Wellness Resources for New Parents

with Shelby Riley, LICSW
Please feel free to use and share these resources and adapt them to your life and your child's unique developmental age!

For Children:

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes song and/or book
Helps with: 
  • Gross motor skills, using different parts of body to do the actions 
  • Balance, coordination and muscle development 
  • Child's listening and language skills as there are parts of the body to remember and learn
Ideas to use Body Scan with Kids:
  • Switch it up! Singing at bath time, diaper changes, use when fussy 
  • Play "Where is baby's eyes, nose, knees etc.?" "Where is Mommy's head, shoulder?" etc.
  • Peek a Boo! 
  • Tickle or blowing raspberries on different body parts. Identifying body parts as a fun activity, distraction and/or to help with transitions
  • Simply being present and paying attention or identifying your baby's body parts while putting on clothes, putting on lotion or soap. Slowing down and noticing their little toes, hair, chunky thighs etc. : )

For Parents:

Body Scan Meditation is a form of Meditation that allows the brain to refocus and detach from emotions, judgment and stress!
Creative ways to incorporate into your day:​
  • Shower
  • Sitting in the car
  • While feeding baby
  • Before bed or when you wake up
  • Doing instead of phone or TV
​Benefits for parents: 
  • Increase awareness of sensations and tension happening in the body
  • Provide insight into deeper emotions without judging or trying to change (simply NOTICING without any judgement is key)
  • Decrease anxiety and stress
  • Self-aware and being more present 
  • Cope with pain
  • Feel more relaxed and helps with sleep
​Mindfulness & Daily Meditation apps that have body scan activities: 
Sign up to get program updates: