Mindful Moments Blog

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.  
Determination May Feel Unpleasant, And It's Useful

Mindful Moments Blog

Determination May Feel Unpleasant, And It's Useful

by Ashley Patek
Determination isn't a bad emotion. It is an informative one. And while determination isn’t necessarily a pleasant sensation in the body, it is an important edge that brings about resilience and grit.
Do I Need a Parenting Coach?

Mindful Moments Blog

Do I Need A Parenting Coach?

by Rebecca Eanes
Are you feeling overwhelmed by parenting lately? Perhaps a bit lost? It’s no secret that this parenting gig is tricky. Here are some reasons why you may benefit from a parenting coach.
The Battle Between Positive and Negative Reinforcement

Mindful Moments Blog

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

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? 
calming spaces for 8 year old girls alike

Mindful Moments Blog

Calming Spaces for Muggles, Wizards and Eight-Year-Old Girls Alike

by Alex Petrou
Wisdom. Emotional intelligence. Maturity. These words typically conjure up the image of someone older than you. Perhaps it’s someone you know and revere for their persistent nature and kind soul. That person for me is Elizabeth: an 8-year-old I’ve only just met. Older than me? Not by a long shot. A person from whom I could learn from? Absolutely. Elizabeth and her mom reside in St. Louis, and I was lucky enough to speak with them very recently about their enjoyment of their products from Generation Mindful. Not only was it encouraging to hear they were well-loved already, but there was a tone in this young girl’s voice that stopped me dead in my tracks: she was fully embracing the mindfulness mindset, and was already self-aware enough to speak with me about her own growth and life today. Elizabeth answered the phone when I called and did so with so much gusto that I thought I was speaking to her mom, Tracy, instead! We chatted Harry Potter, and our shared love of his adventures and magical stories bonded us immediately. She, without a doubt, is a Gryffindor: she was happy to share this fact with me, and even pointed me in the direction of the sorting hat if I wanted to do so myself. I assured her I’m a longtime Hufflepuff and noted that we work well together. She reminded me we all can. The mother-daughter duo then proceeded to tell me more about the magical Calming Corner they’ve set up in their basement, in a little room below the stairs: just like a certain big-feeling boy Elizabeth and I both know quite well. It was previously used for storage, but once they received their posters and toolkit from Generation Mindful, their collective lightbulb went off and they just knew that space would be better used as Elizabeth’s very own Calming Corner. In it, she’s incorporated her toolbox of helpful things: some stuffed poodles, some coloring utensils, a small pad for her drawings and doodlings. She tells me that it makes her happy and to feel calm, and her mom also chuckles and notes that she’s spoken with the poodles a time or two when she needed to vent as well; and that it really, truly helps them to have that space. Making an area an inviting haven for comfort, peace, and love means it will be used. It will be loved, and much reflection and growth can happen there as well. Sometimes we need a place that is all our own, with tools made with those big feelings in mind. Dumbledore famously said to his protege Mr. Potter, “Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?” We can’t help but agree. _____________ Generation Mindful creates tools, toys, and programs that nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. Join us and receive joy in your inbox each week.
Growing a Growth Mindset

Mindful Moments Blog

Growing a Growth Mindset: The Big Life Journal

by Alex Petrou
Parenting is hard. I am 17 years into the raising of humans, and of this one thing I am absolutely certain. I will NEVER get it "right". The good news is this: getting it "right" is no longer my goal. GROWING A GROWTH MINDSET Today I had the pleasure of chatting with mom and co-creator of the Big Life Journal Alexandra Eidens. Listen in as we talk about the gift of "doing it wrong" and the difference this 'lil journal is having for children ages 6-7 and up. Help launch the book and get in on a special discounted rate HERE by supporting the Big Life Journal's crowdfunding campaign. Want some extra help in letting go of "right" and finding more joy and less stress in parenting? Check out this free one hour webinar called Parenting From Your Center (When You Are Pissed Off). EMBRACING OUR MISTAKES It is SO not about being perfect. The truth is, we can have a powerful, positive impact on our children when we embrace our limitations (and our children's!) and practice parenting from a growth mindset. Join me and thousands of other parents in the Generation Mindful community as we move past the many pitfalls that come with having a fixed mindset. Take the free webinar. Order yourself a Big Life Journal. Say "no" to mama/papa guilt and "yes" to being enough. xo Suzanne Tucker, Founder of Generation Mindful, has helped thousands connect on a deeper level to themselves and their families. As a physical therapist with a focus on attachment, and parent educator, Suzanne offers Infant Massage and Positive Parenting classes, and private parenting support.   _____________ Generation Mindful creates tools, toys, and programs that nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. Join us and receive joy in your inbox each week.  
Child holding colorful crayons

Mindful Moments Blog

Using Art for Emotional Regulation

by Alex Petrou
A mama warrior overcomes frustration to make a teachable moment through art for her son. Three tips to incorporate art into positive parenting.
GENM quote

Mindful Moments Blog

Children Will Never Forget

by Suzanne Tucker
Safe, powerful, connected. Supported, nurtured, and seen. These are just some of the ways we want our children to feel.
An Itch Saved My Life

Mindful Moments Blog

An Itch Saved My Life

by Ashley Patek
Diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 33, Dulci navigated treatment, working full time, and parenting her son. This is what she says others need to know, and it could save a life.
60 Ideas For Summer Family Fun

Mindful Moments Blog

60 Ideas For Summer Family Fun

by Ashley Patek
If you are looking for some simple summer fun to do with your kids to dose up connection, then this FREE printable of 60 summer activities is for you. Try these out and make your own bucket list, too!
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.
Sixteen-Year-Old's Poem on Being A Man Challenges Definitions of Masculinity

Mindful Moments Blog

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.
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.
School Program Uses PeaceMakers

Mindful Moments Blog

School Program Uses PeaceMakers to Aide Social-Emotional Skill Building

by Alex Petrou
Fit Abilities Yoga program in the Ferguson MO School District are empowering students by using Generation Mindful's PeaceMakers mantra cards.
St. Louis Mom’s Alternative To Timeouts Turns Into Multi-Million Dollar Business

Mindful Moments Blog

St. Louis Mom’s Alternative To Timeouts Turns Into Multi-Million Dollar Business

by Ashley Patek
Parenting during a pandemic has its challenges, but there’s something that can help those with younger children thanks to a St. Louis mom.
Enhancing emotional development to treat child depression

Mindful Moments Blog

Enhancing Emotional Development to Treat Child Depression

by Alex Petrou
A recent study shows that focusing on the parent-child relationship and enhancing emotional development may be a powerful and low-risk approach to the treatment of depression.