When actress Goldie Hawn was a teenager, she helped teach children to dance. As she grew up, she discovered her passion for acting but maintained her love of children and had four children of her own, including actress Kate Hudson. While Hawn has largely retired from acting in recent years, she is focusing on her family and supporting children through her nonprofit organization MindUP, which aims to help children regulate their emotions.

In a recent interview, Hawn said that she not only wants to help the children, but also the teachers who are with them every day. She wants to teach peace by understanding the brain. This can include learning mindfulness, how the brain works, positive psychology and emotions.

Think of it this way. Do you remember your school days? You’ve been taught so many things, but dealing with all the changes, big emotions and feelings that come with growing up probably wasn’t one of the things you were taught! If a parent does not take their child to a therapist or teach them about emotions, the child may not understand how to cope with the challenges of our modern world.

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Hawn was inspired to start the foundation after the September 11 terrorist attacks. She was afraid and suspected that many children could feel the same way. That’s why she developed the idea for MindUP in 2003, hoping to teach children how their brains work. One of the programs they teach includes three “brain breaks” per day in the classroom to help children calm down and ensure a productive and happy environment.

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Hawn’s quick advice for any parents, kids, and anyone else out there struggling with mountains of stress? Just breathe! Breathe deeply through your nose and focus on your breath throughout the day as it changes your brain for the better and helps you deal with any stressors that inevitably arise. What do you think of MindUP?