Mindful Moments Blog

Toddlers And Meltdowns And Brain Development, Oh My!

Mindful Moments Blog

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.
A Parent's Guide: Meditate With Toddlers And Teens To Improve Emotional Intelligence And Resilience

Mindful Moments Blog

A Parent's Guide: Meditate With Toddlers And Teens To Improve Emotional Intelligence And Resilience

by Ashley Patek
Even though today’s kids exhibit elevated levels of restlessness, stress, and anxiety, only 1.6% of children in the U.S. meditate. Here are the benefits of meditation on the developing brain and how parents can practice meditation with kids at every age. 
6 Ways To Deal With A Public Tantrum (Or Prevent Them Altogether)

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Ways To Deal With A Public Tantrum (Or Prevent Them Altogether)

by Ashley Patek
A public tantrum doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker, but rather a learning moment in the broad scope of a day together. We can let children know with our words and actions that, wherever we are, emotions are safe to feel. Sometimes we can decrease the likelihood of a meltdown. Here are six helpful factors to consider:
Re-Parenting Yourself As You Parent Your Child

Mindful Moments Blog

Re-Parenting Yourself As You Parent Your Child

by Guest Author
Remember, there is a little one wanting to be parented inside of you, too.  
Quit Pathologizing Children’s Stress

Mindful Moments Blog

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? 
The Ultimate Guide To Building A Calming Corner And Using Time-Ins At Home

Mindful Moments Blog

The Ultimate Guide To Building A Calming Corner And Using Time-Ins At Home

by Ashley Patek
How do you say goodbye to time-outs and introduce time-ins? This is the ultimate guide on the do's and don'ts for building and using a Calming Corner.
When Your Child Fears The Coronavirus: 8 Tips for Taming Anxiety

Mindful Moments Blog

When Your Child Fears The Coronavirus: 8 Tips for Taming Anxiety

by Ashley Patek
As a parent, what do you do when your child has fears that feel out of their control - things like viral outbreaks and global warming? Learn 8 tips for taming fears and anxieties through connection.
De-escalation Strategies For Jingled Out Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

De-escalation Strategies For Jingled Out Kids

by Rebecca Eanes
December is a sensory-overload kind of month. It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s flashy. For a lot of kids, it can be so overwhelming that they may just jingle all the way to a meltdown. For this reason, it’s good to have a few de-escalation strategies in mind. Here are 5. 
I'm Too Stressed To Handle My Child's Meltdowns

Mindful Moments Blog

I'm Too Stressed To Handle My Child's Meltdowns

by Suzanne Tucker
My own emotional capacity is on E, and it makes it super hard to be emotionally available for my child during his big emotions. What do I do?
Why Does My Child Meltdown After School And What Can I Do?

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Does My Child Meltdown After School & What Can I Do?

by Ashley Patek
So often parents report, "My kids are so put together at school and then they get home and are a total mess." Why does this happen and what can parents do to help their children regulate? (We offer 8 ideas)
Does Self-Care Feel Like A Chore?

Mindful Moments Blog

Does Self-Care Feel Like A Chore?

by Ashley Patek
Empowerment self-care is when we can be with the current moment with joy and ease, noticing how we feel and asking ourselves, “What is it that I want and need, and how do I make that happen?” Here's how to listen to your sensory body and 5 simple self-care breaks for you and your child.
Teaching Your Child How To Be Mad

Mindful Moments Blog

Teaching Your Child How To Be Mad

by Ashley Patek
It’s not about teaching our children not to be mad, sad, or frustrated. It’s about teaching them how to be mad, sad, and frustrated. Rather than teaching them to suppress or bottle their emotions, we can empower our children to move through them in healthy ways. Here's how. 
5 Calming Strategies To Do With Your Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Calming Strategies To Do With Your Kids

by Ashley Patek
We’ve all been there before, face to face with our child, locking horns, emotions escalating (both yours and theirs). What do you do? Here are 5 calming strategies to do with your child to bridge the gap from being at odds to being on the same team.
3 Ways Parenting Can Heal Your Childhood Wounds

Mindful Moments Blog

3 Ways Parenting Can Heal Your Childhood Wounds

by Guest Author
When our own childhood contained stress and trauma, the developmentally-appropriate behaviors of our children can be a big trigger. Here are 3 ways to heal your childhood wounds through parenting. 
I’ve Never Grounded My Teenager - Here’s Why

Mindful Moments Blog

I’ve Never Grounded My Teenager - Here’s Why

by Rebecca Eanes
In our culture, we are accustomed to training children through pain. We are fooled into thinking it’s good because it works, but it only works for a short time, and the reason it works is heartbreaking. Here's what to do instead of punishment.
Post gone viral

Mindful Moments Blog

Who Needs a Laugh?

by Ashley Patek
In the face of COVID-19, Generation Mindful spreads some light-hearted humor with a post for parents that went viral.
Helping Your Child With The Tough Transition Back To School

Mindful Moments Blog

Helping Your Child With The Tough Transition Back To School

by Ashley Patek
Children bring so many different emotions to the first week of school: excitement and anticipation, fear and wonder. The change may lead to increased meltdowns and/or regressions. Make the transition less overwhelming with these 5 tools. 
Video Of Trader Joe's Employees Singing And Dancing To Stop Toddler Tantrum Goes Viral

Mindful Moments Blog

Video Of Trader Joe's Employees Singing And Dancing To Stop Toddler Tantrum Goes Viral

by Ashley Patek
When this toddler had a meltdown at checkout, these Winter Park, Florida Trader Joe's employees jumped into action with an impromptu dance party. The video goes viral. 
Santa's 'Naughty List' Has Been Canceled This Holiday Season

Mindful Moments Blog

Santa's 'Naughty List' Has Been Canceled This Holiday Season

by Ashley Patek
The holiday season is meant to be a magical time, but often it is used as leverage to control a child’s behavior. We have a real opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Here's how.