Mindful Moments Blog

3 Bunny Brain Breaks To Increase Emotional Regulation And Academic Learning

Mindful Moments Blog

3 Bunny Brain Breaks To Increase Emotional Regulation And Academic Learning

by Ashley Patek on Apr 04 2022
Multi-sensory movements specific to eye-teaming, hand-eye coordination, and whole-body awareness changes the architecture of the brain, bolstering social-emotional and academic learning. Here are 3 Bunny Brain Breaks to do with your kiddos this spring (Free Printable!). 
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.
How Mindfulness Helped Me Focus My ADHD

Mindful Moments Blog

How Mindfulness Helped Me Focus My ADHD

by Ashley Patek on Jan 31 2022
I was diagnosed with ADHD at six-years-old. I was given medication that helped my teacher teach me and other students be around me, but it didn't help me learn skills to regulate my emotions. From a child who had a difficult time with emotions, to now working with similar kiddos, here’s what I can tell you. 
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?
Friendship: Using Improv Games To Create Peer Connection

Mindful Moments Blog

Friendship: Using Improv Games To Create Peer Connection

by Guest Author on Nov 01 2021
Social skills can be practiced, and the more we teach by actually doing, the more beneficial the approach will be when teaching social skills for friendships and peer engagement. This improv game is designed just for that!  
Ask Andrew: Flexible Thinking

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Flexible Thinking

by Suzanne Tucker on Oct 18 2021
Andrew answers today's question: How can I help my 5-year-old who is on the spectrum with his rigid thinking? Once he makes his mind up about something there is no changing it!
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.  
Ask Andrew: Respecting Sibling Differences

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Respecting Sibling Differences

by Guest Author on Sep 09 2021
Andrew answers today's question: Our oldest son is on the spectrum and our youngest is a fairly sensitive child. Often we find the oldest plays in such a way that is overwhelming for the younger one. How can we make the younger one feel safe while allowing the oldest to play in ways that are more energetic?
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.
Ask Andrew: Finding Ways To Motivate

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Finding Ways To Motivate

by Andrew Patterson on Aug 02 2021
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.
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. 
Ask Andrew: Finding Your People

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Finding Your People

by Andrew Patterson on Jul 26 2021
Andrew answers today's question: My 14 year-old daughter with autism doesn’t get invited to things and gets mad at her 6 year-old sister because of jealousy, I think. What can I do to help her with this?
Ask Andrew: Facing The "I Don't Knows"

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Facing The "I Don't Knows"

by Andrew Patterson on Jul 19 2021
Andrew answers today's question: I ask my daughter something and she replies “I don’t know” even if it is a matter of clear opinion. Like … “Shall we get ice cream? … Why is that?” After I reframe the questions she suddenly knows.
Ask Andrew: Grandparenting

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Grandparenting

by Andrew Patterson on Jul 12 2021
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.
Ask Andrew: Co-Parenting

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Co-Parenting

by Guest Author on Jul 05 2021
Andrew answers today's question: My husband is on the spectrum and refuses to seek professional assistance. I suspect that my 4-year-old son is also on the spectrum and isn’t getting the support he needs from my husband. How can I address this without my husband thinking that all I do is tell him what he doesn’t do “right” or “good enough”?
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.
Ask Andrew: Navigating Responses To Stimming

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Navigating Responses To Stimming

by Andrew Patterson on Jun 28 2021
Andrew answers today's question: How do you deal with people making fun of stims? Especially loud vocal ones?
Ask Andrew: Prep For New Places

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Prep For New Places

by Andrew Patterson on Jun 21 2021
Andrew answers today's question: How can I help my three and half-year-old prepare for going to new places? He really struggles when we first get somewhere and when it's time to leave.
Ask Andrew: Understanding Neurodiversity

Mindful Moments Blog

Ask Andrew: Understanding Neurodiversity

by Guest Author on Jun 14 2021
Hi! I’m Andrew from Generation Mindful's newest recurring weekly feature, Ask Andrew. I’ll be taking any and all questions regarding the autism spectrum with particular emphasis on childhood development as an authentic autistic adult. Today Andrew answers: What do you wish your classmates had understood about you/did differently?
How To Use Storytime To Reduce Clinginess & Ease Transitions

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Use Storytime To Reduce Clinginess & Ease Transitions

by Courtney Tharpe on Jun 04 2021
Storytime is a time when our children's imaginations are fired up, operating in the frontal lobe of their brain, and primed for learning. If you are struggling with clingy behavior, transitions, or teaching new skills, a simple, scripted story may be the best tool in your toolbox! Get your FREE scripted story printable here!