Mindful Moments Blog

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.
Girl reading a school book

Mindful Moments Blog

School After COVID: What Parents Are Saying

by Ashley Patek on Jun 19 2020
Last March, school districts across the country closed due to COVID, and more than 55 million children were sent home to finish their school year.
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

Mindful Moments Blog

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.
Raising Mindful Children During The Age Of Black Lives Matter

Mindful Moments Blog

Raising Awake Children in the Age of Black Lives Matter

by Ashley Patek on Jun 04 2020
Our country is standing at a pivoting point. #BlackLivesMatter is the anthem and our nation is singing in the face of injustice. For all lives to matter, black lives must matter. 
5 sensory activities better than slime

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Sensory Activities Better Than Slime

by Ashley Patek on May 29 2020
I am no Pinterest mom. Let’s start there. But when I saw a picture of a kiddo playing in a tub of colored noodles, it intrigued me. As an occupational therapist, sensory integration is my jam. Unfortunately, the noodles turned out to be one colossal fail. Here are 5 sensory activities that won’t let you down. 
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
Waiting

Mindful Moments Blog

Waiting

by Suzanne Tucker on Jan 09 2020
For the mamas out there whose hearts know the sharp sting and then the long deep ache of miscarriage, I see you. I feel your heart and I want you to know that you are not alone. Here is my life's story - our joys, our sadness and, most of all, our waiting.
The Day My Son Told Me Mad Is Bad

Mindful Moments Blog

The Day My Son Told Me "Mad is Bad"

by Ashley Patek on Jan 03 2020
When our children believe that unpleasant emotions are "bad", they become unsafe to feel those emotions. However all emotions are sacred and useful. Here's why. Read more.
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.
A man kissing his pregnant wife's belly

Mindful Moments Blog

Dear Daughter: A Spoken Word Poem

by Alex Petrou on Nov 29 2019
Grab your tissues. This heartfelt video captures the love and prayers one father carries for his unborn child: "The pain and the pleasure, they are buried treasure. Get your hands dirty..." - Kurt Peloquin
Gift giving

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Meaningful Christmas Gifts

by Ashley Patek on Nov 19 2019
Rather than storing unwanted toys in the closet, this year give the children on your list meaningful memories instead. Here are six connection-based gift ideas for ages two and up that we love for the holidays.
Mindful Parenting and How It Affects Children

Mindful Moments Blog

Mindful Parenting and How It Affects Children

by Alex Petrou on Nov 01 2019
What is mindful parenting? Learn the benefits and practices of this positive parenting style and how you can integrate it into your child's life.
What co-regulation looks like

Mindful Moments Blog

What Co-Regulation Looks Like

by Alex Petrou on Oct 30 2019
A young child is so frustrated and overwhelmed that she just hit her big sister. As the adult responsible for managing this moment, how can you navigate this? Enter co-regulation.
When Your Toddler Won't Stop Crying!

Mindful Moments Blog

When Your Toddler Won't Stop Crying!

by Ashley Patek on Oct 30 2019
Why is your toddler crying and what can you do? Here is a parent's guide for making it through, helping your child co-regulate and process her emotions.