Mindful Moments Blog

Feeling Emotions As An Adult When Taught Not To As A Child

Mindful Moments Blog

Feeling Emotions As An Adult When Taught Not To As A Child

by Ashley Patek on Feb 14 2022
When we learn to suppress unpleasant emotions as a child, we become adults whose conditioned self masquerades as our authentic self. This dampens our human experience (and affects our mental health and parenting). Here's how to break the cycle. 
Positive Communication with Kids at Every Age

Mindful Moments Blog

Positive Communication with Kids at Every Age

by Rebecca Eanes on Feb 14 2022
These positive communication tips will create a family culture where children and adults alike are spoken to with respect and listened to with love. Children live what they learn at home, and all of their future relationships will benefit from having learned these important and positive skills early in life.
20 Parenting Phrases to Use in a Pinch

Mindful Moments Blog

20 Parenting Phrases to Use in a Pinch

by Rebecca Eanes on Jan 31 2022
These tried and true phrases will help you respond to your child in a way that keeps the peace, shows empathy, holds boundaries and brings calm to the situation. Test out a few and use the ones that feel right when you need to.
This is the One Thing All Children Need

Mindful Moments Blog

This is the One Thing All Children Need

by Rebecca Eanes on Jan 27 2022
Can you guess what it is?
Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child Gain Confidence

Mindful Moments Blog

Helping Your Highly Sensitive Child Gain Confidence

by Rebecca Eanes on Jan 17 2022
When our children are highly sensitive, rejection and criticism hurt more deeply. They get embarrassed easily and have strong emotional reactions, which can make them the target for bullying. Here are 5 tools to boost your child's confidence. 
The Harm Of Forcing Manners On Our Children (And What To Do Instead)

Mindful Moments Blog

The Harm Of Forcing Manners On Our Children (And What To Do Instead)

by Ashley Patek on Jan 17 2022
If we want to step away from punitive measures and towards a deep understanding of manners, and an internal motivation to practice them, it stops with “say the magic word” or “say you are sorry” or “what do you say???” And it starts with these 5 tools. 
I Am Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed, Single Mom. Now What?

Mindful Moments Blog

I Am Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed, Single Mom. Now What?

by Ashley Patek on Jan 17 2022
Being able to take a break is a privilege. Having mental health resources is a privilege. Having options is a privilege. Not all of us have it. So what do we do when there is no one to pass the baton to?
6 Ways To Successfully Co-Parent With Your Ex

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Ways To Successfully Co-Parent With Your Ex

by Ashley Patek on Jan 10 2022
How do we co-parent with our ex when we have differing views and parenting philosophies, and how do we keep our kids from being in the middle?
Your Child’s Happiness Isn’t Your Job 

Mindful Moments Blog

Your Child’s Happiness Isn’t Your Job 

by Rebecca Eanes on Jan 10 2022
We cannot make our children happy, but we can teach them how to make themselves happy, because ultimately, happiness is an inside job. Here are five tools to help children find their own happiness. 
Three Words Our Kids Need To Hear

Mindful Moments Blog

Three Words Our Kids Need To Hear

by Ashley Patek on Jan 03 2022
Looking to decrease power struggles, meltdowns, and "defiance"? These are the three words that your child needs to hear.
Why Does My Teen Do That?!

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Does My Teen Do That?!

by Rebecca Eanes on Dec 27 2021
The teenage years are a critical time period for brain growth. The physiological changes that take place in adolescence cause behaviors that are often misunderstood. We explain them here. 
Helping Teens Cope with Holiday Stress

Mindful Moments Blog

Helping Teens Cope with Holiday Stress

by Rebecca Eanes on Dec 20 2021
As our children grow up and the pure wonder and excitement of the holidays wane, adolescents often experience an uptick in stress and anxiety during the holiday season. What can parents do?
De-escalation Strategies For Jingled Out Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

De-escalation Strategies For Jingled Out Kids

by Rebecca Eanes on Dec 20 2021
December is a sensory-overload kind of month. It’s loud. It’s busy. It’s flashy. For a lot of kids, it can be so overwhelming that they may just jingle all the way to a meltdown. For this reason, it’s good to have a few de-escalation strategies in mind. Here are 5. 
What Can I Do When I Feel Triggered By My Kids?

Mindful Moments Blog

What Can I Do When I Feel Triggered By My Kids?

by Ashley Patek on Dec 15 2021
Why do we feel triggered when our kids do that thing they do, and what tools do we have to keep us from meeting their immaturity with our own? Here are 3 preventive tips and 4 tools for in the heat of the moment. 
Santa's 'Naughty List' Has Been Canceled This Holiday Season

Mindful Moments Blog

Santa's 'Naughty List' Has Been Canceled This Holiday Season

by Ashley Patek on Dec 06 2021
The holiday season is meant to be a magical time, but often it is used as leverage to control a child’s behavior. We have a real opportunity to rewrite the narrative. Here's how.
7 Meaningful Holiday Gifts For 2021

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Meaningful Holiday Gifts For 2021

by Ashley Patek on Dec 06 2021
Rather than storing unnoticed 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 and all year long.
Holiday Survival Guide For Parents: Managing Your Child's Meltdowns

Mindful Moments Blog

Holiday Survival Guide For Parents: Managing Your Child's Meltdowns

by Ashley Patek on Dec 06 2021
Here are some reasons why toddlers meltdown more during the holiday season followed by some easy tips to help regulate their environment and their moods.
5 Winter-Themed Sensory Activities for Your Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Winter-Themed Sensory Activities for Your Calming Corner

by Rebecca Eanes on Nov 29 2021
Could your Calming Corner use a little seasonal cheer? Here are 5 winter-themed sensory activities to add into your space!
Is My Child Too Old To Use A Calming Space?

Mindful Moments Blog

Is My Child Too Old To Use A Calming Space?

by Ashley Patek on Nov 08 2021
How do you use a Calming Space with kids beyond the toddler stage? Here are 5 tips.
I Am Not Mad. I Am Feeling Mad. And There Is A Difference.

Mindful Moments Blog

I Am Not Mad. I Am Feeling Mad. And There Is A Difference.

by Ashley Patek on Nov 08 2021
Our identity is not the way we feel. The way we feel is a state of being. Here's why that's important (spoiler alert - it affects your child's brain development), and strategies for adults and children to balance their emotions.