Mindful Moments Blog

That's Not How I Was Parented

Mindful Moments Blog

That's Not How I Was Parented

by Ashley Patek on Apr 26 2021
We took a look at common parenting practices of the past to compare how we were parented to how we parent. And here is what we found. 
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. 
3 Ways To Transform Your Child's Behavior

Mindful Moments Blog

3 Ways To Transform Your Child's Behavior

by Ashley Patek on Apr 15 2021
This mom was searching for a way to transform her child's misbehavior. And it was these three connection-based tools that did it.
The Myth of Self-Regulation

Mindful Moments Blog

The Myth of Self-Regulation

by Guest Author on Apr 14 2021
Self-regulation is a myth. Regulation is never about the self because we are always drawing on internal representations of what we have previously experienced in relationships. So, before our kids can self-regulate, they must first learn to co-regulate. Here's how.
What's Wrong With My Clingy Toddler?

Mindful Moments Blog

What's Wrong With My Clingy Toddler?

by Ashley Patek on Apr 12 2021
Why is my child clingy, emotional and crying and what can I do about it? Here are 7 tools for parents with clingy toddlers.
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.
How To Heal Your Inner Child While Raising One

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Heal Your Inner Child While Raising One

by Ashley Patek on Apr 05 2021
Often, when punitive measures were used to reform our behaviors as children, it can be a challenge to step outside controlling, demanding, and commanding our kids, especially in the face of big emotions and misbehavior. So, how do we heal the child within while raising children? Here are 3 tools.
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.
We Don't Need To "Fix" Our Children's Behavior

Mindful Moments Blog

We Don't Need To "Fix" Our Children's Behavior

by Ashley Patek on Mar 22 2021
When we see our children as growing and evolving rather than needing to be trained, we realize that nothing has to be "fixed".  And it is then that they can truly flourish.
How To Create A Calm Down Space Your Kids Won't Fight About

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Create A Calm Down Space Your Kids Won't Fight About

by Ashley Patek on Mar 15 2021
We share tips on setting up your Calming Corner for more than one child so it doesn't become another thing on the list of things they argue over. 
Preschooler Teaches Her Younger Sister About Emotions While Learning To Manage Her Own

Mindful Moments Blog

Preschooler Teaches Her Younger Sister About Emotions While Learning To Manage Her Own

by Ashley Patek on Mar 11 2021
The last thing Kelly wanted was another gimmick for a tired, worn-out parent. She was overwhelmed and out of ideas on how to manage her daughters' meltdowns. But then something amazing happened ... her oldest daughter taught her youngest daughter how to use a feelings chart. 
8 Ways To De-escalate Your Child's Tantrums

Mindful Moments Blog

8 Ways To De-escalate Meltdowns With Your Child

by Ashley Patek on Mar 08 2021
Teens and toddlers alike can demonstrate aggressive or uncooperative behaviors from time to time as influenced by big emotions and neurological overwhelm. De-escalation tools help parents defuse a situation and help their child calm and regulate their system.
One Mama Realizes: My Child's Feelings Are About Her, Not Me

Mindful Moments Blog

One Mama Realizes: My Child's Feelings Are About Her, Not Me

by Ashley Patek on Mar 03 2021
I had done everything right, and yet my nine-year-old daughter was having her version of a tantrum. And then I realized her emotion wasn't about me ... it was about her. Here is how I helped her process her emotions. 
Why Sibling Rivalry is Good For Kids, And How Parents Can Make It Through

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Sibling Rivalry is Good For Kids, And How Parents Can Make It Through

by Ashley Patek on Mar 02 2021
Experts say that sibling rivalry can nurture emotional intelligence, boost social skills, and that children can learn complex lessons about communication, problem-solving, impulse control, and conflict resolution. Here is why siblings argue and what parents can do to help.
Time-In ToolKit Helps Mom Realize: My Sons' Behavior Is Normal And Healthy

Mindful Moments Blog

Time-In ToolKit Helps Mom Realize: My Son's Behavior Is Normal And Healthy

by Guest Author on Feb 24 2021
This mom feared something was wrong with her three-year-old child. And then she realized that his behavior was a sign of healthy brain development. 
Fidget and Fries

Mindful Moments Blog

Autistic Mama and Sons Request: See Us for Us, Not our Labels

by Ashley Patek on Jan 29 2021
Tiffany Hammond is an autistic mama to two autistic sons. She shares that their diagnosis is not a one-size-fits-all expression. Rather, Tiffany sees this as part of her family’s unique human experience.
Time-Ins Are Not A Punishment Nor A Reward

Mindful Moments Blog

Time-Ins Are Not A Punishment Nor A Reward

by Ashley Patek on Jan 27 2021
Do time-in's "reward" children for being bad? We wanted to strip this question down to the bare bones and address every facet of this misconception. Read more. 
Suzanne's interview on Motherly

Mindful Moments Blog

Manage Your Emotions, And Your Child's Too: Interview With Suzanne Tucker

by Ashley Patek on Jan 14 2021
You can actually be yelling at your child and be mindful. If you notice that you're yelling... pause, and celebrate. You say to yourself, 'I'm yelling, and I noticed I'm yelling' and then take a deep breath. Now you have some power. to do something different, but not if you're busy beating yourself up.
Mom and daughter connecting

Mindful Moments Blog

 How My Five-Year-Old Taught Me Empathy

by Selina Armstrong on Dec 30 2020
This year, as parents we have had to level up our game as we navigate a global pandemic, racial injustices being brought to the forefront, civil unrest and so much more. At any one given moment, it’s hard to know whether I am thriving or just getting by. My daughter’s kindness came on a day where I was just skating by.
6 Reasons You May Be Failing Time-Ins

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Reasons You May Be Failing Time-Ins

by Ashley Patek on Dec 12 2020
If you are having trouble implementing Time-Ins in your home, or you are wondering if this is right for your family, we have some tips to help bring the science and connection into everyday life.