Welcome to Focus & Flourish: Helping Kids Thrive from the Inside Out

Hi there, and welcome!

I’m Kristi McDougall—teacher, principal, mindfulness educator, and now the proud creator of Focus & Flourish.

After 30 years in elementary education, I’ve seen firsthand how the world is asking more of our kids than ever before. More focus. More emotional control. More resilience. And yet—many of the tools that help kids develop these skills aren't being taught in school or at home. That’s where Focus & Flourish comes in.

What Is Focus & Flourish?

This space was created to empower children with the skills they need to succeed—not just academically, but emotionally and socially.

Through mindfulness practices, brain-based strategies, and fun, hands-on activities, I help kids build:

• 🎯 Focus and attention

• 💪 Confidence and emotional strength

• 🧘 Calm in moments of stress or overwhelm

• 💡 Self-awareness and problem-solving skills

  
  

📚 Real Tools for Real Life

Whether you're a parent looking for support with big emotions, or a teacher wanting strategies to help students self-regulate—you’re in the right place.

On this blog, you’ll find:

• Free mindfulness tools

• Printable activities and worksheets

• Tips for emotional intelligence

• Silly (but effective) memory tricks

• And the science behind what works for kids’ brains!

💬 Let’s Stay Connected

I believe that mindfulness and emotional intelligence are teachable—just like reading or math. When kids learn how to manage their thoughts and emotions, they feel stronger, more capable, and more connected to themselves and others.

Thank you for joining me here. I’m so excited to grow with you and your kids!

Stay tuned—more posts, printables, and powerful practices are coming soon.

With gratitude,

Kristi 💛

Founder, Focus & Flourish