Helping our tamariki face the future

More parents than ever worry about how their children will cope with the pressures of life. There’s help at hand with Pause Breathe Smile. 

With 60% of New Zealand parents worried about how their children will cope with the pressures of life, it’s great to see how many kura, primary and intermediate schools and teachers have taken up the Pause Breathe Smile mind health programme, which is fully funded by Southern Cross.

More than 145,000 tamariki at more than 450 schools have been trained in Pause Breathe Smile and the programme is making a positive difference in the way children are managing life’s ups and downs – with simple mindfulness techniques.

When you’re pint-sized, problems can seem much bigger, so teaching our tamariki to manage their emotions and reactions in a positive way helps them in so many areas. They enjoy their learning, they stay well, and they can be a calmer, more balanced class and family member.

It’s not just children who can benefit from Pause Breathe Smile – click here for some free resources you can use at home, on your marae or in your workplace.

To find out more about Pause Breathe Smile and to register your kura, primary or intermediate school for this free programme, head to www.pausebreathesmile.nz.

For more insights about New Zealanders’ changing health and wellbeing attitudes and behaviours, see our 2024 Healthy Futures Report.

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