Mindful Moments Blog

While we may not remember our childhood with our mind and verbal words, our body keeps the score and stores the information it receives from our formative years, namely which parts of us to grow and which to shrink. These downloads show up as patterns in adulthood and in our parenting. Read more. 

Motherhood can feel like the synonym of should. No matter what we do, there will always be someone to tell us we didn't do enough, or maybe that we did too much. Learn what your guilt is telling you, and how to move through it to find your authentic self! 

With efforts to keep children in school and out of the school-to-prison pipeline, teachers and administrators within California school districts will no longer be able to suspend elementary and middle school students for willful defiance, as part of a Senate Bill signed by Gov. Newsom.

The thing they don’t tell you when you’re expecting that little bundle of joy is that the bundle is going to break your heart eventually. It usually happens in a million tiny breaks over the years. But while a mother’s heart breaks many times, it is ultimately indestructible. 

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.  

What would happen if we taught our children to empathize with the "bully"? Here are three ways to love the person who is bullying. 

Does it ever feel like there is a disconnect between what you say and what your kids hear? Like, somehow, asking your child not to jump on the couch or slap her brother translates into more jumping and continued slapping. Here are common parenting phrases, what kids hear, and what we can say instead to get on the same page.

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.

Bloom360 Learning Community, a nonprofit school in southeastern Wisconsin for Learners ages 5 to 21 with neurodiverse needs, based their entire 2019/20 school year curriculum themes around the PeaceMakers themes of Power, Joy, Balance, Love, Peace, Intuition, and Forgiveness, and the outcomes are inspiring.

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. 

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!). 

The desire to do better can exist in and of itself. It doesn’t have to be driven by a dislike or disgust of who you are now. Here are 3 steps toward self-acceptance.

