Starting the Year Soft: Art, Mindfulness & Creative Confidence for Kids

⏳ You’re Not Late. We’re Just Getting Started.

January has a funny way of showing up with a lot of expectations.

New year. New goals. New routines. New everything.

But if I’m being honest?January 1 didn’t feel all that different over here.

The night before, I stayed up until 1 a.m. binge-watching Sherlock with Benjamin (✨BBC Benedict era, obviously) while waiting to hear the keys In the door and Lily’s “I’m home” after a babysitting job. Turns out the worry part of being a mom doesn’t expire when your kids grow up...it just changes form. I was tired, relieved, a little sentimental… and oddly proud that I made it past midnight this year. 😜

When I woke up the next morning, there were no fireworks of motivation. No “new me” marching band. Just coffee in hand, sweats on, space heater humming, easing into the day.

And after sitting with that for a moment, I realized something important:

Fresh starts don’t belong to January 1st.They belong to moments when we pause, breathe, and decide we’re ready for something that feels better. That’s the energy we’re bringing into the studio this season.

🐢 Starting Soft (and Why It Matters)

At Kids Create Art & Wellness, we’re not interested in rushing kids into performance mode, especially at the start of a new year. We believe growth happens best when children feel safe, grounded, and supported. That’s why this session is all about starting soft.

Every class blends Art and Balance, giving kids space to move their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and express themselves creatively without pressure or comparison.

Some students take Balance before Art to settle in.Others take Balance after art to slow things down and reset.

Both approaches are intentional. Both work beautifully.The goal is always the same: calmer bodies, more focused minds, and creative confidence that builds over time.

⚖️ What’s New This Season

This session includes a few thoughtful updates designed to better support our students and families:

• Art & Balance are paired for every class visit

• Different curriculum by day

  • Monday/Tuesday follow one creative path

  • Thursday/Friday explore a different one(Perfect for kids who want to attend twice a week without repeating projects.)

• Extended Balance options. Some Balance classes now run 45 minutes, offering extra time to breathe, move, and transition.

Everything we do is rooted in the same belief: When kids feel regulated, they create more freely, and they carry that confidence far beyond the studio.

🌱 Something for the Grown-Ups (Coming Soon)

We’re also planning another Yoga & Sound Bath reset for adults this month.

Gentle movement. Intentional breathing. Deep rest. No expectations. No multitasking. No being “on.”

Details are coming soon, but if your nervous system has been asking for a pause… this one’s for you.

🏡 Bring the Studio Home

You don’t need special supplies or perfect conditions to practice creativity and mindfulness at home.

Try this simple prompt:

Ask yourself (or your child):What’s one thing I don’t need to carry into this season? Notice it. Name it. Gently set it down.

Art invitation:

Create a “word of the year” piece together using whatever materials you have. Markers, watercolor, collage, crayons. One word. One page. No rules. Let it guide softly, not bossily.

💗 A Space That Grows With You

Our studio continues to grow because of families who believe in creativity, calm, and connection. We’re so grateful for the trust you place in us and for the way this community keeps evolving with intention.

If your child could use a weekly place to land softly, breathe deeply, and make boldly, we’d love to welcome them into the studio this season.

You’re not late.You’re right on time.

Creativity. Connection. Calm.

Beth

🌱 The Creatively Balanced Bulletin: September 2025

✨ September at Kids Create Art & Wellness: Transitions + New Beginnings

Hey Creatively Balanced Families!

September has a way of sneaking up, doesn’t it? One moment we’re in summer mode, and the next we’re jumping through hoops with new school year routines, dropping kids off at school or COLLEGE, and even squeezing in those last-minute (concert) trips. I’ve been doing all three! Ack!

Inside the studio, the same theme is unfolding: a swirl of transitions and fresh starts, with plenty of space for both creativity and mindfulness for children. Here’s what’s happening around Kids Create Art & Wellness in Windermere this month.

🎨 Class Openings

We’re so grateful that most of our fall classes are already full! The energy in the studio this year has been awesome. If you’ve been hoping to join us, here are the spaces still available:

Monday Art (4:30 p.m.) – open spots for creative exploration.

Thursday Art (4:30 p.m.) – different projects than Monday, so your child can sign up for both if they’d like.

Tween Balance (Wednesday 5:30 p.m.) – our signature kids yoga class, designed as a midweek reset that blends movement, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning for ages 9–12.

Whether your child is interested in after-school art programs in the Orlando area, or wants to try mindful movement, these small-group classes are designed to build confidence, self-regulation, and joy.

🌟 What’s New Around the Studio

Paloma Parlor is opening soon!We’re so excited that the owner of Pizza 14 and Paloma Coffee is opening a brand-new spot right below our studio. Paloma Parlor will offer ice cream, coffee, and lite bites—the perfect place for parents to relax while waiting during class or to grab a sweet treat on the way home.

