As a mother and advocate for early childhood education, I am constantly reminded of the importance of helping our children develop a love for reading from an early age. Early literacy not only prepares children for academic success—it lays the groundwork for emotional intelligence and social skills. But what if we could enrich this journey even further by focusing on language inclusivity, mindfulness, and family connection? At Clicli and Phi, a company I created as a celebration of my twins, I am passionate about developing books and resources that speak directly to children’s hearts, especially in Spanish, and help families become more present and connected.
Why Books? Reading helps young children understand the world around them, broadens their vocabulary, and fosters an intrinsic curiosity that makes learning enjoyable. When children see themselves reflected in the stories they read—especially in their native language—they feel a deeper connection to their cultural roots, a sense of pride, and belonging. For me, what started as an idea to represent my daughter’s life and help my son navigate her loss became a mission to encourage parents to slow down, read with their children, explore nature together, and nurture those fleeting moments of childhood. Clicli and Phi has evolved from offering books to creating family experiences, from a safe space for parents to discuss raising children, to family yoga classes, nature walks with a local botanist, and even baking and reading classes. This community has grown more than I could have ever imagined.
My first published book wasEl Astronauta Hace Yoga. When I wrote it, my then two-year-old was obsessed with rockets, astronauts, and space. He could recite the planets before he could count to five, and I took that interest and turned it into a mindfulness practice. Little did I know that so many other kids would also benefit from it. While mindfulness is often considered an adult practice, it’s also a powerful tool for children’s mental and emotional development. At its core, mindfulness is about being present, acknowledging our thoughts and feelings, and managing our responses with kindness and patience. By practicing mindfulness, children learn to understand and control their emotions, which in turn helps them focus, build resilience, and develop a positive sense of self.
Mindfulness practices can be woven into family reading times to enhance a child’s experience. At Clicli and Phi, our stories often incorporate mindful elements, encouraging children to pause, breathe, and reflect. These moments of calm help children build a toolkit for dealing with stress, anxiety and even grief—a gift that lasts a lifetime.
The journey of early literacy and mindfulness is not one that children take alone—it’s a path best walked together as a family. In today’s fast-paced world, finding meaningful moments to connect with our children can be challenging, but these moments are more valuable than ever. Reading together not only builds literacy skills but also strengthens family bonds.
My mission at Clicli and Phi is to inspire a generation of children who are not only literate but emotionally intelligent, culturally aware, and connected to their families. In the end, it is these values—love for learning, mindfulness, and family bonds—that will shape the future.