is the Logical or Thinking Brain.
Marcus Meerkat
Survival instincts, Always looking out for danger
The first part of the brain to develop is the Meerkat Brain. The first instincts to develop are survival instincts. That makes sense, doesn’t it? It’s how a baby or young child can make sure they have their needs met and as they get older can keep themselves safe.
Marcus Meerkat keeps you safe and happy, he is always on the lookout for danger.
He sounds an alarm if he thinks there is danger nearby so that our body can get ready for Fight, Flight or Freeze, just as it would have done in primitive human beings. Marcus meerkat alerts us to the tiger that is about to jump out at us!
When this happens, Marcus Meerkat completely takes over. He protects us by sending Eddie Elephant and Olivia Owl ‘off line’, they aren’t able to act at all. This happens in adults too.
This part of your brain doesn’t understand language but you can control it with breathing techniques. When our Meerkat part of the brain feels overwhelmed and stressed we need to send it more oxygen to help us feel calm
Eddie Elephant
Memories, Stores emotions
Next, is the Elephant Brain, where children learn through experience about emotions. They start to store their learning and memories.
Marcus meerkat alerts us to the tiger that is about to jump out at us!
When this happens, Marcus Meerkat completely takes over. He protects us by sending Eddie Elephant and Olivia Owl ‘off line’, they aren’t able to act at all. This happens in adults too.
This part of your brain doesn’t understand language but you can control it with breathing techniques. When our Meerkat part of the brain feels overwhelmed and stressed we need to send it more oxygen to help us feel calm
Olivia Owl
Thinking, planning and focusing. Regulates her emotions
And the very last part of the brain to develop is the Owl Brain. So it is no suprise that children can’t always act logically in many situations – even during their teens, as they are still developing their Owl Brain.
The brain does not finish growing and developing until a person is about 25 years old!
Olivia Owl helps us to set and achieve goals. She can receive information then process the information to adapt and act accordingly. Olivia Owl can also focus attention, predict the consequences of our actions, anticipate events, and make plans.
It is really important that we help children to develop their Owl brain so they can learn resilience and develop a toolbox of tools to enable them to solve problems as they grow and develop.
Three friends, Marcus Meerkat, Eddie Elephant and Olivia owl
These books follow 3 friends, Marcus Meerkat, Eddie Elephant and Olivia owl. Marcus often gets big emotions and his friends help him to stay calm using breathing exercises and different techniques. You will also discover what happens to your body when it is flooded with superhero fuel.
Superhero Fuel
When you feel stressed or anxious, the physical feelings you are having are caused by a release of adrenaline (superhero fuel!)
This is our Fight or Flight hormone. It was very useful for our ancient ancestors who had to decide whether to fight or run from a sabor tooth tiger! This superhero fuel prepares your body for quick action.
Nowadays we are pumping out adrenaline (superhero fuel) even during non life – threatening situations.
When our Meerkat part of the brain feels overwhelmed and stressed we need to send it more oxygen to help us feel calm. We can do this by taking deep and slow breaths. Practising breathing daily can help Marcus Meerkat know what to do.
Running, skipping and jumping can help to burn off some superhero fuel.
Touch (even a hand on your shoulder) sends a signal to your brain that everything is ok.
Smile! It lets your brain know that you’re ok and happy.
Laugh and look for something to be grateful for. You can’t be angry at the same time!
Create a happy place. Quiet, calm area.
Empower your child to figure out what works best for them to calm down.
Practice together, the more you practice the easier it will be to use when in Fight or Flight mode.
When the Meerkat Brain takes over and floods your body with superhero fuel (Fight or Flight mode). Elephant and Owl Brain are sent off line, now they can’t hear or process what you are saying! You can’t problem solve with upset children.
Benefits of practicing breathing techniques
Research has shown that learning proper breath control can significantly improve well-being, combat feelings of stress, and relieve anxiety.
Through breathing alone we can change the ph in our blood, lower our heart rate and aid our digestion.
To live a happy, healthy life, it’s critical that our children incorporate healthy habits, such as basic breathing techniques, into their daily routine. As a result, they’ll enjoy increased happiness and higher energy levels. Deep breathing reduces anxiety and feelings of overwhelm, sharing basic breathing techniques with your children can help to prepare them for the emotionally challenging moments in their lives.
The main benefits of using basic breathing techniques are:
Relaxed muscles
Reduced anxiety and overwhelm
Increased energy levels
Decreased stress levels
Practice breathing techniques while your child is calm and happy so that your child can use them when they feel unsettled, angry, worried, or face a stressful situations.
Let’s make breathing so much fun that it becomes an enjoyable activity on its own!
Benefits of Positive Affirmation Colouring Books
Colouring positive affirmation pages offers a world of benefits for children, helping to shape their emotional and cognitive development in meaningful ways. This enjoyable activity not only entertains but also teaches valuable life lessons through the power of positive thinking. By engaging with affirmations that promote self-worth and resilience, children can develop healthier mindsets and enhance their overall well-being.