Sound Bath this Sunday We’re thrilled to welcome energy healer Ashley Ruggieri to host a community Sound Bath this Sunday, September 7th, from 4:30–5:30 p.m. It’s an hour of grounding, restoration, and sound. What an incredible way to reset before a busy new week.

This is just for adults. Woot! Click HERE to register.

👻 Should We Host a Halloween Camp(ish)?

It’s been a while since we’ve done one of our special one-day Camp(ish) events, and we’re curious...should we bring back a Halloween Camp(ish) this October? Imagine spooky-fun projects, mindful movement, and a chance for kids to celebrate the season in our unique way.

👉 Parents, let us know if your child would be excited to attend! Your feedback helps us plan. Click HERE to cast your vote.

🖌️ Studio-to-Home Ritual

We’re refreshing our “Bring the Studio Home” section with simple creative rituals families can try together. This month’s activity:

Color Shifts

• Choose two colors: one that matches how you feel right now, and one that represents where you’d like to go next.

• Doodle, scribble, or draw with both colors.

• Share and talk about the shift—it’s a simple, playful way to practice mindfulness activities at home with kids.

💌 Closing Note

Thanks for letting us be a part of your child’s week. These small moments...paint on their hands, deep breaths on the mat, laughter with friends...add up to something so much bigger.

With gratitude,

Beth & the Creatively Balanced Team 💛

🌱 The Creatively Balanced Bulletin: August 2025

Studio updates, inspiration, and a gentle shift into the school year

Posted by Beth Elliston, Kids Create Art & Wellness

🎶 Summer Adventures + New Season Intentions

Hey Creatively Balanced Families,

NYC sunsets 🫶🏼

This summer, my 20-year-old daughter (Lily my youngest!) and I have been chasing live music across the country. From coast to coast, we’ve soaked in all the energy, joy, and connection that live shows bring, and we’ll be wrapping up our personal “tour” with a concert at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado.

These adventures reminded me just how important it is to carve out space for joy, presence, and connection... the very things we come back to in every class at Kids Create Art & Wellness.

Whether you’re holding onto the last licks of a summer popsicle or already labeling backpacks and lunchboxes, we’re easing into a new rhythm together. And we’ve got the perfect classes to help your kids do the same.

🗓️ Fall Classes Begin August 18

Some of our classes have already filled (say what?!), but we still have space in others for kids ages 3–18. Whether your child needs a creative outlet, a calm space to land after school, or a weekly routine that supports self-expression and regulation — we’ve got you.

Make space for their creativity and calm. 🎟️ Click here to grab a spot

Need help choosing the right class? Send us a text or message us on Instagram — we’re happy to help!

🌿 What’s New This Fall

Teen/Adult Balance ClassA grounding space to unwind, move mindfully, and reconnect through breathwork, yoga, and guided meditation.

Tween Balance ClassRight after Tween Art — perfect for tweens to stretch, reflect, and find their inner calm.

New Preschool OfferingWe’ve added another mixed-age (3–6) class combining Art + Balance + Music for one joyful, sensory-rich experience.

💛 Lil’ Me Mindfulness Partnership

We’re excited to team up with Lil' Me Mindfulness this fall. It's the perfect pairing for our Thursday 4:30 Elementary Art class!

Lil’ Me offers playful, brain-based mindfulness classes that help kids build emotional awareness, self-regulation, and confidence through breath, movement, and meaningful connection.

🎉 KCA Families get 50% off

Use code: FIFTY at checkout... Register Here!

P.S. If your child is attending both classes, send them with a snack. There’s a 15-minute break between sessions to refuel and reset.

📮 Poll of the Month

What does your family need more of this school year?

☐ Creative time

☐ Movement breaks

☐ Quiet moments

☐ Play + connection

☐ All of the above

→ Click here to vote — we’ll share the results in next month’s bulletin and on Instagram!

🏡 Bring the Studio Home

This Month’s Practice: Color & Calm

Let’s turn those back-to-school jitters into something beautiful. Here's a simple art-meets-mindfulness activity to try at home:

Color Story Stones

1. Go for a walk and collect 3–5 small rocks.

2. Paint or draw a different color on each one.

3. Once dry, take turns pulling a stone and sharing a memory, feeling, or story inspired by that color.

   
   

Mindfulness Add-On:

Before starting, place your hand on your heart and take three deep breaths together. On each exhale, say one word about how you feel entering the new school year.

📸 Want to share your creations? Tag us @kidscreateart for a chance to be featured!

🎨 Here’s to New Beginnings

This time of year always feels like a fresh canvas. I hope your family finds moments to create, to breathe, and to settle into what matters most. We can't wait to welcome both returning and new families to the studio...and to another season of creativity, confidence, and calm.

With love and messy hands,

Beth & the Creatively Balanced Team 💛