Mindful Moments Blog

Playfulness isn’t only a tool to keep in your parenting toolbox, it’s a mindset. Here are some tips and tools on how to use play to build connection, bolster emotional regulation, and enhance learning. 

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.

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?

Here are common parenting phrases, what kids hear, and what we can say instead to get on the same page. You know that book Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus? Where is the parenting version of that? Because lately, I'm pretty sure my children and I are not only living on two different planets, but we are speaking two different alien languages.  Somehow, me asking my child not to jump on the couch or slap her brother or throw a block at my head translates into more jumping, slapping, and throwing.  Even my best attempts to get my child to listen turn into a battle, leaving both of us feeling out of control, frustrated, and ultimately further apart (forget different planets, more like different galaxies). It turns out that miscommunications between parents and children are not uncommon, and when we look at the science behind our children’s developing nervous system, it all makes sense. This brain science explains not only why our kids can't hear us but what we can do about it. For children to process and integrate what we are saying, we must speak in a language they can understand. Here’s what we know:  1. Children are wired to experience life and the world around them from their brainstem (reactive/defensive part of the brain) and limbic system (emotional part of the brain).  They do not yet have access to thinking, moving, and making decisions using their higher brain regions (aka the responsive/logical part of the brain responsible for most of the "executive functioning skills" we all wish our two and three-year-olds had already).  This means that anytime our children feel overwhelmed by their emotions, sensory overwhelm, or bump into an "unmet need", such as feeling hungry, tired, lonely, overpowered, or off-routine, they will resort to their more illogical and defensive "fight, flight, and freeze" mechanisms, wired to keep them safe and well-attached to us.  Just as with any other skill, the best way to build the higher brain regions is to practice them through games and time-ins where children have the chance to learn from not only their many feelings, but their thoughts, actions, and even their mistakes. 2. A child’s brain is designed to process concrete information. Using words that describe what we want our children to do (as opposed to what we don't) help children hear what we are saying and respond instead of reacting. Plus, using concrete, tangible tools that kids can touch, hold, play with, and see helps children learn from their feelings and the many little teaching moments that happen in everyday life.  3. Children do much better when things are predictable and concrete. This means when we have boundaries in place that are consistent and revealed ahead of time it incentivizes the behaviors we desire. What Parents Say And What Kids Hear Sometimes there is a disconnect between what we say to what our children hear. Let’s take a look at a few common examples: When we say ...  1. Be quiet. Kids hear/internalize: I am too much right now.  What to do instead: "Be quiet” is abstract and hard for children to process. Encourage your child to choose to be respectful with their voice rather than punishing them for doing what feels natural. Hand gesture a volume dial, model being quiet by playfully whispering, have them mirror your tone (loud then quiet), play the quiet game, and offer redirection. 2. Be careful. Kids hear/internalize: The world is scary.  What to do instead: Say what you want your child to do. “Get down… walk on the sidewalk” or ask questions like, “What do we need to do before we cross the street?” Let your children grow in their awareness of themselves and the world.  3. Hurry up. Kids hear/internalize: I need to give up my desires for yours.  What to do instead: Be clear, respectful, and firm. “We are leaving in ten minutes.” You may help your child by offering a visual schedule, announcing the transition, and/or using a timer. 4. Let me do that for you. Kids hear/internalize: I am not capable and my parents can do it better.  What to do instead: Never do for a child what they think they can do for themselves. Give your child time to learn. Offer encouragement, “I believe in you. You can do hard things.” And if you must hurry, offer something like, “How about I put on this shoe and you put on that one.” 5. Be a good boy/girl. Kids hear/internalize: I am good when I do good, and I am bad when I do bad. What to do instead: Communicate to your child that who they are and what they do are two separate things. They are always a good kid, and sometimes they have a hard time. To communicate this, connect before you redirect: Meet the unmet need, validate the feeling, set boundaries, and teach new skills through co-regulation.  6. Be a big boy/girl. Kids hear/internalize: Bigger is better, so I can’t wait to be older. This incentivizes our kids to be more than they are.  What to do instead: Celebrate your child for the age they are, and the abilities they have. “Wow, you’re four. What a great age to be.” or “I see you working hard on that. Way to stick with it!” 7. Don’t jump, hit, scream … or any other verb. Kids hear/internalize: Jump, hit, scream. What to do instead: State the behaviors you do desire. “Feet on the floor … You can hit the drum … Match my voice.” 8. Don’t whine. Kids hear/internalize: I am not allowed to express myself. My wants and needs are bad or wrong.  What to do instead: Help your child find her powerful voice via play. “Where is Ella’s powerful voice? It was here just a minute ago?!” Or gesture her powerful voice by tapping your throat. Or say, “I want to help. I can’t understand what you are saying. Please use your powerful voice.” 9. Stop crying. Kids hear/internalize: It is unsafe to show emotion. What to do instead: Help your child name it to tame it and feel it to heal it. “I see you are so sad, and I am here for you.”  10. Stop being shy. Give him a hug. Kids hear/internalize: What I feel inside isn’t what is good or right or acceptable. What to do instead: Invite your child to tune in to their intuition and trust what they find. Offer support. “I see you don’t want to give hugs right now. That’s okay. Listen to your body.” 11. We don’t do that in this house. Kids hear/internalize: I did that (behavior), so I must not belong.  What to do instead: State an observation and then set clear, firm, and consistent boundaries. “I see a boy who threw his dinner bowl. All done.”  12. You’re fine. You’re being too emotional. Kids hear/internalize: My feelings are wrong, not allowed, not safe.  What to do instead: Pause to notice and manage your triggers and stay curious about your child’s experience. Validate emotions, hold space, and make it safe to feel. 13. Oh come on, it's not that bad. Kids hear/internalize: What I THINK I am feeling is false. I cannot trust myself, my body, or my feelings. There must be something wrong with me. What to do instead: Remind yourself that feelings are not RIGHT or WRONG... they are data. Validate your child's emotions even if you do not like them. Get curious about your child's thoughts and possible unmet needs. 14. You make me so mad. Kids hear/internalize: I am responsible for others’ feelings.  What to do instead: State how you feel using an I statement. “I feel frustrated when I see the cat get hit because he could get hurt." If you currently use any of these, meet yourself with compassion. We are wired to say most of these phrases because it’s what was modeled for us by generations past. Being a cycle breaker takes awareness, which is exactly what this article invites. Compassionate awareness.  When our children feel safe, powerful, and connected, they have an easier time listening and cooperating with us. This is the power of taking a "connection with" rather than a "power over" approach to raising kids. Our words can either nurture, support and guide our kids ---- or they can become their inner critic. I choose connection.

