As a mother who lost her son to addiction, I am always wondering how we can prioritize prevention and promote healthy behaviors at an early age? I came upon an old blog post in Psychology Today, April 16, 2010, by Ronald Alexander, author of "Wise Mind, Open Mind: Finding Purpose and Meaning in Times of Crisis, Loss, and Change" that discusses mindful meditation and how it creates new neural pathways in the brain.

In my opinion, this approach is the future of prevention, treatment and recovery. Firmly based in neuroscience, it can teach kids the skills needed to regulate their stress and emotion, for positive relationships, and act with kindness, confidence and compassion. Through these methods children become empowered to achieve long-term success in every aspect of their lives.

I recently learned that the Goldie Hawn Foundation has an organization called MindUP with the goal of "empowering children through mindful practice based in neuroscience." It has tools for schools, teachers and parents.

I am happy to see iconic people using their influence and resources for good and hope our local schools and families will consider these scienced-based approaches to building lifelong protective wellness behaviors in our children.

Ceci Iliff

Norwich

Editor's note: Ceci Iliff is the founder of TheCharityChallenge.Net and an advisory board member of TriCircle Inc. of Middlefield.