The Kids Wellness Podcast

Giselle Shardlow

The Kids Wellness Podcast is your hub for creating happier, healthier lives for children. Hosted by Giselle Shardlow M.Ed., founder of Kids Yoga Stories, this podcast features inspiring guests from all areas of children's health and wellness. Whether you're an educator, pediatric therapist, yoga instructor, counselor, parent, or anyone working with kids, each episode offers practical tools, engaging stories, and expert insights to help children thrive emotionally and physically. Join us as we explore easy-to-implement wellness practices to create calm spaces, foster resilience, and support young minds and bodies.

  1. 5D AGO

    #061 How to Build an Emotional Toolkit with Jaime Amor of Cosmic Kids Yoga

    Discover how yoga, mindfulness, and storytelling help children build emotional regulation and resilience with Cosmic Kids Yoga founder Jaime Amor. Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Jaime Amor, founder of Cosmic Kids Yoga, as they explore how yoga, mindfulness, and storytelling help children understand and navigate their emotions. Jaime shares her journey from children's entertainer to global yoga educator, and how she developed creative tools that make emotional regulation, resilience, and self-awareness accessible—and fun—for children everywhere. Some highlights: • How childhood experiences inspired Jaime's mission to help children name and manage their emotions • The origin story behind Cosmic Kids and how yoga adventures engage kids' bodies and imaginations • Bringing ancient yoga wisdom into modern classrooms and homes • Why playful, embodied teaching creates authentic connection and focus • Simple ways parents and educators can model mindfulness in everyday life • Practical tools to build emotional literacy and self-regulation • Jaime's reflections on her new Sky Kids TV show and how media can open doors to mindfulness Find Jaime Amor here: Website: www.cosmickids.com Instagram: instagram.com/cosmickidsyoga YouTube: youtube.com/cosmickidsyoga Facebook: facebook.com/cosmickidsyoga App: app.cosmickids.com     🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    44 min

  2. FEB 15

    #060 How to Create Play-Based Learning Experiences in Your Yoga Classes with Amy Nielson

    Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Amy Nielson from Planning Playtime as they talk about the vibrant world of play-based learning. Discover practical insights for teachers, parents, and caregivers looking to ignite a love for learning in children in classrooms and kids yoga classes. Some highlights: - Amy Nielson explores the use of printables and a Mommy and Me preschool program, advocating for individualized approaches and consistent 1% improvements. - The discussion highlights the significance of integrating play, including props and movement, into educational settings, with emphasis on adults modeling playfulness. - Amy shares strategies for introducing more play into daily learning activities--like circle time and math centers--and the transformative impact this has on children's development. - Amy offers personal examples and tips on how to make academic subjects like ancient China exciting through interactive play. Find Amy Nielson here: Website: https://planningplaytime.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planningplaytime/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Planningplaytime/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/planningplaytim/ Raising Healthy Kids Brains Podcast: https://planningplaytime.com/podcast/   🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    31 min

  3. FEB 1

    #059 Mindful Monday - Just Be Meditation

    In this special Mindful Monday, Giselle guides you through a simple yet powerful practice to help you 'just be' with the moment. Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone working with children, this meditation is a perfect way to prepare, focus, and manage the day ahead. Take a deep breath, settle in, and let's begin. 💛

    6 min

  4. JAN 18

    #058 How to Teach Culturally Responsive SEL with Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta

    Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta, co-author of "The Change You Want to See" and Deputy Superintendent of Harlem Community School, as they explore how mindfulness, cultural responsiveness, and social-emotional learning (SEL) transform school communities. Drawing from her 30 years as an educator and leader in Harlem, Dr. DeCosta shares her personal journey and practical tools for creating schools where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. Some highlights: • How "The Change You Want to See" emerged from leading through the pandemic • What culturally responsive and affirming SEL looks like in practice • Building belonging through self-awareness, mindfulness, and connection • The power of consistent daily mindfulness in transforming school culture • How courageous leadership creates trust, inclusion, and collaboration • Practical advice for educators who fear "getting it wrong" in cultural conversations • Three key steps to start a mindfulness and SEL practice in your school • Why belonging is the foundation for student and teacher success Find Dr. Dawn Brooks DeCosta here: Bluesky: @decostadawn.bsky.social  LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnd2  Instagram: @decostadawn Facebook: facebook.com/share/17SWiAftGZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr Website: crasel.net EdWeek webinar: event.on24.com/wcc/r/4958646/4500AE53823221BC3B9545977E800930   🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    43 min

