How Can Loving-Kindness Meditations & Mindfulness Help Children Process Scary Events: A Unique Approach From A Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC

This week in my pediatric practice, many of my adolescent patients expressed feelings and emotions of fear. They expressed anxiety and worry over the many young lives lost in the devastating Texas floods on July 4th, 2025. My heart goes out to all the people and families affected by this natural disaster. May you have strength and courage during these difficult times.

Some of my students have been expressing concerns about starting summer camp or spending time camping in nature. These are usually enjoyable summer experiences for so many people, families, and children around the world. As a pediatric speech therapist in NYC, I will discuss the power of meditation and mindfulness. Additionally, I will discuss how these approaches can help children process frightening events.

Even parents may be noticing some newly surfaced fears. Perhaps it’s a feeling of powerlessness that we cannot control the outcome of scary events. Or perhaps it’s a fear that we cannot protect our children in every single moment.

Loving-Kindness: A Gentle Practice for Hard Times

I’ve been invited to think about how we as parents, therapists, educators, friends, mentors, and caregivers can create a safe space for ourselves and the children we support.

I pondered …

How can we demonstrate a state of resiliency?
And how can we model a state of hope in the face of life-changing events?
How can we embody a space of positive action?
And how can we become beacons of hope for these children?

Actually, there’s a perfect meditative practice for this. It’s called a metta or loving-kindness meditation.

This week, we practiced a loving-kindness meditation to send peace, love, hope, and strength to all the people and families affected by the floods in Texas this past holiday weekend.

As I practiced this mindfulness exercise with my students in speech therapy sessions, my mind slowly calmed. I began to embody a greater sense of positive action while sending out the energy of love, peace, strength, and support to all those in need. In turn, my fears were gently invited to fade away.

Sending Love, Peace & Strength – A Metta Meditation:

I invite you to practice a metta meditation this week with your friends, family, and colleagues as we collectively send out peace, love, and strength into the world, creating a tapestry of loving support.

Here’s an example of a loving-kindness meditation I created and use with my students at my clinic:

Begin in a comfortable seated position.

Eyes may be open or closed.

On the inhale – breathe in – love, peace, strength.

Let it wash over your lungs, heart, arms, legs, and entire body.

Then, on the exhale – breathe out – allow the exhale to release any tensions.

On the next breath – I invite you to gently picture a glowing heart.

This glowing heart fills up your heart space with each soft inhale.

Feel the warmth of this glowing heart as it expands a little even more.

When you feel ready – on the next exhale – send out ALL this beautiful love, peace & strength energy into the world.

Breathe out – peace, love, and strength – to ALL those around the world that need it – within this one singular moment.

I invite you to place a hand on your heart to close this practice.

Breathe in – love, peace, strength for yourself.

Then, breathe out – love, peace, strength to the world.

Namaste.

These loving-kindness meditative practices can result in increased feelings of well-being and calm. They can also provide a positive and nurturing outlet for you and your child’s empathic feelings and thoughts for others.

Creating Safe Spaces for Ourselves and the Children We Support

The author, Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a speech therapist and meditation and mindfulness trained teacher, and a neurodivergent affirming speech therapist.

She currently provides meditation and mindfulness classes through Hum Studios – as part of her Chatty Child class offerings this summer.

If you’re ready to experience the unlimited possibilities that can be unlocked through gentle, caring, supportive, neurodivergent affirming care, we are here and ready to help your child and family soar!

Chatty Child’s speech therapists can assess your child’s speech and language developmental needs and craft an individually tailored treatment plan to address any areas of concern, while working seamlessly with your child’s medical team to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes for your child and family.

To book an in-person or online speech therapy assessment and treatment session with Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, please visit our website at: www.chattychild.com; email: info@chattychild.com; or call: 347 491 4451

Sincerely,

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP

Support Healing and Resilience with Mindfulness-Informed Speech Therapy in NYC

Mindfulness and loving-kindness meditations can be powerful tools for helping children process difficult or frightening experiences. At Chatty Child, our pediatric speech therapists in Tribeca, NYC, integrate these gentle practices into therapy. This creates a safe, nurturing space where kids can build communication skills, emotional awareness, and self-compassion.

Here’s how to get started with mindfulness-informed speech therapy in NYC:

Schedule a free 15-minute phone conversation to discuss your child’s experiences, needs, and how mindfulness can be woven into their speech therapy journey.
Book a comprehensive evaluation to explore your child’s communication strengths, emotional needs, and readiness for mindfulness-based approaches, ensuring a personalized therapy plan.
Begin individualized therapy sessions that combine evidence-based speech strategies with loving-kindness meditations and mindful activities—supporting regulation, self-expression, and healing.
Watch your child grow in confidence and calm, building lifelong tools for communication, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Helping Children Heal and Thrive: Our Full Range of Services

At Chatty Child, we offer more than speech therapy—we provide a holistic set of services that nurture children’s growth, resilience, and confidence, while equipping caregivers with tools for meaningful support.

InterAct – An imaginative therapy model weaving storytelling, creative play, and performance to encourage expressive communication and self-assurance.
Occupational Therapy – Supports fine motor development, sensory processing, and independence in daily activities.
Teletherapy – Convenient online speech and occupational therapy sessions for families anywhere in New York State.
Tutoring Services – Personalized academic help in reading, writing, and critical thinking to strengthen skills and foster curiosity.
Functional Nutrition – Guidance aimed at supporting emotional balance and physical health during crucial growth stages.
Consulting – Collaborative coaching for parents, educators, and professionals to unify strategies across home, school, and therapy.
Programs – Engaging group sessions that build emotional insight, encourage social connection, and inspire joyful learning through play and movement.

By integrating creative, evidence-based care with mindful approaches, we help children develop communication skills, emotional regulation, and confidence.

Meet the Author: Pediatric Speech Therapist in NYC

Heather Lynn Boerner, MA CCC/SLP, is a nationally certified and New York State licensed pediatric speech therapist in NYC with more than 20 years of experience helping children develop communication skills and confidence. Beyond her extensive clinical work, Heather is a certified mindfulness and meditation teacher, a trauma-informed provider, and a proud neurodiverse and differently-abled individual. Her unique blend of personal insight and professional expertise shapes her warm, inclusive approach to therapy.

Her own journey as a differently-abled person inspired her to found Chatty Child Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy, PLLC—a supportive practice committed to empowering children through customized, compassionate care. Heather is also the author of Carrie the Colorful Chameleon, a children’s book that celebrates learning, confidence, and friendship, complete with a teaching guide for parents and educators.

Heather and her dedicated team provide both in-person sessions at their Tribeca, Manhattan clinic and virtual services across New York State, helping children find their voice, build self-expression, and feel truly understood.