Mind Body Bedtime

12/18/2025

I don’t usually stop to celebrate myself…
but today I am. ✨

I’ve written a handful of books rooted in calm, connection, and love:

📖 Mind, Body, Bedtime — peaceful games to help kids wind down
📚 Mind, Body, Classroom — mindfulness for preschool through grade 5
💫 Big Is Small — a bedtime hug in book form, about safety in the world
🐾 Except for Thomas — a love story between a woman and her mischievous dog… and how that mischief saves the day

I write books that are thoughtful, gentle, and connecting.
If you’re looking for meaningful holiday or Christmas gifts, they’re all at
👉 mindbodybedtime.com



MindfulParenting
BedtimeRoutine

11/12/2025

I'm honored to be speaking again this year at the National Head Start Association Conference of Family Engagement! Do what you can, big or small, to support families in your community.

✨ Mind Body Bedtime magic awaits! ✨
Susanne Benton, Founder of Susanne Benton Ventures, LLC, will lead a 90-minute interactive play session modeling the beauty and benefits of peaceful bedtime connections. Make a magic wand, write a simple bedtime story, and explore healing color exercises!

Join the Parent and Family Engagement Conference to discover how easeful games restore the nervous system and create cohesive narratives for children. Fill your family toolkit with strategies that support transitions and bring your inner child to this playful, transformative experience.

BONUS: Receive a free book of peaceful games to take home!

Don’t miss out on the learning and collaboration.

Join us December 8-11, 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

Register here: https://nhsa.org/conference/parent-and-family-engagement-conference/

11/04/2025

Thomas is ready for storytime. Are you?- https://mailchi.mp/mindbodybedtime/except-for-thomas-available-now

10/09/2025

Ama loves Thomas even though his default mode is
troublemaker:
digging up the garden,
stealing snacks from the counter,
escaping and chasing deer like it’s his full time job.

Thomas’s antics frustrate Ama, but one night, it’s
those very antics that save her.

His paws maybe be full of mud, but his heart is full of
love.
If you’ve ever been frustrated by the ones you love-
this book is for you
(Watch for it on Amazon - October 20th!)

10/03/2025

Introducing... Thomas! - https://mailchi.mp/mindbodybedtime/introducing-thomas
His muddy paws will surely leave a print on your heart.
Find out how my new picture book "Except for Thomas" came to be.

09/30/2025

My new picture book is a love story about Ama and Thomas. Check it out on Amazon on October 20th!

Who is Ama? She's my mom. (Her grandchildren call her Ama).
She doesn't bake bread. She doesn’t bake cookies.
She plants trees. She eradicates invasive plant species. She tends her woods and prairie in Southwestern Wisconsin. Why? So animals can enjoy it. And so people can visit and learn about nature.
She builds trails and chops wood. Everything is cared for and in its place… everything except for Thomas... who finds mischief around every corner...

09/25/2025

Story by Susanne.
Illustration by Helena.
Magic by both.

We’re a power team of creativity and imagination—with a shared love of storytelling that’s playful, tender, and deeply human (and canine!).
Except for Thomas was built from real love and real mud, and together we shaped it into something gentle, joyful, and just a little wild.

Follow along to see how our collaboration turned into a picture book filled with heart.

09/21/2025

“Except for Thomas” is almost here! It’s for the big hearted mischief makers.

09/17/2025

“I was trying to show up with love… but I was running on empty.”

Sound familiar?

This one-page Energy Edit helps you check in with your energy, your needs, and your nervous system — in just 2 minutes a day.
It’s a simple practice, but it changes everything:
Notice when you’re resourced or depleted
Understand what’s triggering your stress
Set an intention instead of spiraling
End your day with self-compassion, not self-criticism

Download your free printable journal page today — and join me next Thursday for the Free Energy Equation Workshop if you’re ready to feel more grounded and connected as a parent.
Link to free download in comments

09/07/2025

What do I need to feel cared for right now?

When I first asked that question, it changed how I showed up as a parent.
(The answer was often to take a walk-even in the rain)
Join me to explore more questions that empower your parenting.

📆 Free Workshop: The Energy Equation
Learn how your resources, triggers, and intentions shape your parenting energy.

👣 This isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing what’s going on within you.

RSVP here or in the link in my bio
: https://mailchi.mp/6278ebcbc010/energy-equation-free-workshop