Mindful Moments Blog

5 Reasons Kids Misbehave And How To Respond

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Reasons Kids Misbehave And How To Respond

by Ashley Patek on May 17 2022
Here are five common reasons our kids misbehave and some ideas on how to respond for a more peaceful, connected home. 
What To Do When Positive Parenting Isn't Working

Mindful Moments Blog

What To Do When Positive Parenting Isn't Working

by Rebecca Eanes on May 16 2022
Sometimes parents say that positive parenting “isn’t working” for them, and when that is the case, it’s important to explore why before giving up. Here are some reasons why and 5 things to do when you feel like positive parenting isn't working for your family. 
How To Reduce Your Child's Exposure To Shame

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Reduce Your Child's Exposure To Shame

by Rebecca Eanes on Apr 25 2022
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. 
Stop Saying, "He Hurts You Because He Likes You"

Mindful Moments Blog

Stop Saying, "He's Mean To You Because He Likes You"

by Ashley Patek on Mar 21 2022
"He's mean to you because he likes you" is a harmful message that perpetuates the cycle of bullying and programs our children to accept abuse. Here are 4 things our kids need to know about boundaries and consent.
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.
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?
3 Steps For Managing Parenting Stress This Holiday Season

Mindful Moments Blog

3 Steps For Managing Parenting Stress This Holiday Season

by Ashley Patek on Dec 13 2021
Parenting during the holidays feels tough because it is tough. Here are 3 tips to get you through with less stress and more joy. 
5 Powerful Phrases To Say To Children That Boosts Brain Development

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Powerful Phrases To Say To Children That Boost Brain Development

by Ashley Patek on Nov 05 2021
Our words have the power to build up our children, nurture and guide them. They also have the power to cripple, shrink, and wound. It is these 5 phrases, spoken by well-intended parents, that tend to miss the mark on paving pathways for self-discipline and emotional regulation. Here's what to say instead. 
4 Ways To Guide Your Child's Misbehavior Without Yelling

Mindful Moments Blog

4 Ways To Guide Your Child's Misbehavior Without Yelling

by Ashley Patek on Sep 19 2021
There are several ways that children appear to be misbehaving when, really, these behaviors are developmental passages that help them learn how to be human. Understand why misbehavior happens, and 4 tools to guide your child without yelling.    
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.
How To Parent Respectfully And Set Boundaries

Mindful Moments Blog

Setting Boundaries With Your Strong-Willed Child

by Ashley Patek on Aug 04 2021
Boundaries often feel hard to set and harder to stick to, especially in parenting. Learn how to set boundaries that are clear and consistent while also validating your child's wants and desires with these 6 tools. 
Teaching Your Child How To Be Mad

Mindful Moments Blog

Teaching Your Child How To Be Mad

by Ashley Patek on Jul 15 2021
It’s not about teaching our children not to be mad, sad, or frustrated. It’s about teaching them how to be mad, sad, and frustrated. Rather than teaching them to suppress or bottle their emotions, we can empower our children to move through them in healthy ways. Here's how. 
What Happens When We Say, “You Hurt My Feelings” To Our Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

What Happens When We Say, “You Hurt My Feelings” To Our Kids

by Ashley Patek on Jun 29 2021
When we say things like "You hurt my feelings" or "You make me so mad", we send messages to our children that they are responsible for our feelings. Learn the truth about feelings, how to overcome childhood adaptations, and what to say instead.
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.
Self-care

Mindful Moments Blog

Please Stop Telling Me How To Do Self-Care

by Ashley Patek on Dec 07 2020
Read as this mama shares how to become empowered by self-care rather than viewing it as a "to-do" in an already hectic world.