Mindful Moments Blog

a calm parent kneeling to connect with a strong-willed toddler,

6 Simple Ways To Diffuse Power Struggles With Your Toddler

by Ashley Patek

We cannot raise independent, assertive, and strong-willed adults if we force them to be passive, pliable, and obedient children. Here are 6 connection-based ways to diffuse and decrease power struggles in your home!

Emotional Education Helps Woman Finds Self-Love After Childhood Accident

by Guest Author

After being in a traumatic accident, I viewed the world differently than every other eleven-year-old. My brain didn’t adapt as well as my body, and I wondered, "What's wrong with me?" Then, I found the one thing that was lacking in my childhood: emotional education. Here's my journey.

Meltdowns Develop Your Child's Brain When Met With Connection; Punishment Doesn't Work

by Ashley Patek

Toddlers are one of the most authentic creatures on the planet, and also, arguably, the most misunderstood. On the surface, we see meltdowns, defiance, and limit testing. But there’s so much more than what meets the eye.

5 Connection-Based Ways To Support Your Child Through Shyness

by Guest Author

Does your child seem slow to warm up or hesitant to jump into social situations? Here are 5 connection-based ways to support them through shyness (without muting their intuition or muddling their self-concept).

a parent calmly kneeling and offering a sturdy, comforting presence to an upset young

When Your Child Says "I Hate You!"

by Guest Author

When your child says “I hate you!” you might find yourself getting defensive or you may feel the urge to assert control over the situation. The key to getting to the root of the challenge is to look beyond the hurtful words to figure out what’s going on for them emotionally. What are they really saying?

Using A Feelings Chart To Teach Emotions

by Ashley Patek

If you feel like you are learning about emotional regulation right alongside your child, it’s because, very likely, you are. Here's how to use a feelings chart to teach your kids (and yourself) about emotions and calming strategies to decrease tantrums and nurture emotional intelligence.

It’s Development, Not Defiance

by Rebecca Eanes

We are so accustomed to parenting being a struggle. We expect it. We deal with it. We fight back and forth for control. But what if I told you that their behavior was not defiance but development. Here are 3 tools to help your child grow their emotional regulation and impulse control muscles.

Wholeheartedly Accepting and Supporting Neurodiverse Families

by Ashley Patek

What is neurodiversity and how do we move from awareness to acceptance to advocating for in small everyday moments?

Mom kneeling to talk with her little boy, with a heart and speech bubble beside them

Three Words Our Kids Need To Hear

by Ashley Patek

Looking to decrease power struggles, meltdowns, and "defiance"? These are the three words that your child needs to hear.

I Am Not Mad. I Am Feeling Mad. And There Is A Difference.

by Ashley Patek

Our identity is not the way we feel. The way we feel is a state of being. Here's why that's important (spoiler alert - it affects your child's brain development), and strategies for adults and children to balance their emotions.

The Battle Between Positive and Negative Reinforcement

by Traci Esposito

We parents have long searched for a solution when it comes to behavior modification, asking ourselves, which is more effective, positive or negative reinforcement? We have the scoop here.

Quit Pathologizing Children’s Stress

by Ashley Patek

Research has shown that children who feel unsafe and disconnected cannot learn. Why is this and what can we do as parents and educators?

8 Annoying Things Your Kids Do That Grow Their Brain

by Ashley Patek

You know those challenging behaviors from your children that drive you nuts and leave you scratching your head? Turns out they actually grow the brain. Here's how.

Sixteen-Year-Old's Poem on Being A Man Challenges Definitions of Masculinity

by Ashley Patek

Sixteen-year-old Simar Singh shares his poem "How To Be A Man" to shine light on what happens when we tell young boys it is wrong, unsafe, and weak to feel. He challenges the socially constructed notions attached to manhood to change the narrative while raising awareness about mental disorders, especially depression.

The Importance Of An Apology To A Child's Self-Worth

by Ashley Patek

When we choose image maintenance over connection, we actually hurt our relationship with our children. Here's why apologizing to our children is one of the most important things we can do.

The Balancing Act: Mastering Life's Challenges with Adult ADHD

by Ashley Martin

The symptoms and challenges of ADHD in adults can be formidable, but they need not define our journey. By acknowledging our unique strengths, finding balance, and learning to manage our symptoms, we pave the way for a fulfilling and successful life.

Mom and daughter sitting back to back in calm poses, with a heart icon beside them

What Happens When We Say, “You Hurt My Feelings” To Our Kids

by Ashley Patek

When we say things like "You hurt my feelings" or "You make me so mad", we send messages to our children that they are responsible for our feelings. Learn the truth about feelings, how to overcome childhood adaptations, and what to say instead.

Holiday Survival Guide For Parents: Managing Your Child's Meltdowns

by Ashley Patek

Here are some reasons why toddlers meltdown more during the holiday season followed by some easy tips to help regulate their environment and their moods.

Time-Outs Affect The Developing Brain

by Guest Author

Separation-based techniques, like the popular time-out approach, use what children care most about against them.

Mother comforting her highly sensitive teenage son during an emotional moment, illustrating parental support, empathy, and teen mental health.

Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child Gain Confidence

by Rebecca Eanes

When our children are highly sensitive, rejection and criticism hurt more deeply. They get embarrassed easily and have strong emotional reactions, which can make them the target for bullying. Here are 5 tools to boost your child's confidence.