A World of Pausabilities: A children’s book review about Mindfulness

“A pausability is taking a pause just for you, to stop and notice what you feel, think, and do.”

Dr. Frank Sileo has crafted a wonderfully written introduction to Mindfulness for both kids and adults, making this book perfect for bedtime reading as well as to help your child begin to learn about their minds, bodies and emotions.

Mindfulness is “bringing your attention to what is happening to you in the present moment.”

Photo by Les Jay on Unsplash

He has partnered with Jennifer Zivoin who has added creative and breathtaking illustrations to lines of simple yet profound wisdom.

The underlying message of the book promotes slowing down, being present and connecting with our family, friends and the world around us.  In a world of constant connectivity that screams for more, demands things faster and is constantly looking to the future or the past; this is a crucial message for all of us.

Photo by Vladlane Vadek on Unsplash

I was blessed with the opportunity to attend a reading of the book by Dr. Sileo who was able to simultaneously capture the attention of a room full of children AND parents with his engaging style as well as quick and easy Mindfulness exercises.

He helped me to put some of these exercises into everyday use with my 4-yr old daughter and reminded me of the importance of unplugging and being present with her on a regular basis.

Photo by Caleb Jones on Unsplash

The “Note to Parents and Caregivers” at the end of the book is a huge resource as it explains in greater detail what Mindfulness is, where and when to take a pause and the reminder to be patient.

I had the opportunity to ask Dr, Sileo what he would want fathers to know if he was able to tell all fathers just one thing. “In life and parenting we need all different kinds of tools.  If you only had a hammer in your toolbox you would be pretty limited on what you could accomplish around the house.  Mindfulness is a great tool to add to your personal and parenting toolbox.  It helps with frustration, anger, remaining calm, pausing for a moment and putting space between an event and your reaction.  It’s a lifelong tool that must be practiced and developed over time.  When you are mindful, you are a better father, husband, worker, person.  Who wouldn’t want that?”

This book is a must-have for all – especially for parents, caregivers, teachers and counselors. (Click the image below to purchase it on Amazon)

In addition, he has numerous children’s books that help them navigate difficulties in life such as lactose intolerance, Crohn’s disease and many others.  He has a new book called Did You Hear: A Story About Gossip which is being released on October 9, 2017. (Click the image below to purchase it on Amazon)

Dr. Frank J. Sileo is a New Jersey licensed psychologist and is the Founder and Executive Director of The Center for Psychological Enhancement, LLC located in Ridgewood, New Jersey. He received his Doctorate in psychology from Fordham University in New York City. He received his Master of Science degree from Fordham University and his Bachelor’s degree from Iona College in New Rochelle, New York. Dr. Sileo has been in private practice in Ridgewood, New Jersey since 1995. Since 2010, Dr. Sileo has been consistently voted one of New Jersey’s Favorite Kids’ Docs by readers of New Jersey Family magazine.