Research & Impact by Mindfully Growing
Mindfully Growing is reshaping how young children, families, and educators approach nutrition and emotional well-being. With research-grounded curriculum, collaborative community partnerships, and evidence-based methods, we are cultivating pathways to lifelong health and resilience.
Our Program Reach
We created the Mindfully Growing program to promote healthy lifestyle choices and eating habits for children across the country.
Mindfully Growing Podcasts
Selected Research Publications
Our work contributes to the growing body of evidence on mindfulness, nutrition education, and child development.
Razza, R., & Brann, L. (2025).
Integrating Social Emotional Learning, mindfulness, and nutrition education into curricula to promote self-regulation and healthy eating behaviors among preschoolers. Social and Emotional Learning: Research, Practice, and Policy, 5, 100081.
Brann, L. S., Razza, R. A., & Smith, C. S. (2024).
The feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a mindfulness intervention on preschooler’s executive function and eating behaviors. Early Education and Development, 35(2), 395-412.
Razza, R. A., Linsner, R. U., Bergen-Cico, D., Carlson, E., & Reid, S. (2020).
The feasibility and effectiveness of mindful yoga for preschoolers exposed to high levels of trauma. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 29(1), 82-93.
Razza, R. A., Bergen-Cico, D., & Raymond, K. (2015).
Enhancing preschoolers’ self- regulation via mindful yoga. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(2), 372-385.
Conference Presentations & Workshops
We share our findings and collaborate with educators and families at national and international venues.
Workshops
Brann, L., & Razza, R. (November 2023).
Mindfully Growing: Engaging young children, childcare providers, and parents in healthy eating behaviors and holistic feeding practices.
Workshop presented at the NAEYC Annual Conference, Nashville, TN.
Razza, R. A.
Mindfulness goes to school: Simple ways to integrate child-focused practices in ECE classrooms
SUNY Early Care & Education Conference, Saratoga, NY, May 31-June 2, 2023.
Featured Presentations
Brann, L., Razza, R., & Davis, K. (2025, October).
Mindfully Growing: Feasibility and acceptability of a parent-inclusive mindful eating program.
Poster presented at the 2025 Food & Nutrition Conference and Expo, Nashville, TN. | View Poster
Davis, K., Razza, R., Brann, L., Wang, X., Pepper, R., Lazarus, L., & Gonzalez, Q. (April 2025).
Nourishing Families: Parents as Partners in a Mindful Eating Intervention for Preschool Children.
Flash talk at Mindful Families, Schools, and Communities Pre-Conference, Society for Research in Child Development, Minneapolis, MN. | View Presentation
Davis, K., Razza, R., & Brann, L. (June 2024).
Cultivating self-regulation and healthy food intake: A novel mindful eating intervention for children and their caregivers.
Poster presented at the International Congress of Nutrition and Dietetics, Toronto, Canada. | View Poster
Razza, R., & Brann, L. (October 2023).
Parent and Teacher Assessment of a Mindful Eating Intervention for Preschoolers.
Flash talk at the Mindfulness, Self-Compassion, and Family Well-Being Conference, Seattle, WA. | View Presentation
Razza, R., Brann, L., Smith, C., Waters, A., & Kearns, K. G. (November 2022).
Cultivating Self-regulation and Healthy Food Intake: A Novel Mindful Eating Intervention for Children and Their Caregivers.
Poster presented at the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, DC. | View Poster
Funding and Support
Our work is supported by organizations committed to child health, equity, and community engagement.
MetLife Foundation through Syracuse University’s Lender Center for Social Justice
Nourishing Families: Parents as Partners in the Alignment of a Mindful Eating Intervention to meet the Needs of Low-Income and Marginalized Families with Young Children
Engaged Humanities Network, Syracuse University College of Arts and Sciences
Supporting the sustainability and expansion of the Mindfully Growing curriculum
Pediatric Nutrition Practice Group, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Nourishing Families: Parents as Partners in the Alignment of a Mindful Eating Intervention to meet the Needs of Low-Income and Marginalized Families with Young Children
CUSE Grant, Syracuse University
Nourishing Families: Parents as Partners in the Alignment of a Mindful Eating Intervention to meet the Needs of Low-Income and Marginalized Families with Young Children
Program Partners
We have been fortunate to partner with educators, parents, and children in shaping our program. The voices and experiences of families and early childhood professionals guide our work and ensure that Mindfully Growing meets the real needs of communities.
Community Partners
Family Partners
We are grateful to the parents and caregivers who have participated in focus groups, workshops, and lesson feedback sessions. Your insights have been essential in making Mindfully Growing relevant, accessible, and effective for diverse families.
Our Youngest Partners
The children who participate in Mindfully Growing lessons inspire us daily with their curiosity, openness, and willingness to try new foods and practices. This program exists because of you and for you.
Mindfully Growing Partners with Your Community of Families
Mindfully Growing works with leaders and educators in your local community to create a thriving and engaging environment for preschool children.
Join the Mindfully Growing Community to Help Us Expand
We’re always looking for those who want to contribute to our mission of expanding healthy activities and eating habits to children. Let’s talk about how you can help give children the bright and healthy future they deserve.
Latest News & Announcements
Celebrating National Nutrition Month: Discover the Power of Nutrition!
Welcome to Mindfully Growing
Get Helpful Educational Resources for Preschool Teachers and Families
Mindfully Growing provides an ever-expanding collection of resources to help both preschool educators and families find engaging the most relevant materials to help children.