1.  What is Heart-Mind Online?

Heart-Mind Online is a resource for families, educators, support workers, coaches – anyone who cares for or about children. At Heart-Mind Online you'll find evidenced-informed resources to help you promote children's Heart-Mind well-being.  

2.  What does Heart-Mind well-being mean?

When we talk about Heart-Mind well-being, we are referring to the importance of not only focusing on developing the cognitive aspects (our minds) but also all the qualities that make us human (our hearts) and ultimately give us meaning in our lives. (learn more about Heart-Mind well-being)

3.  Why is Heart-Mind well-being important?

There is a growing body of research that indicates that children who develop Heart-Mind well-being and social and emotional skills have better attitudes about themselves and others, and enjoy better social interactions. They are less aggressive, can handle difficult emotions, and they have lower levels of emotional distress. In addition, there is evidence that these children also do better in school.

4.  Who should visit Heart-Mind Online?

Anyone who cares for or about children.  The Dalai Lama Center believes that if adults take on the task of creating optimal environments that include an array of rich opportunities for children and youth, we can positively influence our current and future society. When we talk about adults, we not only talk about parents but all adults who are in a caregiving and mentoring role with children and youth (e.g., childcare providers, early childhood educators, teachers, coaches, youth workers, etc.). When we all work together we can have a larger impact on the positive development of children and youth. At the same time, if we, as adults, are promoting positive human qualities that allow children and youth to thrive in these five domains, we have the opportunity to strengthen these qualities within ourselves. 

5. What does evidence-informed mean?

Being evidence-informed means ensuring that the design and implementation of a practice is guided by the best available research. This allows actions to be innovative while still incorporating the lessons learned from existing scientific research literature. As a comparison, evidence-based practices and approaches are validated by scientific evidence (eg. established through controlled clinical studies).

Is your practice evidence-informed?

• Is the information or action guided by the best data and information available from sources that are valid, reliable and trustworthy?
• Can you name the source of the evidence?
• Can information and practices be flexible and sensitive to different contexts?
• Does the practice recognize that moral, ethical, cultural and spiritual values impact application?