Mindful Moments Blog

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

Mindful Moments Blog

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

by Ashley Patek on Jun 29 2021
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.
8 Children's Books To Nurture Inclusion

Mindful Moments Blog

8 Children's Books To Nurture Inclusion

by Ashley Patek on Jun 24 2021
While June is a month to honor and celebrate those in the LGBTQ+ community, inclusion is not a one-time or one-month conversation. It is an everyday lived experience. Here are 8 children's books to nurture inclusion. 
Ten Ways To Help Your Child Make Friends

Mindful Moments Blog

Ten Ways To Help Your Child Make Friends

by Ashley Patek on Jun 11 2021
Not only is having friends fun, but it also has a positive developmental influence on social-emotional skills. While parents can’t make friends for their children, decades of research suggest that parents play a big role in teaching children the skills required to make friends. Here are 10 ways.
The day my daughter shaved her head

Mindful Moments Blog

The Day My Daughter Shaved Her Head

by Suzanne Tucker on Jun 07 2021
My daughter sat fearlessly in the barber's chair with a smile across her face as long clumps of hair left her head. And it was then I realized not only what's important in life, but what gives it meaning.
The "And" Moments

Mindful Moments Blog

The "And" Moments

by Ashley Patek on Jun 04 2021
Join Selina as she leads a mindful moment to help us prepare for the "AND" moments in our lives with love and gratitude. 
The Power Of Play

Mindful Moments Blog

The Power Of Play

by Suzanne Tucker on May 28 2021
When we join our children in their play, we join them in their world. Today Selina leads a mindful moment that invites us to tap into the playful parts of ourselves. 
Trust The Voice Within

Mindful Moments Blog

Trust The Voice Within

by Suzanne Tucker on May 21 2021
Join Selina as she leads a mindful moment, allowing us to notice and listen to the small whisper inside of us known as our intuition. How do we follow our own intuition when parenting and how do we afford our children the gift of tuning in and trusting what they find within themselves?
How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Outcomes

Mindful Moments Blog

How Childhood Trauma Affects Health Outcomes

by Ashley Patek on May 10 2021
Childhood trauma isn’t something you just get over as you grow up. Pediatrician Nadine Burke Harris explains that the repeated stress of abuse, neglect, and parents struggling with mental health or substance abuse issues has real, tangible effects on the development of the brain.
Shifting Perspectives

Mindful Moments Blog

Shifting Perspectives

by Suzanne Tucker on May 07 2021
Join Selina as she leads a mindful moment, inviting us to examine our perspectives so that we can remain curious to our children and see them through the lens of love. When we shift the way we view the world and others, the way we see them changes and we can show up more centered and connected. 
5 Ways To Use Positive Affirmations With Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Ways To Use Positive Affirmations With Kids

by Ashley Patek on May 03 2021
Positive affirmations help build a child's learning brain to nurture self-awareness, self-esteem, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. Here are 5 ways to use affirmations with kids so they'll stick.
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 on May 03 2021
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.
Slowing Down - That Friday Feeling

Mindful Moments Blog

Slowing Down

by Suzanne Tucker on Apr 30 2021
If we are always racing to the next moment, what happens to the one we are in? Join Selina as she leads a mindful moment to help us slow down and enjoy where we are. 
It's Time To Fill Our Cups

Mindful Moments Blog

It's Time To Fill Our Cups

by Suzanne Tucker on Apr 23 2021
Join Selina as she leads a mindful moment to help us find joy and peace in a time where we may feel exhausted. Explore what fills your cup and triggers your happy.   
Fifth Grader Creates Kindness Closet For Fellow Students In Need

Mindful Moments Blog

Fifth Grader Creates Kindness Closet For Fellow Students In Need

by Ashley Patek on Apr 21 2021
Ten-year-old Andi Musser created a Kindness Closet, a place students from families with limited incomes or those simply in need of essentials can visit during the school day to "shop" for new or gently worn garments. 
I Can't Remember My Childhood, And Here's Why

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Can't I Remember My Childhood? Here’s Why

by Ashley Patek on Apr 21 2021
Stress and trauma suppress and actually shrink the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and memory, making it hard for us to recall our youth. As we teach and guide our children and nurture their emotional intelligence, we regenerate our hippocampus so we can remember, feel and share, too. 
Allowance And Chores: For Learning Or Earning?

Mindful Moments Blog

Allowance And Chores: For Learning Or Earning?

by Ashley Patek on Apr 19 2021
Is allowance a form of bribery and reward to get kids to do their chores, or is it a way to teach our children about money management? We take a look from a positive parenting lens. 
8-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Breaks Girl Scout Cookie Record Selling 32,484 Boxes

Mindful Moments Blog

8-Year-Old Cancer Survivor Breaks Girl Scout Cookie Record Selling 32,484 Boxes

by Ashley Patek on Apr 15 2021
8-yeayr-old Lilly Bumpus broke the national record for most Girl Scout boxes sold in one season with 32,484 boxes, including 5,000 donation boxes that will go to fellow childhood cancer warriors in the hospitals, to help feed the homeless, and to deployed troops. 
My Mom-Fail Turned My Toddlers Into Teachers

Mindful Moments Blog

My Mom-Fail Turned My Toddlers Into Teachers

by Ashley Patek on Apr 07 2021
This mom shares how her two toddlers taught her a beautiful lesson in the face of her mom-fail using their family Calming Corner.
I Will Do My Best

Mindful Moments Blog

I Will Do My Best

by Guest Author on Mar 31 2021
Poet  and mama Jess Urlichs shares how sometimes doing our best is enough. And it was this one small gesture that birthed for her this important reminder.
girl holding tablet, behavior chart

Mindful Moments Blog

Behavior Charts for Kids: Do They Work?

by Traci Esposito on Mar 29 2021
Behavior charts track behavior, but do they work in actually reforming it? Parents and educators can use this instead to nurture children's social-emotional skills and guide behaviors. Read more.