Mindful Moments Blog

5 Parenting Hacks For Getting Through A Day With Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Parenting Hacks For Getting Through A Day With Kids

by Ashley Patek
Looking to make it through the day without yelling, power struggles or the dreaded parenting guilt? Stop what you're doing and check out these 5 simple (and effective) parenting hacks!
Sometimes Our Kids Just Want Us To Listen: 3 Tools For Connected Parenting

Mindful Moments Blog

Sometimes Our Kids Just Want Us To Listen: 3 Tools For Connected Parenting

by Ashley Patek
These tools are invitations for you to show up to your child’s wants and needs with curiosity instead of immediately throwing down the hammer with a rebuttal. Because maybe they do want that thing they are mentioning, or maybe they are just sharing with you their heart, and their only real ask is that you listen.
The Trap of Conventional Discipline

Mindful Moments Blog

Conventional Discipline Doesn't Align With Child Development. Here's What To Do Instead.

by Rebecca Eanes
As well-meaning parents, we second-guess ourselves instead of trusting our inner wisdom. We often feel the pressure to raise a “good” kid and be a “good” parent, and thus fall into the trap of conventional parenting. Here's how to escape the cycle. 
I'm Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed Mom.

Mindful Moments Blog

I Am Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed Mom.

by Ashley Patek
We aren’t angry parents. We are just parents with unmet needs, lagging skills, and lots of overwhelm - both sensorially and emotionally. Here is the one real solution. 
Hey Mama, I Know You Cried Today

Mindful Moments Blog

Hey Mama, I Know You Cried Today

by Rebecca Eanes
Motherhood. Nothing brings us more elated joy or crushing heartache. The good news is, you’re up for it. You can handle every up and down, every tear and every grin, because you were chosen for it. You being her mama is not an accident. 
School Culture Affects Black Student Achievement

Mindful Moments Blog

School Culture Affects Black Student Achievement

by Selina Armstrong
As students prepare to return to school this fall, there are many things for parents and educators to consider. We are still in the midst of a pandemic and living in an environment where racial disparities are being brought to the forefront where they can no longer be swept under the rug to be ignored, tolerated, or forgotten.  
Ask Andrew: Grandparenting

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Grandparenting

by Andrew Patterson
Andrew answers today's question: How can I, as the grandmother of a diagnosed five-year-old grandson be a solid support to him and his parents? I live in CA and they live in AZ.
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
"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.
Can You Spoil A Baby?

Mindful Moments Blog

You Can't Spoil A Baby With Your Love

by Ashley Patek
Keep holding them. Keep tending to their needs. Keep doing what feels right. It is impossible for you to spoil them with love. 
I Have More Patience With My Kids Than I Do My Partner. Is That Wrong?

Mindful Moments Blog

I Have More Patience With My Kids Than I Do My Partner. Is That Wrong?

by Ashley Patek
My patience threshold for my children far outweighs that for my husband. Here's why, and how my husband and I found a way to reconnect. 
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)
Resilient-Informed Care Removes Stigma From Trauma

Mindful Moments Blog

Resilient-Informed Care Removes Stigma From Trauma

by Ashley Patek
When we label those with adverse experiences as “traumatized” we can create a stigma that there is something to fix, which shadows the wholeness of the individual. The resilience-informed approach is a strength-based framework that shifts the question of “What happened to you?” as seen in a trauma-informed approach to “What is right within you?” Here are 3 ways to mindfully become more resilient after trauma. 
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.
Three Ways To Stop Misbehavior

Mindful Moments Blog

Three Ways To Stop Misbehavior

by Rebecca Eanes
When time-outs didn't work, this mom turned to three things, and it stopped her child's misbehavior.
Collecting Moments Watching Our Toddlers Grow Into Teens

Mindful Moments Blog

Collecting Moments Watching Our Toddlers Grow Into Teens

by Rebecca Eanes
One mama urges, "Bring awareness to your moments. Collect them even though most of them will eventually fade away and be forgotten, because each one leaves its mark. And even when the mind can no longer recall it, it doesn’t matter because that moment has become you."
Holiday gift giving

Mindful Moments Blog

7 Meaningful Gifts for 2020

by Guest Author
Rather than gifting toys this holiday that will likely find their way to the bottom of the toy bin, give the children on your list meaningful memories instead. Here are seven connection-based gift ideas for ages one and up that we love for the holidays and all year long.
Ask Andrew: Finding Ways To Motivate

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Finding Ways To Motivate

by Andrew Patterson
Andrew answers today's question: I am working with a family that struggles to motivate their son to practice the application of new skills. Any advice on how to discuss the importance of things or improve motivation? This kiddo is highly intelligent and strong-willed.