Living mindfully can be a challenge for a to-do list type of person (aka enneagram type 3). I'm incorporating a mix of rhythms and routines into our days to make sure I'm really holding space to be present and enjoy moments with my kids. Get our free weekly mindful planner printable.
Read MoreThere is a lot of education on academics in our formal training, but not a lot on emotional intelligence. What would it be like if we learned emotions in school like we did math, history, or reading? Bear’s Book of Emotions was written to help children identify emotions in themselves. This is based on the concept of emotional intelligence which states that the 4 components of being emotionally sound are: 1 - Identifying emotions in ourselves, 2 - Identifying emotions in others, 3 - Regulating our own emotions, and 4 - Regulating emotions in our relationships with others.
Read MoreWhen you travel with young kids, preparation is key. With this guide it's easy! Know your triggers and prepare for activities. I pack two baskets — one with snacks and tools to prevent challenges from our triggers and one with tech/non-tech activities. I put them in an easy-to-reach spot with all the essentials & we rotate through the snacks and activities, all while preventing triggers.
Read MoreDownload a free mad chart on the blog for some skills you can work on with your child to handle frustration!
In response to my podcast, “stop ignoring the junk,“ I got some of the BEST feedback. I loved where the conversation went… that we can’t just focus on the positive and show our kids we only value POSITIVE feelings. All feelings are valid. Sometimes our negative behavior is annoying — but it’s still communicating something going on within our bodies.
So when our kids feel FRUSTRATED they may whine, backtalk, cry, threw a tantrum, roll their eyes… etc. Instead of “ignoring“ the behavior or just redirecting. We need to acknowledge and accept the feeling, and then help them learn ways to communicate that frustration appropriately. We aren’t asking them to not be frustrated… we are actually just helping them not kick us in the face with their muck boot when frustrated.
Read MoreThe secret to making your playdough soft and not crunchy is boiling the water in the microwave instead of in the pan. Plus, in this blog find a list of simple things you can add to the play to keep the playdough fun alive, new, and interesting.
Read MoreLet’s look at behavior differently than we traditionally would look at challenging behavior. Instead of seeing it as misbehavior or disrespect, we should view it through a Positive Behavior Support sense…. Their behavior is communicating a need or missing skill. As Ross Greene teaches, “If they could do well, they would do well.” What supports do they need to be able to do well? Prevent, Teach, Reinforce!
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