‘Children truly model how we cope in times of stress’: Storyteller Samantha Porciello’s new children’s book promotes emotional wellbeing

“Originally from Canada, I’ve been living in Northern Ireland since I was ten and absolutely love it,” Samantha says.

“It’s so rich in mythology, music and storytelling, I’m sure it inspired me to develop a career dressing as a fairy who tells stories that connect families to the everyday wonder all around them.”

The storyteller launched Place to Wonder seven years ago in response to the mental health crisis in Northern Ireland to encourage parents to play and co-regulate alongside their children.

“I use the magic of storytelling to translate mindfulness tools into a child-centred language, for example, breathing love to the moon, listening to the heartbeat of a tree, or breathing in dream flowers with essential oils,” the founder explains.

“After years of developing our storytelling methodology, we realised that adapting the stories and relaxation tools into books would empower parents to use these tools at home. With support of local play therapist Fiona Lovely in 2019, we adapted Place to Wonder’s tools into a relaxation book called Dream a Little Dream for children aged four plus.”

The organisation’s latest initiative, Sweet Dream, follows the story of Teddy. Struggling to fall asleep, children and grownups accompany Teddy on adventures like stomping up a mountain and breathing their way up to the sky in a hot air balloon.

“After the pandemic Jane Turnbull, who is an educational consultant based in Whitehead, did an evaluation of the age group most impacted by the lockdown and it was early years children who were experiencing developmental delays,” Samantha explains.

“We then worked with Belfast Sure Start to create a tailor-made programme using storytelling, music, yoga and mindfulness tools to support early years children to lower anxiety and develop speech and language skills.

“The Sweet Dreams immersive workshop has been adapted into a children’s book with all the tools from the workshop for the parents to take home, empowering them to use the tools in their daily lives.”

A QR code inside Sweet Dreams connects parents with a lullaby, audio book and an extra meditation with music and visualisations to use at bedtime alongside the book.

Samantha is grateful to the skilled local creatives who helped her to turn her vision into reality: Yoga teacher Siri Meylahn from Whiteabbey; Lisburn artist, illustrator and designer Ali Parks AKA Ali-P Art; and composer and musician Dave Marks.

“It was important to me that the artistic team was high quality, so the experience and book was something that would inspire children in their early formative years and make a lasting impact,” Samantha says.

“Siri is an incredibly passionate yoga teacher. She did the yoga consultation on the book and she also co-facilitates the Sweet Dreams workshops.

“Dave has worked with artists like Bonnie Tyler and Robert Plant. He produced the lullaby, audio book and music that underpins each activity.

“Ali did absolutely stunning illustrations. Not only did she bring the relaxation techniques to life in such a vibrant way, but she has also woven in some hilarious visual moments that all ages will enjoy. She is passionate about creating, with a huge emphasis on colour. Her work is bold and vibrant, often with a sense of fun.”

So far, Sweet Dreams has already been delivered to over 400 children in Sure Starts across Belfast, thanks to funding support from Belfast City Council, Halifax Foundation NI, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the National Lottery Community Fund, and Samantha hopes to expand the reach further.

“We plan to take Sweet Dreams to Sure Starts across Northern Ireland,” she says.

“Sure Start provide life changing early years support for children aged 0-4 in the top 25% most deprived areas of Northern Ireland.

“This year Sure Start in Northern Ireland almost lost their funding which would have had a detrimental impact on the families they support. It’s really important to Place to Wonder that our work is delivered to the families who need it most, this is why we partner with essential services like Sure Start.”

Mother to Sonny (10) and Willow (1), Samantha hopes the books will help other parents deal with challenging situations.

“I think the most powerful tool to support a child with anxiety, is to be calm in your own nervous system,” she says.

“I know as a busy mum myself, when I’m calm things go much better and I can problem solve with my child. Children truly model how you cope in times of stress. When a parent is calm, the child feels safe to be calm, but it is not easy as there are so many unrealistic demands on parents, especially mums.

“Using this book can be a small help or inspiration you can keep in your toolbox for when things are hard at night for example. Nighttime is when I find it hardest to stay grounded, as your energy resources are depleted after the multitasking we have to do as mums. When you are depleted at night, it’s hard to remember to stop and take a deep breath when you feel totally frazzled.”

Sweet Dreams has been designed to support parent and child to breathe and co-regulate together. The book begins with high energy activities which then start to subtly become gentler, focusing on breathing as the story continues. By the end, the main character has nodded off into a peaceful sleep.

“The biggest compliment to me is when participants yawn in the workshops,” Samantha says. “That’s when I know the magic is happening.”