Mindful Moments Blog

Strengthening Your Child's Emotional Intelligence Through Valentine's Day

Mindful Moments Blog

Strengthening Your Child's Emotional Intelligence Through Valentine's Day

by Ashley Patek on Feb 11 2022
Soon, all across the nation, children will partake in Valentine’s Day rituals such as sharing cards, treats, and friendly exchanges. For many children, this is a fun and exciting experience, however, for just as many, Valentine’s Day can be filled with stress, anxiety, and fear. Here are 4 ways to use social-emotional practices for all children this Valentine's Day.
Wholeheartedly Accepting and Supporting Neurodiverse Families

Mindful Moments Blog

Wholeheartedly Accepting and Supporting Neurodiverse Families

by Ashley Patek on Jan 27 2022
What is neurodiversity and how do we move from awareness to acceptance to advocating for in small everyday moments?
In 2022, Ditch The Parenting Goals. Set Intentions Instead.

Mindful Moments Blog

In 2022, Ditch The Parenting Goals. Set Intentions Instead.

by Ashley Patek on Dec 27 2021
Instead of setting goals for the New Year, set intentions. It will save your sanity, especially when parenting children. Here's how.
Acts Of Service Boosts Emotional Intelligence. Here's How.

Mindful Moments Blog

Acts Of Service Boosts Emotional Intelligence. Here's How.

by Ashley Patek on Nov 29 2021
Toddlers and teens alike have brains that are going through major biological transformations and family rituals like volunteering can help nurture their social-emotional intelligence. Here are 10 acts of service to do as a family this holiday season. 
Gratitude Nurtures Emotional Resilience. Start Here.

Mindful Moments Blog

Gratitude Nurtures Emotional Resilience. Start Here.

by Ashley Patek on Oct 26 2021
Gratitude builds your child's brain for empathy and emotional resilience. Just as our children watch and model the things we say and do, they also mirror our level of gratitude. Here are 3 gratitude rituals to add into your home. 
The Parenting Fairy Godmother Isn't Coming - Here's Why You Don't Need Her

Mindful Moments Blog

The Parenting Fairy Godmother Isn't Coming - Here's Why You Don't Need Her

by Ashley Patek on Sep 29 2021
Wouldn’t it be amazing if there were a Parenting Fairy Godmother that came to rescue us during tricky parenting moments? Unfortunately, there's not, but you don't need her. You have you. Here are some playful tools to help you boost emotional intelligence in your home.  
Nurturing A Natural Love For Learning

Mindful Moments Blog

Nurturing A Natural Love For Learning

by Ashley Patek on Aug 30 2021
How do you nurture curious risk-takers who love to learn? It starts here.
Practicing Transitions To Reduce Meltdowns

Mindful Moments Blog

Practicing Transitions To Reduce Meltdowns

by Ashley Patek on Jul 29 2021
Children are concrete learners and often thrive off of predictability, so it can be hard for them to pivot, especially when the request is to move from a preferred activity to a less preferred task. Here are 5 tools to help children with transitions. 
Does Self-Care Feel Like A Chore?

Mindful Moments Blog

Does Self-Care Feel Like A Chore?

by Ashley Patek on Jun 29 2021
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.
Supporting Emotional-Intelligence for Neurodiverse Children Through Play

Mindful Moments Blog

Building Emotional-Intelligence Through Play

by Ashley Patek on May 27 2021
As parents we tend to put pressure on ourselves and our kids when it comes to play and learning. But when we step back and let nature and biology take over, we actually see that children are wired to learn through play. Learn how to use unstructured (free) play to teach children the emotional intelligence necessary for an enhanced academic quota down the road. Plus FREE Activity Calendar printable!  
My Self-Care Sunday Fail

Mindful Moments Blog

My Self-Care Sunday Fail

by Guest Author on May 04 2021
Self-care looks different for everyone. And it’s certainly not just one big thing you do because someone else tells you it will be therapeutic. Instead, we can put small systems in place that make nurturing our own well-being too small and too easy to fail, and here's how. 
Mom Realizes It's Never Too Late To Parent Differently

Mindful Moments Blog

Mom Realizes It's Never Too Late To Parent Differently

by Ashley Patek on Mar 17 2021
As a school psychologist on the elementary level, Karen was in search of professional development tools, and in doing so, found an avenue to help her in raising her three diverse sons.
My Son Is Not A Diagnosis, An Understanding Of Neurodiversity

Mindful Moments Blog

My Son Is Not A Diagnosis, An Understanding Of Neurodiversity

by Ashley Patek on Jan 18 2021
Neurodiversity is a concept that communicates that diagnoses such as ADHD and autism are not “abnormalities” but rather variations in the human brain. This mom shares her journey to understanding neurodiversity and meeting her child's unique needs.