  5. 12/28/2025

    #057 How to Lead Large Group Yoga Assemblies in Schools with Lauren Chaitoff

    Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Lauren Chaitoff from Yogi Beans as they discuss the ins and outs of conducting yoga assemblies in schools. Lauren shares her expert tips and advice on how to engage and teach large groups of kids effectively. Some highlights: - The benefits of working with larger groups in school yoga assemblies - Tips for structuring and organizing large group yoga activities - Handling behavior management and maintaining engagement in a large assembly setting - Advice for yoga teachers who are considering venturing into large group assemblies   Find Lauren here: Website: https://yogibeans.com/ Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/yogi_bean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/YogiBeansStudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YogiBeans/ Lauren's book: https://amzn.to/3TP9q3y(affiliate)     🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    26 min

  6. 12/21/2025

    #056 How to Cater to 3 Lesser-Known Sensory Systems in Kids Yoga Class with Claire Heffron

    Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Claire Heffron from The Inspired Treehouse as they talk about the importance of understanding the three lesser-known sensory systems. Claire, an Occupational Therapist, shares insights on proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive sensory systems and provides practical tips for teachers and caregivers. Some highlights: -Claire's occupational therapy background and work with The Inspired Treehouse and developmental play clinic. -The differences between occupational therapists and physical therapists in child development and sensory processing. -The significance of understanding sensory systems in children's behavior and development. -Detailed breakdown of the proprioceptive, vestibular, and interoceptive sensory systems and their impact on children's everyday experiences. -Practical advice for teachers and yoga instructors on incorporating sensory sensitivity into their teaching approach and the importance of mindfulness in children's well-being. Find Claire here: Website: https://theinspiredtreehouse.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/insptreehouse/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inspired.treehouse/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/inspiredtreehouse/     🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    30 min

  7. 12/15/2025

    #055 Mindful Monday - Feel Good Meditation

    In this special Mindful Monday, Giselle guides you through a simple yet powerful practice to help you bring more feel good moments. Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone working with children, this meditation is a perfect way to prepare, focus, and manage the day ahead. Take a deep breath, settle in, and let's begin. 💛

    6 min

  8. 11/30/2025

    #054 How Occupational Therapy Enhances Social Emotional Learning in Schools with Heather Greutman

    Join Giselle Shardlow, founder of Kids Yoga Stories, and Heather Greutman, founder of Growing Hands-on Kids, as they discuss how to integrate occupational therapy (OT) into social-emotional learning (SEL) programs. Discover practical strategies for enhancing classroom settings and supporting students' wellbeing and development. Some highlights: -Understanding the role and significance of OT in educational settings. -Differentiating between occupational therapy and physical therapy for a comprehensive approach. -Adapting classroom environments to support all students. -Practical OT tools and strategies to enhance SEL programming. -Success stories and advice for educators to implement OT practices effectively.   Find Heather here: Website: www.growinghandsonkids.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/growinghandsonkidsblog Facebook: www.facebook.com/growinghandsonkids YouTube: www.youtube.com/@GrowingHandsOnKids     🧘🏽‍♂️🧘‍♀️🧘🏿‍♀️ Kids Yoga Stories, a mom-run and mom-operated business, was founded in 2012 by former classroom teacher and certified yoga instructor Giselle Shardlow. During her travels and time teaching grades kindergarten through fifth grade in Guatemala, Australia, Canada, and the United States, Giselle witnessed the need to address childhood illiteracy, obesity, and stress. She blended her passions of yoga, mindfulness, and education to create books, card decks, and educational resources to provide classroom teachers, school staff, coaches, and parents with the tools to bring yoga and mindfulness to children everywhere.   Connect with us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kidsyogastories  Website: https://www.kidsyogastories.com/ Shop: https://shop.kidsyogastories.com/

    35 min
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About

The Kids Wellness Podcast is your hub for creating happier, healthier lives for children. Hosted by Giselle Shardlow M.Ed., founder of Kids Yoga Stories, this podcast features inspiring guests from all areas of children's health and wellness. Whether you're an educator, pediatric therapist, yoga instructor, counselor, parent, or anyone working with kids, each episode offers practical tools, engaging stories, and expert insights to help children thrive emotionally and physically. Join us as we explore easy-to-implement wellness practices to create calm spaces, foster resilience, and support young minds and bodies.

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