A Mother’s Insight on Sensitivity

Andrea Goh Fenton always knew her daughter Livie had a unique relationship with emotions. As a baby, Livie was easily overwhelmed by loud environments and was highly self-conscious, particularly about what others thought of her.

The Battle of Big Feelings

At just four years old, Livie's emotions would erupt into meltdowns whenever she sensed someone was laughing at her, even if it was affectionate teasing from her parents. This frustration led to intense outbursts, where she would even hurt herself.

Despite Fenton’s attempts to manage Livie’s responses—whether through discipline or therapy—nothing seemed to work. As a concerned mother, she sought help from psychologists, who revealed that Livie was an advanced thinker, but her emotions didn't quite keep pace, making communication a challenge.

Turning Crisis into Creativity

Recognizing that creative activities like coloring calmed Livie, Fenton set out to design a tool for children to express their emotions more constructively. On a career break and taking an online Science of Happiness course from UC Berkeley, she discovered techniques for nurturing emotional well-being in children.

Inspired, she combined her knowledge and experiences into a passion project that would change the way kids handle their feelings.

Introducing Mindful Me: A Journal for Kids

Fenton’s labor of love resulted in "Mindful Me: A Journal For Kids," a guided journal specifically crafted for children aged four to ten. Launched in August 2024, this 280-page treasure trove contains activities aimed at fostering mindfulness and emotional resilience.

With calming strategies, positive affirmations, and doodle pages, Fenton designed the journal to create a safe space for kids to explore and share their feelings with parents.

Parenting with Purpose

The journal also offers insights for parents, emphasizing outdoor play, the importance of apologies, and managing emotional experiences. Fenton hopes to inspire happier children through this approach.

Building Bonds Through Journaling

The most rewarding outcome for Fenton has been watching Livie seek out her "big feelings book" during tough times, using it as a tool to "color her emotions away". Their journaling sessions have fostered a deeper connection, encouraging Livie to openly communicate her feelings.

Breaking Traditional Barriers

Fenton acknowledges the cultural challenges in discussing emotions, especially in traditional Asian parenting, where children's voices often go unheard.

However, she observes a shift, noticing that today’s children are more in tune with their emotions, potentially influenced by the digital world they inhabit. This new awareness opens doors for crucial conversations.

Looking Toward the Future

Fenton is committed to supporting children with big emotional ranges. She reflects on her journey, admitting she’s continually learning from Livie's emotional depth.

"Children with big feelings are just processing differently—they often need more space to navigate their worlds," she states.

Fueled by the success of "Mindful Me," Fenton is now working on a new edition targeting kids over 10, poised for release this holiday season.