Mindful Moments Blog

clingy child

Mindful Moments Blog

My Child Is Clingy. Am I Doing It Wrong?

by Ashley Patek on Jul 02 2020
Your child is clingy, seems to be experiencing separation anxiety and is consistently acting out whenever you leave them, even if just to try to pee alone. Are you doing something wrong as a parent? Not even a little. Here's why.
Thank You: A Father’s Day Poem

Mindful Moments Blog

Thank You: A Father’s Day Poem

by Guest Author on Jun 20 2020
This mama writes a poem to her husband as she navigates her baby blues, teary eyes, breastfeeding, and raw limits.
Father and son on the couch

Mindful Moments Blog

Fathers Raising Boys That Feel Safe To Feel

by Ashley Patek on Jun 16 2020
My husband grew up in a home where the men mostly ran away or shut down when it came to emotions, and when he became a father himself, he was determined to break the cycle. This is how he did it. 
Six Ways To Intentionally Raise Kind Children

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Six Ways To Intentionally Raise Kind Children

by Ashley Patek on Jun 09 2020
Research shows that when we shame, blame, and guilt children into kindness, or, quite the opposite, when we dangle carrots (aka external rewards) for caring, children begin to view kindness as a chore rather than a choice. So how do we teach kindness? Read more.
Two children swimming in a pool

Mindful Moments Blog

60 Ideas For Summer "Staying Home" Family Fun

by Ashley Patek on May 20 2020
As the school year comes to a close, many are wondering what summer will look like. Here are 60 activities you'll want to add to your family's bucket list.
Move Your Body, Move Your Emotions 

Mindful Moments Blog

Move Your Body, Move Your Emotions 

by Ashley Patek on May 18 2020
Research has shown that dance has social-emotional benefits. When we communicate with our bodies, we are not expected to make sense of things. We just move, and this movement taps into deeper, more primal feelings. Read more. 
Woman writing a letter

Mindful Moments Blog

An Open Letter To My Child's Teacher

by Ashley Patek on May 11 2020
For months, every morning, I sent my child off to school to be in your care. I entrusted you with my heart as he walked into your classroom. I handed him off to you, woman to woman, knowing that for the next several hours, it would be you that he looked up to, watched, and absorbed. Now, here we are, in this unusual time of staying home. He no longer takes a seat in your classroom, yet he is still in your class. 
A Mother’s Love: I Hope You Always Know

Mindful Moments Blog

A Mother’s Love: I Hope You Always Know

by Guest Author on May 09 2020
A mother shares her perspective of Motherhood. No matter the doubt, or her questions of being enough, there is one thing she knows for sure, "despite all my questions, my immeasurable love for you is not one of them."
You Are My Reason: A Mother's Poem For Her Daughter

Mindful Moments Blog

You Are My Reason: A Mother's Poem For Her Daughter

by Guest Author on May 06 2020
"Even though you are the reason I wake through the night, you are the reason I wake in the morning." A sleep-deprived mother's poem to her baby girl.
National Nurses Day

Mindful Moments Blog

National Nurses Day: Celebrating A Work Of Heart

by Ashley Patek on May 05 2020
National Nurses Day is celebrated annually on May 6th, providing an opportunity to thank nurses for the contributions they offer daily to serve the health and well-being of others, and to educate the public about the important role nurses play in our lives. 
Mother's Day

Mindful Moments Blog

15 Ways To Make This Mother’s Day A Day To Remember

by Ashley Patek on May 01 2020
With families staying home due to social distancing, we created a list of 15 unique ways to bring connection to this year's Mother's Day.
Social Distancing Impact on Children

Mindful Moments Blog

Social Distancing Impact on Children

by Ashley Patek on Apr 27 2020
We share parents' top concerns and frustrations about their children’s behaviors during this time of staying home, and tools for navigating regression and other stress responses.
Man giving to a homeless man

Mindful Moments Blog

Homeless Families In The Age Of The Coronavirus

by Ashley Patek on Apr 22 2020
Read about how the coronavirus is affecting the homeless population and what we can do to help.
Forced homeschooling due to COVID-19

Mindful Moments Blog

4 Guiding Principles for Parents Teaching From Home

by Alex Petrou on Apr 15 2020
Four tips to help parents create meaningful and effective in-home learning opportunities during the pandemic.
How to handle sibling rivalry during quarantine

Mindful Moments Blog

How to Handle Sibling Rivalry During Quarantine

by Ashley Patek on Apr 09 2020
In a time of social distancing, tension can elevate between siblings. These 7 tips can help to tame sibling rivalry during quarantine.
To the Single Mamas and Papas During the Coronavirus

Mindful Moments Blog

To the Single Mamas and Papas During the Coronavirus

by Ashley Patek on Apr 05 2020
Parenthood is hard, especially during these unique times of social distancing, quarantine, forced homeschooling, wiping down our groceries, etc. To our single parent friends, we see you, we celebrate you, and we have got your back! 
Little girl in her Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

Positive Affirmations are Helping Kids

by Ashley Patek on Mar 26 2020
These printable mantra bracelets are a great way for parents to share comforting and empowering mantras with children as young as age two on up. Because when we feel worthy and loved, we respond as if we are worthy and loved. And when we feel powerless and not enough, we respond as if we are powerless and not enough.
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 on Mar 05 2020
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.
The Gift Of Life And One Mama's Fight For Her Son

Mindful Moments Blog

The Gift Of Life And One Mama's Fight For Her Son

by Ashley Patek on Dec 09 2019
A mother's devotion to finding a cure for her son's rare kidney disease and to helping him manage his big feelings along the way.
Child reading a book in classroom's Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

Preschool Teacher Creates Calming Corner to Teach Students About Emotions

by Ashley Patek on Nov 26 2019
In a nook in the back near the teacher’s desk, a cozy, safe place exists. It is a place to explore feelings. A place to regulate. A place to take a break and just be. Welcome to Emily Brown’s preschool classroom. Emily is a teacher dedicated to helping her students learn about, notice and practice their emotions.