Mindful Moments Blog

Dad and kids playing with ToolKit tools

Mindful Moments Blog

Parenting Toddlers, Tweens, and Teens Using Time-Ins

by Ashley Patek on Aug 08 2020
Crystal is a mama with a household of toddlers, tweens, and teens where uncontrollable sobbing and outbursts were a daily occurrence, and not just from her three-year-old.
This Twist on a Classic Teaches Children Loving Limits and Boundaries

Mindful Moments Blog

This Twist on a Classic Teaches Children Loving Limits and Boundaries

by Ashley Patek on Aug 05 2020
While some may say that The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a tale of selfless love, others find the story actually sends a much different message --- one of co-dependency.
How To Connect With Your Toddler Emotionally While Weaning From Breastfeeding

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Connect With Your Toddler Emotionally While Weaning From Breastfeeding

by Ashley Patek on Jul 20 2020
Breastfeeding is such a sacred time, and sometimes we fear that weaning will cause us to lose our connection. But that doesn't have to be the case. Here is how you can connect with your child while weaning.
Mom goes viral on TikTok using Generation Mindful's Time-In ToolKit

Mindful Moments Blog

TikTok Goes Viral As Mom Shows Alternative to Time-Outs Using The Time-In ToolKit

by Ashley Patek on Jul 18 2020
A mom recently shared a clip on TikTok of her son using Generation Mindful's Time-In ToolKit, and the post went viral. Take a look. 
Generation Mindful's Time-In-ToolKit

Mindful Moments Blog

Peaceful Parenting Tips: How To Do Time-Ins

by Ashley Patek on Jul 13 2020
This video is for anyone who has ever struggled with parenting (all of us), for those who are working to respond to their children instead of reacting to their behaviors, and anyone who wants to raise emotionally healthy humans but isn't sure where to start.
kids arm and arm

Mindful Moments Blog

Children Need Less Academics and More Social-Emotional Learning in the Classroom

by Ashley Patek on Jul 09 2020
Starting school or starting a new school year can be stressful at the best of times, let alone during a global pandemic.
clingy child

Mindful Moments Blog

My Child Is Clingy. Am I Doing It Wrong?

by Ashley Patek on Jul 02 2020
Your child is clingy, seems to be experiencing separation anxiety and is consistently acting out whenever you leave them, even if just to try to pee alone. Are you doing something wrong as a parent? Not even a little. Here's why.
Six Ways To Intentionally Raise Kind Children

Mindful Moments Blog

Six Ways To Intentionally Raise Kind Children

by Ashley Patek on Jun 09 2020
Research shows that when we shame, blame, and guilt children into kindness, or, quite the opposite, when we dangle carrots (aka external rewards) for caring, children begin to view kindness as a chore rather than a choice. So how do we teach kindness? Read more.
Social Distancing Impact on Children

Mindful Moments Blog

Social Distancing Impact on Children

by Ashley Patek on Apr 27 2020
We share parents' top concerns and frustrations about their children’s behaviors during this time of staying home, and tools for navigating regression and other stress responses.
Forced homeschooling due to COVID-19

Mindful Moments Blog

4 Guiding Principles for Parents Teaching From Home

by Alex Petrou on Apr 15 2020
Four tips to help parents create meaningful and effective in-home learning opportunities during the pandemic.
Little girl in her Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

Positive Affirmations are Helping Kids

by Ashley Patek on Mar 26 2020
These printable mantra bracelets are a great way for parents to share comforting and empowering mantras with children as young as age two on up. Because when we feel worthy and loved, we respond as if we are worthy and loved. And when we feel powerless and not enough, we respond as if we are powerless and not enough.
Mom and daughter in Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

Reducing Toddler Tantrums

by Alex Petrou on Mar 17 2020
One family’s journey using time-ins to manage their toddler's big feelings, going from 33 to 3 tantrums a day in just one week.
Pregnant mama showing her bump in nature

Mindful Moments Blog

From Classroom to Home: One Teacher's Journey to Positive Parenting

by Ashley Patek on Jan 23 2020
After maternity leave, I decide to shift from my role as a teacher of an academic classroom to that of teaching our “one and only.” My full momma heart told me that I would nail it. I mean, how hard could it be to teach one child when I had taught so many?
The Day My Son Told Me Mad Is Bad

Mindful Moments Blog

The Day My Son Told Me "Mad is Bad"

by Ashley Patek on Jan 03 2020
When our children believe that unpleasant emotions are "bad", they become unsafe to feel those emotions. However all emotions are sacred and useful. Here's why. Read more.
Child reading a book in classroom's Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

Preschool Teacher Creates Calming Corner to Teach Students About Emotions

by Ashley Patek on Nov 26 2019
In a nook in the back near the teacher’s desk, a cozy, safe place exists. It is a place to explore feelings. A place to regulate. A place to take a break and just be. Welcome to Emily Brown’s preschool classroom. Emily is a teacher dedicated to helping her students learn about, notice and practice their emotions.
When Partners Disagree: Tools For Parenting On The Same Page

Mindful Moments Blog

When Partners Disagree: Tools For Parenting On The Same Page

by Ashley Patek on Nov 11 2019
Parenting disagreements are not uncommon, especially with so many different parenting ideologies out there. So, how can parents get on the same page?
What co-regulation looks like

Mindful Moments Blog

What Co-Regulation Looks Like

by Alex Petrou on Oct 30 2019
A young child is so frustrated and overwhelmed that she just hit her big sister. As the adult responsible for managing this moment, how can you navigate this? Enter co-regulation.
When Your Toddler Won't Stop Crying!

Mindful Moments Blog

When Your Toddler Won't Stop Crying!

by Ashley Patek on Oct 30 2019
Why is your toddler crying and what can you do? Here is a parent's guide for making it through, helping your child co-regulate and process her emotions.
Justin Baldoni in the store with is tantruming daughter

Mindful Moments Blog

Two Men and a Tantruming Toddler

by Alex Petrou on Oct 30 2019
Kids can break into full-on tantrums at the drop of a hat, and nearly every parent has been where actor Justin Baldoni found himself on Father's Day. How can we release fear of judgement and be with our tantruming toddler during their time of need?
Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: A Guide for Parents

Mindful Moments Blog

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: A Guide for Parents

by Alex Petrou on Oct 29 2019
Learn how positive vs. negative reinforcement influence your parenting style and the ways positive reinforcers can support your child’s development.