For Shantelle Jammaz, mindfulness isn’t just an adult skill — it’s something the kids can do too. While many adults connected with mental health resources during the pandemic, Jammaz noticed that children’s choices were lacking or non-existent. After having her two daughters back-to-back over the chaotic COVID years, she says started a “hunt for something that I don’t really believe existed.”
So, in January 2023, Jammaz launched Alberta Press & Paper, offering mindfulness products specifically developed for kids. Jammaz wanted to make something she knew her kids would love, but her design is also informed by what she learned during her Bachelor’s of Child and Youth Care and her time working in the field. With these products, Jammaz has tried to “create open-ended easily accessible tools to help children and youth connect to themselves and also with a safe and loving adult.”
The flagship item, My First Journal, is suitable for kids aged 3-10. It provides 90 days’ worth of entries with 30 curated questions centred around mindfulness, gratuity, and what Jammaz calls “intentional connection.” There is also room for kids to practice writing skills and be creative with double-spaced lines and drawing sections.
While many have opted for digital apps as their go-to mindfulness tools, Jammaz sought for a paper-only solution to her problem. “At such a young age, [children] really will grasp hold of hold of concepts more if it’s something that’s physically right there for them.”
According to Jammaz, these tangible items help kids get into more of a “zone” and create less risk of them becoming overstimulated by flashing lights and images from a screen.
The products are therapeutic, but making them has also been a creative outlet that helps Jammaz get out of “mom zone” and lets her focus on her passion. And then, after less than a year of putting together her first products, Jammaz says it felt surreal when she finally held the first journal in her hands.
“Each step for me is such a milestone and something that’s really exciting for me.”
In addition to its online store, Alberta Press & Paper can be found at all four locations of the Makers’ Keep retail stores and The Fourth at Southgate Mall. Jammaz says more Alberta Press & Paper is coming, and a second journal is already in development.
Explore cards, journals, posters and more at albertapress.ca
This content was produced to support the Edmonton Made community. It is not written by and does not necessarily reflect the views of Edify staff.
