At some point during their childhood, kids are bound to go through at least one big event; moving house, changing schools, or having friends who move away.

Donna and Dermot on the Move cover

Finding a way to help kids understand and cope with change can be tricky, but there are some great books out there that can help.

We caught up with Devon-based author and healer, Hilda Kalap, about her debut children’s illustrated book, Donna and Dermot on the Move. A brand-new book for children, it tackles the topic of moving, and how mindfulness can help kids learn to go with the flow.

Hi Hilda! What inspired you to write Donna and Dermot on the Move?
I have always written and really wanted to write a picture book about mental health as I have had anxiety and depression in the past. I very much live in the moment now and this helps me to not worry but to just go with the flow, to appreciate and seek out the beauty of life in any given moment and to trust that everything will be ok. This is the theme of the book.
What impact do you hope your new book will have on kids and their parents?
I hope that parents will read it to their children, and that those in particular who have gone through the big change of moving house or country will see that it's possible to get through it ok. It's normal to miss their old friends and school but that they don't have to dwell on that.

Donna realises that she has been missing out on the wonder of the present and it's her who has the power to decide at any given moment how she wants to react to something difficult.

Myself and my children have moved seven times in seven years and I can say from personal experience what it's like to be 'on the move'.

How do you think mindfulness can help young children?
I think that paying attention to staying in the present is extremely useful for developing compassion and kindness to yourself. This in turn builds your ability to be kind to others and to adopt an attitude of gratitude.

If we focused on mindfulness as a core part of each child's learning throughout the world I truly believe that in one generation we could have a world without war. It's that important.

If you could teach parents and kids one thing about mindfulness, what would it be?
Don't worry, be happy. You have the power to make that happen!

For more information and tips on how to introduce mindfulness to children from Hilda, visit Therapy Directory

Donna and Dermot on the Move is available to purchase from publisher Pegasus or from Amazon now. To find out more about author and healer Hilda Kapal, visit Therapy Directory.