Books by Sonia Mainstone-Cotton

This book provides practical guidance for early years professionals and parents on supporting young children through change and transitions, including starting at nursery or school and changes to family life. It explains the importance of this for the child's wellbeing and development.

How stillness, mindfulness and other contemplative practices can be used with children in worship. Looking at the benefits this can offer for a child's wellbeing, and ability to reflect on their own beliefs, this guide is full of ideas and practical examples on how to introduce a more reflective approach to children's work in Christian settings.

Bipolar disorder affects 2% of people, but what exactly is it? This friendly guide shows readers aged 7+ who know someone with bipolar what the mental illness means, and how it makes people feel and behave. It is a reassuring, easy-to-read resource that dispels fear and promotes better understanding of the effects of bipolar on family life.

With practical ideas and suggestions targeted at early years practitioners, this book explains how to listen to children effectively and involve them in decisions about their care, learning and development. It includes examples of how to listen to children's perspectives on classroom design, methods of learning, transitions and more.

Positive emotional health in a child's earliest years can be a critical factor in their future development. Offering practical suggestions for games, activities and exercises designed to promote emotional wellbeing in young children, this essential guide showcases a wide range of approaches such as mindfulness and meditation, Forest School and Reggio Emilia to provide a hands-on reference for teachers and parents.Drawing on over 25 years' experience as an early years professional, the author explores topics including playfulness, stillness, sensory play, creativity and staff wellbeing. Each topic references current best practices and international examples, and also includes a comprehensive list of further resources and activities. Providing an informative introduction to both theory and practice, this book demonstrates easy-to-implement ideas for any professional or parent engaging with young children.

Banish stress from your workplace in this innovative, succinct guide to wellbeing for early years professionals. Easy to dip in and out of, the book provides practical ideas for feeling balanced and well at work, and gives tips on how to support your colleagues' wellbeing.