As a parent, navigating through childcare options can feel overwhelming, especially when each one claims to offer the best start for your child. You want to find a daycare that you can trust not only to watch your little one, but to also guide them through such a pivotal period of social and emotional development. If you’re looking for a forward thinking daycare option which values emotional intelligence and independence, a Montessori daycare may be the answer. Montessori daycare goes beyond traditional daycare settings, creating a space where children can embark on a journey that nurtures not only their minds but their emotional well-being too. Understanding the Montessori Approach Montessori education, named after Dr. Maria Montessori, is based on an approach that emphasizes respect for a child's natural psychological development, as well as the importance of providing a prepared environment that encourages learning. When looking at a Montessori daycare, here's what you can expect: • A carefully crafted environment: Montessori classrooms are specially designed with children in mind. They are set up to be accessible and engaging to little ones, with furniture sized just right for them. The space invites exploration and learning, with a focus on nature and reality. • Montessori materials: Learning tools in Montessori classrooms are not just toys but purposeful materials that foster the development of sensorial, language, mathematics, and practical life skills. For example, you might see bead chains for counting or sandpaper letters for tracing and phonetics. • Freedom within limits: While the environment is structured, children have the freedom to choose their activities. This helps them learn to manage their time and make decisions. • Mixed age classrooms: Children are often grouped in multi-age ranges, which encourages older children to help younger ones—a key part of the social and learning process. • Focus on individual progress: Every child learns differently, and in a Montessori setting, teachers respect and support individual learning paths instead of following a strict curriculum for the entire group. Imagine your child proudly tying their shoes or serving themselves a snack with grace – that's a slice of montessori magic right there, where every task, no matter how small, develops independence. A Day in the Life at Montessori Daycare When you send your little one off to a Montessori daycare, they're stepping into a world that's quite different from your regular daycare center. Here's what a typical day looks like for children in this nurturing environment: • Morning Greeting: Each day starts with a warm welcome. Teachers greet each child individually, fostering a sense of belonging and respect. • Self-Directed Activities: Children dive into activities they choose themselves, which might range from reading to solving puzzles, or even pouring grains. This supports their independence and decision-making skills. • Group Time: At some point, everyone gathers together for group activities, which could be storytelling, music, or community discussions. This teaches children about togetherness and cooperation. • Outdoor Play: Playing outside is important too. Kids get to run, climb, and explore nature, which is great for their physical health and sensory experiences. • Lunch and Quiet Time: After a nutritious meal, there's a quiet period. This could mean nap time for the younger ones or silent reading for the older children. It’s an opportunity for some much-needed rest during the busy day. • Afternoon Activities: The afternoon might offer more structured projects or continued self-directed work. Teachers are always on hand to guide and support rather than lead. • End-of-Day Reflection: Before heading home, kids get together to discuss what they learned and share any proud moments. It’s a chance to reflect on the day's discoveries and achievements. In a Montessori daycare, kids don't just learn about numbers and letters. They also practice everyday life skills, like cleaning up after themselves and taking turns. They build strong social skills as they interact with peers of different ages. All the while, they're absorbing the values of community and independence. Montessori vs. Traditional Daycare: Comparing Daycare Models When deciding between a montessori daycare vs traditional daycare experience for your child, it's helpful to compare the two side by side: • Learning Approach: Montessori: Self-directed, child chooses activities based on interests. Traditional: Teacher-directed, activities are structured and goal-oriented. • Environment: Montessori: Designed to encourage exploration, often with natural materials and calming colors. Traditional: Colorful and engaging, may include vibrant decorations and designated activity areas. • Discipline: Montessori: Encourages children to develop self-discipline through natural consequences. Traditional: More likely to employ time-outs or other traditional methods of discipline. • Educational Goals: Montessori: Holistic development, encompassing social, emotional, and academic growth. Traditional: Preparation for school, focusing on academic readiness and social cooperation. Choosing the right daycare is a significant decision. It's not about labeling one as better than the other; it's about understanding which environment aligns best with your child's personality, learning style, and your family's values. Keep your options open, and trust that you know what will work best for your child. How to Choose the Right Montessori Daycare When you're looking into Montessori daycare for your little one, you want to be sure it’s the right fit for your family. Here’s what to keep an eye out for and some key questions you may want to ask: • Teacher Qualifications: Montessori teachers should have specific training that equips them to guide children in this unique learning environment. Check their credentials and training backgrounds. • Program Authenticity: A true Montessori environment will adhere to the core principles of the philosophy. Find out how closely the daycare follows the Montessori method. • Child-to-Teacher Ratio: Ensuring your child gets ample attention is vital. Ask about the number of teachers available per group of children. • Classroom Environment: Take a tour of the facility to see if it has a "prepared environment" true to Montessori standards—organized, clean, and with age-appropriate materials and furniture. • Parent Involvement: Inquire about the ways parents can get involved with the daycare activities and how the school communicates progress and incidents. • Flexibility and Hours: Make sure the daycare's schedule aligns with your needs. Some Montessori daycares offer flexible schedules for working parents. Once you’ve made your choice, transitioning to a Montessori environment can be a period of adjustment for both you and your child. Consider these tips to make the process smoother: • Start Early: Begin discussing the change with your child well ahead of the start date. Talk to them about what they can expect. • Stay Engaged: Keep communication open with the educators to track your child’s progress and address any concerns. • Routine at Home: Establish a Montessori-friendly routine at home to complement the daycare’s environment. • Patience is Key: Every child adapts differently. Be patient and supportive with your child's adaptation pace. Remember, moving to a Montessori daycare isn't just about a change in setting; it's embracing a new approach to learning and development. Montessori Style Learning Resources In the Classroom and at Home GenMindful provides learning resources for the classrooms and home based on Montessori philosophies. • My Feelings Poster - This Feelings and Emotions Poster, showcasing 32 expressive faces, aids kids aged 2 and up in recognizing and managing their feelings. It categorizes emotions into happy, sad, calm, and mad/scared, making it an engaging tool for emotional learning. • Time In Corner Kit - Developed by child-development experts, this toolkit offers zones of regulation printables and interactive elements that playfully teach children how to navigate and regulate big emotions. • Positive Parenting Course - This positive parenting program offers a perfect blend of our best-selling online course, community support, and live coaching calls. Starting from day one, you'll gain practical and empowering positive parenting classes online that will make a pragmatic difference in your family's life. • Heart SnuggleBuddies Emotions Plush - Heart teaches children as young as age 2+ the mood groups (Happy, Sad, Calm, Mad/Scared) and helps kids practice naming and sharing their emotions in daily playful ways. Conclusion Selecting a daycare means shaping your child's early experiences, which form the building blocks of their development. With the information explored in this comparison of Montessori versus traditional daycare, you're well-prepared to make a choice that aligns with your family's unique needs and values.

