Mindful Moments Blog

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.
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. 
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.
How Mindfulness Helped Me Focus My ADHD

Mindful Moments Blog

How Mindfulness Helped Me Focus My ADHD

by Ashley Patek on Jan 31 2022
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. 
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.
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.
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?
Boy in glasses laying on his tummy in front of a red bookcase

Mindful Moments Blog

Study Finds That Emotional Intelligence Moves the Needle on Academic Success

by Ashley Patek on Oct 11 2021
A new study describes emotional intelligence as an important part of academic success from kindergarten into college.
Behavior is A Symptom, Not The Problem

Mindful Moments Blog

Behavior is A Symptom, Not The Problem

by Ashley Patek on Aug 16 2021
Behavior is a symptom, not the problem. And when we focus solely on the symptom, the problems causing these behaviors remain unsolved, and they stack up. So, how do we transform challenging behaviors at home and in the classroom?
How To Use Storytime To Reduce Clinginess & Ease Transitions

Mindful Moments Blog

How To Use Storytime To Reduce Clinginess & Ease Transitions

by Courtney Tharpe on Jun 04 2021
Storytime is a time when our children's imaginations are fired up, operating in the frontal lobe of their brain, and primed for learning. If you are struggling with clingy behavior, transitions, or teaching new skills, a simple, scripted story may be the best tool in your toolbox! Get your FREE scripted story printable here!
Time-In ToolKit Helps Mom Realize: My Sons' Behavior Is Normal And Healthy

Mindful Moments Blog

Time-In ToolKit Helps Mom Realize: My Son's Behavior Is Normal And Healthy

by Guest Author on Feb 24 2021
This mom feared something was wrong with her three-year-old child. And then she realized that his behavior was a sign of healthy brain development. 
A Parent's Guide: Meditate With Toddlers And Teens To Improve Emotional Intelligence And Resilience

Mindful Moments Blog

A Parent's Guide: Meditate With Toddlers And Teens To Improve Emotional Intelligence And Resilience

by Ashley Patek on Feb 18 2021
Even though today’s kids exhibit elevated levels of restlessness, stress, and anxiety, only 1.6% of children in the U.S. meditate. Here are the benefits of meditation on the developing brain and how parents can practice meditation with kids at every age. 
Three Ways To Stop Misbehavior

Mindful Moments Blog

Three Ways To Stop Misbehavior

by Guest Author on Feb 04 2021
When time-outs didn't work, this mom turned to three things, and it stopped her child's misbehavior.
One Simple Question I Ask Myself To Keep From Yelling At My Child

Mindful Moments Blog

One Simple Question I Ask Myself To Keep From Yelling At My Child

by Ashley Patek on Jan 21 2021
This mama was able to respond instead of reacting in the face of her son's big tantrum by asking this one simple question.
GENM quote

Mindful Moments Blog

Children Will Never Forget

by Suzanne Tucker on Jan 20 2021
Safe, powerful, connected. Supported, nurtured, and seen. These are just some of the ways we want our children to feel.
Feeding The Senses Helps Regulate Emotions: Part 1

Mindful Moments Blog

Feeding The Senses Helps Regulate Emotions: Part 1

by Ashley Patek on Jan 06 2021
Learn about your child's sensory system and how dysregulation leads to big emotions. Here are some tools to alert or calm your kiddo's nervous system to help regulate big feelings and behavior. 
Our Kids Are Listening Even When They Don't Seem Like It

Mindful Moments Blog

Our Kids Are Listening Even When They Don't Seem Like It

by Ashley Patek on Nov 23 2020
I was starting to lose hope that my three-year-old was actually absorbing anything when I talked to him about emotions or attempted to elicit empathy after he hit or kicked another in a fit of rage. But then this happened, and I realized he had been listening after all. 
Child crying

Mindful Moments Blog

Why Behavior Charts Don't Work For Most Kids

by Ashley Patek on Nov 09 2020
Behavior charts have been widely used over the past thirty years and while they may achieve the short-term goal of obedience, they miss the long-term goal of building the brain for life-long skills.