18 of 18 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exactly what we needed!, Nov 14 2008
By M. H. "homeschooling mom" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set): Children's Bedtime Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Audio CD)
I hope to put into words how transformational this CD is.
My 8 year old son has a lot of anxiety due in part to his reading disability. So whenever I introduce a new concept to him (home charter school), he immediately thinks he can't do it, he gets extremely frustrated, and gives up before even trying. Awful. I was desperate to find something to help, and I knew something like Indigo Dreams had to exist. Lucky for us, I found it.
I downloaded it in MP3 format right away. My husband was very skeptical, but he knew we had to give it a try.
I prepared a small alcove off of our living room to create a "relaxation station". I painted it chocolate brown, brought in a couple of live leafy plants, set a dark green cushion on the floor, along with a few coordinating pillows. I set up his CD player with headphones, and explained to my son that during school, I will set aside time whenever needed for relaxation station. He was excited to try it out.
So on the first day of school, he got overwhelmed with his phonics lesson. He got through the lesson though, knowing that he would get down time. So shortly after, off he went to relaxation station. He was sitting up on the cushion, against the pillows. Literally, ten minutes later, he was nestled in, and sound asleep.
He LOVES "The Angry Octopus" from Indigo Ocean Dreams. That is his favorite. He says that he uses his imagination to see the story. When the octopus is angry, he feels angry too. And when the octopus breathes to calm himself, he does it too. He sees colors and the characters and the environment. He loves the sounds of the ocean. He says that it relaxes him and makes him feel good. (I think hearing a male narrarator helps too, whereas my daughter would prefer a female narrarator.)
Since using relaxation station on an as needed basis, my son no longer has the outbursts as I described earlier. He still gets frustrated from time to time, but now he is becoming an eager learner! He is progressing in school like never before! There are still challenges, but this CD helped remove one of the barriers, which was anger/frustration. Awesome!
I have recommended this to elementary teachers, special education teachers, and physical and occupational therapists. I have recommended it to moms of kids who are perfectionists or have anxiety or anger issues or are highly sensitive.
I am so glad I found this product. Even my skeptical husband admitted to its success. :)
My 6 year old daughter also enjoys this. She especially likes the breathing exercises. Although she does not share the same challenges as her brother, she still does benefit from the stories.
I would highly recommend this to parents, teachers, therapists, and specialists who work with children.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Helps my daughter sleep and relax, Jun 18 2008
By Colorado Mom - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set): Children's Bedtime Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Audio CD)
My daughter loves these tapes. She has a hard time winding down and getting to sleep. At first she said she thought they were a little boring, but I explained that bedtime tapes aren't supposed to be fast-paced and exciting. Within a week she was asking for them every night. She started telling me what she was learning from them: how to relax, what to do if she felt mad during the day, focusing on what makes her happy and content, etc... Not only have they helped her fall asleep, I really think they have helped her deal with her emotions during the day as well.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Works Miracles, Sep 30 2008
By Richie - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Indigo Dreams (3 CD Set): Children's Bedtime Stories Designed to Decrease Stress, Anger and Anxiety while Increasing Self-Esteem and Self-Awareness (Audio CD)
My children ages 5,7 and 9 love all 3 of these CDs.The narrator of Indigo Dreams has a voice that can lull them to sleep even on the most difficult nights. They love the Ocean CD with the seachild/mermaid character and can really relate to the angry octopus. They now remind each other to take a deep breath like the octopus when they are losing their tempers. It is quite funny. All of my children are now using the techniques from the stories including positive statements like the dolphin. My oldest has been having trouble sleeping due to stress and worry about school. He constantly asks for The Garden of Wellness CD. The stories hit you in the heart and the practice tracks help him get rid of his worries and fears and anger and fall asleep quickly and soundly. I highly recommend this set. UPDATE: I just added the new MUSIC ONLY CD to our collection! Another hit at our house! Incredibly relaxing. A must have for any parent looking to get their kids in slumber land quickly!Indigo Dreams: Kids Relaxation Music Decreasing Stress, Anxiety and Anger, improve sleep.