Mindful Moments Blog

Teaching (Not Training) Toddlers To Toilet

Mindful Moments Blog

Teaching (Not Training) Toddlers To Toilet

by Ashley Patek on Sep 14 2021
Helping children transition from diapers to using the toilet is a big milestone, one often surrounded by stress. Here are tools to guide our tots in toileting without the power struggle. 
The Most Effective Parenting Tool Is You

Mindful Moments Blog

The Most Effective Parenting Tool Is You

by Ashley Patek on Sep 14 2021
Wondering why your child went from zero to berserk in 10 seconds flat? This parenting gem is your lifeline.
To My Strong-Willed And Sensitive Boy

Mindful Moments Blog

To My Strong-Willed And Sensitive Boy

by Ashley Patek on Sep 13 2021
A poem to her son. One mom watches her strong-willed boy drift to sleep and she sees the child under the big emotions and power struggles, and it restores her for whatever tomorrow brings.
Why Improv Is Not Just For The Stage

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Improv Is Not Just For The Stage

by Guest Author on Sep 09 2021
We all improvise every day, and children are the ultimate improvisers. Through play and connection, improv games nurture brain development and bolster social-emotional learning. Here's how to do it. Plus get our E-Book: 10 Minutes of Play For 10 Days!
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?
5 Signs Of Toxic Discipline And What To Do If You're Using It

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Signs Of Toxic Discipline And What To Do If You're Using It

by Ashley Patek on Sep 09 2021
Do you use toxic discipline when raising your child? Here are 5 signs that you may. Learn how your childhood influenced your parenting and gain tips for healing both the relationship you have with yourself and the one you share with your child.
8 Annoying Things Your Kids Do That Grow Their Brain

Mindful Moments Blog

8 Annoying Things Your Kids Do That Grow Their Brain

by Ashley Patek on Sep 08 2021
You know those challenging behaviors from your children that drive you nuts and leave you scratching your head? Turns out they actually grow the brain. Here's how.
Hey Mama, I Know You Cried Today

Mindful Moments Blog

Hey Mama, I Know You Cried Today

by Rebecca Eanes on Sep 07 2021
Motherhood. Nothing brings us more elated joy or crushing heartache. The good news is, you’re up for it. You can handle every up and down, every tear and every grin, because you were chosen for it. You being her mama is not an accident. 
When Your Kids Are Not Listening: From Yelling To Connection

Mindful Moments Blog

When Your Kids Are Not Listening: From Yelling To Connection

by Ashley Patek on Sep 02 2021
When your kids are not listening it can feel like your only tool is to yell. Here are some tips on how to shift from yelling to connection during times of misbehavior.
Thriving as a Working Mom

Mindful Moments Blog

Thriving as a Working Mom

by Rebecca Eanes on Sep 02 2021
How do you thrive as a working mom? The answer may just be in pie (and we aren't talking chocolate silk or lemon meringue here). 
Help! My Child Prefers My Partner, Not Me

Mindful Moments Blog

Help! My Child Prefers My Partner, Not Me

by Ashley Patek on Sep 01 2021
What do you do when your child prefers one parent over the other? Here are tools for both the preferred and non-preferred parent. Spoiler alert: This is developmental, temporary and is nothing you are doing wrong.
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.
We Don't Do Equal In This House

Mindful Moments Blog

End Sibling Rivalry And Bring Peace Into Your Home

by Ashley Patek on Aug 24 2021
Siblings are natural competitors for attachment, bidding for our love and attention. Here's 3 Parenting Do's and Don'ts when it comes to sibling relationships. 
5 Therapeutic Art Activities for Emotional Health

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Therapeutic Art Activities for Emotional Health

by Rebecca Eanes on Aug 24 2021
Art can help your child release and express feelings they may not know how to process and let go of otherwise. Use these 5 art activities to navigate loss, stress and transitions and to nurture emotional intelligence such as managing big emotions. 
Helping Your Child With The Tough Transition Back To School

Mindful Moments Blog

Helping Your Child With The Tough Transition Back To School

by Ashley Patek on Aug 18 2021
Children bring so many different emotions to the first week of school: excitement and anticipation, fear and wonder. The change may lead to increased meltdowns and/or regressions. Make the transition less overwhelming with these 5 tools. 
What Motherhood Has Taught Me

Mindful Moments Blog

The 12 Things I Now Know As A Mother

by Ashley Patek on Aug 16 2021
Parenthood is the ultimate journey - not only in getting to know our children but in growing (and testing) ourselves, too. I have learned so much in my years of mommin’, and here are just a few. Maybe you can relate, too …
Behavior is A Symptom, Not The Problem

Mindful Moments Blog

Behavior is A Symptom, Not The Problem

by Ashley Patek on Aug 16 2021
Behavior is a symptom, not the problem. And when we focus solely on the symptom, the problems causing these behaviors remain unsolved, and they stack up. So, how do we transform challenging behaviors at home and in the classroom?
Collecting Moments Watching Our Toddlers Grow Into Teens

Mindful Moments Blog

Collecting Moments Watching Our Toddlers Grow Into Teens

by Rebecca Eanes on Aug 12 2021
One mama urges, "Bring awareness to your moments. Collect them even though most of them will eventually fade away and be forgotten, because each one leaves its mark. And even when the mind can no longer recall it, it doesn’t matter because that moment has become you."
Consequences For When My Child Misbehaves

Mindful Moments Blog

Consequences For When My Child Misbehaves

by Ashley Patek on Aug 12 2021
We all want to raise kind and empathetic humans. And when our children fail to pick up their toys, do their homework, or listen to our requests, our instinct is to issue a consequence. But what type of consequences work?
5 Calming Strategies To Do With Your Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Calming Strategies To Do With Your Kids

by Ashley Patek on Aug 11 2021
We’ve all been there before, face to face with our child, locking horns, emotions escalating (both yours and theirs). What do you do? Here are 5 calming strategies to do with your child to bridge the gap from being at odds to being on the same team.