Why Mental Resilience Is Crucial for Children, According to Education Expert Prof. Nina Kolleck

Education researcher Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck explains how apps like Super Chill can offer an easy entry into mindfulness practices – and what science says about relaxation for children.

Too much, too soon: Why kids today experience more stress than ever

Children today face stress at an early age – from academic pressure, constant digital stimuli, global crises, and emotional uncertainty. Relaxation tools, such as Super Chill, aim to address this.

“The first years of life are crucial for building resilience later in life,”

says Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck, Professor of Education and Socialization Theory at the University of Potsdam.

Prof. Dr. Nina Kolleck, Professor of Education and Socialization Theory, University of Potsdam

“When kids learn to meditate or relax early on, it becomes easier for them to integrate these techniques into their daily lives as adults,” she explains. Science calls this neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to change permanently through experience and practice.

The best part: you don’t need to be a mindfulness expert to get started. Apps and digital tools can offer families low-barrier access to mindfulness practices, supporting children’s mental resilience when paired with digital education, says Kolleck. “We don’t have to be yoga teachers to try a few exercises with our kids.” Apps like Super Chill are designed to make this possible, accessible, kid-friendly, and effective from day one.

Small rituals, big impact – confirmed by studies

What may feel like play in daily life is strongly supported by science. Nina Kolleck elaborates:
“We clearly know from research that regular relaxation practices have strong effects on mental health, anxiety, worry, and even physical health.”
Studies show that kids who regularly practice mindfulness experience fewer concentration issues or sleep problems, and often perform better in school.

In the long term, Kolleck notes, relaxation also improves physical well-being: people who unwind regularly are proven to live longer, healthier lives.

Super Chill as a bridge between parents, kids, and schools

Super Chill doesn’t just support families at home – Kolleck sees major potential in schools too:
“In school, we have a chance to reach every child and show them the strength they already have inside.”
Breathing exercises and emotional reflection can be easily integrated into school routines as a complement to traditional academic content.

Many families report how Super Chill has transformed their daily lives – from fewer arguments to better sleep. You can read more personal experiences in our feature on Super Chill in family life: How simple rituals ease daily life

“When I’m angry or sad, I do an exercise and it usually makes me feel better.”
– Máxima, age 11

At the same time, using the app together strengthens the parent-child bond. The goal: children feel seen, heard, and learn to face challenges with confidence.

Why Super Chill is a foundation – and why that matters

Super Chill isn’t a commercial platform, but a non-profit foundation with a clear mission: making mental health accessible for all kids. Founder Niki Schilling puts it simply:

“Super Chill is a non-profit, so it can remain completely neutral. The app is free, so every child can join in.”
– Niki Schilling

Niki Schilling is not only Chief Impact Officer at Rituals, but also a certified yoga teacher and mother of two. Her personal drive: to teach children from an early age what she herself had to learn the hard way as an adult – how to manage emotions. For her, it’s not about technology, but true impact.

“The app isn’t the goal. It’s just a tool – and eventually, you don’t need it anymore.”
– Niki Schilling

“At first, you need the app to learn. But once you know the exercises, you don’t need it as much.”
– Linus, Niki’s son

The fact that she created an accessible, ad-free offer instead of launching a commercial product fills her with pride and hope:

“I’m proud that with Super Chill we’re reaching so many families – and maybe making the world a little better.”
– Niki Schilling

Explore more about Super Chill

This story is part of a series about Super Chill – a non-profit project helping kids better manage big emotions. Discover more:

How Super Chill strengthens families: Real stories and experiences from parents and kids.

Meet the founder: Why Niki Schilling created Super Chill.

Want your child to handle stress better and fall asleep more easily?

Then download Super Chill now – the free, ad-free app with exercises for more calm, focus, and inner strength.