Sam struggled with impulse control and emotional processing when he didn't get what he wanted. Does this sound familiar in your home? I created an improv game to help nurture emotional intelligence and bolster flexibility. Get this game and more in our E-Book: 10 Minutes of Play For 10 Days!

Do you ever feel like a piece of you gets lost in Motherhood? By Leselle Theus It was only dinner, or so I thought. Don’t get me wrong, I was excited to go to dinner. I love going out to dinner. But, in the last four years, I could count on my fingers how many times I indulged in this sweet pleasure of mine, which was a bummer because going out to a new or old favorite restaurant was “my thing!” I loved it so much that it actually didn’t matter if the dinner was a one or five-star rating because, in my eyes, it was the experience that made my heart smile.  So sitting at the restaurant with my friend felt familiar, and it was lovely.  Actually, it turned out to be more than lovely.  This dinner CHANGED MY LIFE! It produced a feeling in me that I hadn’t felt in a while.  I got home and walked through the door … practically skipping … floating, even. “Hello, my boys!” I sang, with my chipper greeting being returned by strange looks from my husband and 4-year-old.  But I didn’t care. I. WAS. HAPPY. Why did this dinner produce such a high? Why? Because it was ME. It was 100% me! I realized that when I became a mom, I gave up on myself. I can’t tell you why, but somewhere in the last four years, I thought that I couldn’t be both me and mom. One had to head to the guillotine. And sadly and quietly, I did.   What followed next was joy in motherhood. Delight in pouring into this brilliant, tiny human. Yet, there was also a silent mourning for me which masked itself in my overwhelm; in my pensive states; in silent screams of “something is missing.” Despite this, I was quick to self-reprimand with the guilt for wanting more, yet having so much to be grateful for.  I love my family. But this fraction of a person longed to walk in wholeness again. It was a longing that felt like a shadow that I couldn’t make out, until now. The shadow was me, wanting to emerge from the background to its rightful place. So even though I couldn’t have foreseen it, going to dinner that afternoon was not just going to dinner. It was reintroducing me to what I love. To what fills me up. To what makes my heart smile. It reintroduced me to Me.  Here’s the reality. I didn’t have to choose. I just had to pivot. I just had to learn the balance. The balance of what makes me and the balance of filling up and pouring out. Now that I have, it feels great. I am feeling better than I have ever felt in four years.  What was I thinking? What are you thinking? Trying to mom on E(mpty)? Trying to mom without being 100% you? Your family benefits, somewhat. You benefit in no way. But everyone will benefit if you are 100% you. Monthly dinners are now on the calendar for me. I’ll get to late-night dinners again soon. But for now, reservation at five, please, so I can fill up and then head home to my family to pour out.  Welcome back, Leselle. I missed you. Reparent Yourself Intergenerational healing is about progress... not perfection.  By understanding and embracing your inner child with kindness, you become resilient, improve your emotional well-being, and form a deeper connection with yourself and others.  If you would like guidance and support in your reparenting journey, please take a moment to explore the Reparent Yourself Masterclass Bundle. Lifetime Access to 20 Interactive Courses, Guided Meditations, Healing Movement, and Other Transformative Resources. The Reparent Yourself Masterclass Bundle is available at 94% Off Savings for a limited time.

What is mindful parenting? Learn the benefits and practices of this positive parenting style and how you can integrate it into your child's life.

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.