One significant benefit of colouring positive affirmations is the boost it provides to a child’s self-esteem. When children colour messages like “I am brave” or “I can do anything,” they are reminded of their strengths and capabilities. This reinforcement can build confidence, especially in young minds still forming their self-identity. For instance, a child who struggles with shyness might feel empowered after repeatedly engaging with affirmations that encourage courage. As they colour, they internalise these messages, leading to a more positive self-image over time.
Colouring affirmations also fosters emotional regulation. The act of colouring can serve as a calming tool, helping children manage their emotions more effectively. When faced with frustration or anxiety, spending time with a colouring page can provide a sense of peace. Research has shown that creative activities like colouring can lower stress levels and promote relaxation. This means that children learning to cope with their feelings can benefit greatly from this simple yet effective practice.
Colouring positive affirmations also encourages mindfulness and focus. In today’s fast-paced world, it is essential for children to learn how to concentrate and be present in the moment. When children colour, they engage in a meditative process that requires attention to detail and creativity. This not only helps improve their fine motor skills but also enhances their ability to concentrate on tasks. For instance, a child who takes time to color an affirmation page may find it easier to focus on homework or other activities afterward, as their brain becomes accustomed to the practice of concentration.
Colouring these affirmations can strengthen the bond between children and caregivers. Engaging in this activity together allows for meaningful conversations about self-worth and positivity. When parents or educators join children in colouring, they can discuss the affirmations and their significance, promoting deeper understanding and emotional support. This shared experience can create a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express their feelings and thoughts.
*Take a look in the Free Downloads section for children and adult colouring pages to print off and then enjoy some Mini Magical quality time!
The benefits of colouring positive affirmation pages for children are vast and impactful. From boosting self-esteem and promoting emotional regulation to encouraging mindfulness and fostering connections with caregivers, this simple activity plays a crucial role in childhood development. Encouraging children to engage in colouring positive affirmations not only enriches their creative skills but also nurtures their mental and emotional well-being. By integrating this practice into daily routines, a foundation of positivity and resilience can be built, paving the way for a brighter future.
Imagine a world where every child grows up believing in their own potential and worth. Positive affirmations, simple yet powerful statements, can transform a child’s Mini Magical Mind, helping them build self-esteem and resilience. By introducing these affirmations into daily routines, parents and teachers create a nurturing environment that fosters … Read more
We all want a magical and perfect Christmas. Unfortunately not every moment is going to be perfect though, and that’s ok! Remember to be present and accept every moment. Accept all that is happening within and around you. Accept your child, just as they are, in this moment. Accept the … Read more
Say they are smart… they will believe they are smart. Say they are forgetful… they will forget. Say they are mean… they will be rude to you, their siblings, and friends. Say they are kind… they will ask the child who feels left out to come and … Read more
‘I AM’ Two of the most powerful words; For what you put after them shapes your reality. Affirmations are used to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts by wiring mini magical minds in a happy direction. You can positively transform thoughts, emotions, behaviours and beliefs through positive affirmations. Let’s break the … Read more
Your mind is like a magnet. If you think of blessings, you will attract blessings. If you think of problems, you will attract problems. Begin and end your day with gratitude and you will find yourself living from a place of abundance rather than lack. Be grateful for what you … Read more
Did you know that smiling has many benefits? Every time we smile we send positive signals to our brain. Smiling releases endorphins and serotonins into the blood, which triggers positivity. Smiling at others makes us feel closer and more convincing, so our self-esteem rises to combat insecurity, shyness and fear … Read more
Mini Magical Minds believes that sharing a physical book and reading to children is one of the greatest gifts we can give. Giving a child your time and full attention tells them they matter and builds a connection. It builds self-esteem, vocabulary, feeds imagination and can even improve their sleeping … Read more
Imagine a world where every child grows up believing in their own potential and worth. Positive affirmations, simple yet powerful statements, can transform a child’s Mini Magical Mind, helping them build self-esteem and resilience. By introducing these affirmations into daily routines, parents and teachers create a nurturing environment that fosters … Read more
We all want a magical and perfect Christmas. Unfortunately not every moment is going to be perfect though, and that’s ok! Remember to be present and accept every moment. Accept all that is happening within and around you. Accept your child, just as they are, in this moment. Accept the … Read more
Say they are smart… they will believe they are smart. Say they are forgetful… they will forget. Say they are mean… they will be rude to you, their siblings, and friends. Say they are kind… they will ask the child who feels left out to come and … Read more
‘I AM’ Two of the most powerful words; For what you put after them shapes your reality. Affirmations are used to challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts by wiring mini magical minds in a happy direction. You can positively transform thoughts, emotions, behaviours and beliefs through positive affirmations. Let’s break the … Read more