Mindful Moments Blog

Do I Need a Parenting Coach?

Mindful Moments Blog

Do I Need A Parenting Coach?

by Rebecca Eanes on May 09 2022
Are you feeling overwhelmed by parenting lately? Perhaps a bit lost? It’s no secret that this parenting gig is tricky. Here are some reasons why you may benefit from a parenting coach.
childhood pathological liar

Mindful Moments Blog

Am I Raising A Pathological Liar?

by Ashley Patek on Apr 28 2022
Worried you are raising a pathological liar? You are not alone. Not only is some degree of lying normal for children, but it is a healthy sign of their developing brain. Read more.
No bad kid

Mindful Moments Blog

There Is No Such Thing As A Bad Child

by Guest Author on Apr 11 2022
As a mother and trauma therapist, I can sniff out social trauma from a mile away.
Words Matter - Crossing out dismissive phrases in kid's story books

Mindful Moments Blog

Words Matter: Adjusting Popular Books and Songs to Align with Positive Parenting Strategies

by Ashley Patek on Mar 14 2022
Our words matter. Children receive messages from all around them and this includes the books, songs, and stories we share with them. Sometimes those messages are affirming and sometimes they are dismissive. Read how to make your words count to nourish your child's social-emotional skills.
Social-Emotional Learning Starts At Home

Mindful Moments Blog

Social-Emotional Learning Starts At Home

by Ashley Patek on Mar 07 2022
Students who are self-aware and able to understand their emotions have a greater ability to relate to others, make decisions, and excel academically. Here is how to help your child develop social-emotional skills at home. 
Talking To Our Kids About Death

Mindful Moments Blog

Talking To Our Kids About Death

by Ashley Patek on Feb 21 2022
Death is part of life, yet it can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss, especially with our children. Here are 5 tips for parents when talking to their child about death to support their emotional experience and understanding. 
What To When Your Child Doesn't Want To Go To The Calming Corner

Mindful Moments Blog

5 Things To Do When Your Child Doesn't Want To Go To The Calming Corner

by Ashley Patek on Feb 14 2022
What do you do when your child is so deep into their meltdown that they do not want to go to their calm down space ... or even want you near them? Here is a parent's guide.
Strengthening Your Child's Emotional Intelligence Through Valentine's Day

Mindful Moments Blog

Strengthening Your Child's Emotional Intelligence Through Valentine's Day

by Ashley Patek on Feb 11 2022
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.
6 Ways To Build Resilience In Your Child

Mindful Moments Blog

6 Ways To Build Resilience In Your Child

by Ashley Patek on Jan 31 2022
Often, our parental instincts encourage us to rescue our kids from unpleasant emotions or hijack their experiences to keep them safe. And while we cannot protect them from experiencing stress and distress, we can lean into our love to help them develop skills to handle these challenging moments.
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.
Breaking the cycle: Punitive Punishment to Restorative Discipline

Mindful Moments Blog

Breaking The Cycle: A Shift from Punitive to Positive Parenting

by Ashley Patek on Jan 17 2022
A shift from punitive punishment to positive parenting. One mama shares her story of breaking the generational cycle of spanking to connection-based childrearing.
Helping Kids Process Their Emotions Free From Shame

Mindful Moments Blog

Helping Kids Process Their Emotions Free From Shame

by Alex Petrou on Jan 10 2022
If you’ve ever caught yourself wanting to tell an emotional child to just stop, (so basically, if you are a human being) here are three things to keep in mind that will help you help kids process their emotions free from shame.   
I'm Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed Mom.

Mindful Moments Blog

I Am Not An Angry Mom. I'm An Overwhelmed Mom.

by Ashley Patek on Jan 03 2022
We aren’t angry parents. We are just parents with unmet needs, lagging skills, and lots of overwhelm - both sensorially and emotionally. Here is the one real solution. 
Santa and The Elf On The Shelf Are Magical Until Used For Behavior Modification

Mindful Moments Blog

Santa and The Elf On The Shelf Are Magical Until Used For Behavior Modification

by Ashley Patek on Nov 29 2021
Our words matter, and when we sing songs and play along with the notion that “you better be good... you better not cry. I’m telling you why” — aka you won’t get any presents — we are sending some pretty damaging messages to young children.
Little boy looking out the window

Mindful Moments Blog

The Blessing of Now

by Guest Author on Nov 22 2021
The tasks we need to get done, the clean house, the money we chase for the next bill, the wanting better, the material things in life, more of this and of more of that. None of it matters.
Stress And How Emotional Intelligence Can Keep It In Check

Mindful Moments Blog

Child Stress And How Emotional Intelligence Can Keep It In Check

by Alex Petrou on Nov 22 2021
Stress is our body’s natural reaction to a challenging or adverse situation, whether real or imagined, which triggers the body’s fight-flight-or-freeze response. By learning to express emotions, listen actively, and consider multiple perspectives, children and adults alike can learn to control stress more effectively.
Why Kids Ignore "No" And What You Can Do About It

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Kids Ignore "No" And What You Can Do About It

by Ashley Patek on Nov 15 2021
If no, don’t, and stop are part of your daily parenting language, you are not alone. But if you find that these phrases are not effective in getting your child to listen, use these seven tools instead. 
The Power of Positive Affirmations for Kids

Mindful Moments Blog

The Power of Positive Affirmations for Kids

by Ashley Patek on Nov 01 2021
Get 51 positive affirmations for kids that you can start using today. Plus, learn how they work, why they work, and fun ways to implement them at home.
Raising Emotionally-Intelligent Boys: One Mom's Journey

Mindful Moments Blog

Raising Emotionally-Intelligent Boys: One Mom's Journey

by Ashley Patek on Nov 01 2021
What do you do when the world around you tells you that you are too sensitive?  Do you adapt to the social norms and shift who you are, or do you hush the noise of society to listen to your inner wisdom?
Parenting: Control Isn't The Goal. Here's What Is.

Mindful Moments Blog

Parenting: Control Isn't The Goal

by Rebecca Eanes on Oct 20 2021
Nothing makes you feel like a failure quite like having a child you can’t control. Until you realize control isn’t the goal. Control starts to slip away as children grow, and you either have to up the ante to maintain that illusion of control or you have to accept the fact that you really don’t have control at all.