With families staying home due to social distancing, we created a list of 15 unique ways to bring connection to this year's Mother's Day.

We are living in busy days where heart-to-heart connection is suffering. Here are 4 loving rituals to enhance connection with your children. 

With fall approaching, parents and educators are looking to the next school year and wondering what’s best for everyone involved.

When I coerced my family to play a new card game designed to nurture our empathy, the first question was: How do you win? “Oh my god, it’s not that kind of game,” I said. We’re a competitive bunch. Let’s just say I’ve been uninvited from some family game[...] Read More _____________ Generation Mindful creates tools, toys, and programs that nurture emotional intelligence through play and positive discipline. Join us and receive joy in your inbox each week.

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.

Gratitude builds your child's brain for empathy and emotional resilience. Just as our children watch and model the things we say and do, they also mirror our level of gratitude. Here are 3 gratitude rituals to add into your home. 

Sometimes the best thing we can do is to drown out the experts so we can make room for the real one … you.

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!  

This mom couldn't understand why she was so triggered by her sons' sibling rivalry. But following the thread, she found her pain point. It had less to do with her sons' behavior and more to do with her own pain - the pain of losing her brother years ago.

It was hard for me to focus and be in a space to do anything productive because as a Black woman, I am not okay right now.

Child-led learning. The thought of it can seem downright scary. Here are six benefits of using child-led learning with your young children...

Shame eats away at a child’s core emotional need to feel loved and connected, leaving them feeling small, unworthy, flawed, and unacceptable. As we learn to heal our shame wounds, we give our children chances for a healthy and happy emotional life. Here are 3 shame-free discipline tactics. 

Every time our child snatches a toy or melts down or forgets to say “thank you,” we worry our children will grow to be disrespectful, which motivates us to teach the lesson. But when we understand brain development, we can approach these situations in ways that build the skills without shame. Here are 3 ways. 

When our own childhood contained stress and trauma, the developmentally-appropriate behaviors of our children can be a big trigger. Here are 3 ways to heal your childhood wounds through parenting. 

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.