In this blog, I share a story of a unique friendship and a reminder that when we offer support to people in need, we all benefit.
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During an episode of the show, “Ted Lasso,” Ted expresses anger towards his mother for not working on herself. When we are upset with others, who really needs to do the work? And what does this involve? How can we free ourselves of the pain we experience by the actions or inactions of others?
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I saw a post recently on Facebook that stirred up a lot of thoughts within me as well as facilitating some great conversations with my children.
Want to know what the post said? Do you want to hear my thoughts? Check it out…
Do you find children fighting stressful? Do you often find yourself feeling uncertain about what to do and agitated with not knowing how to fix the situation?
I thought my job was to get them to stop fighting.
I was wrong.
What is our job when kids are fighting? Read this article for some powerful insight into the art of mediation.
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When we see someone experiencing an emotion like anger, fear, or sadness, we often want to change the behaviour right away. Without even realizing it we want them to change their behaviours so we can feel better. How do we feel when someone tries to change our behaviour with words like, it’s not that bad, don’t be ridiculous, stop crying, put away your tears, you should just be grateful, it could be worse, let me tell you how I had it worse than you…” Yet why is it we often say these things to people or children who are upset?
Do you wish to discover a more loving and effective way to UNDERSTAND and address challenging behaviours in others? Be sure to read this article to discover this and more…
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Who knew egg decorating could remind me of the powerful strategies I have learned to stop the self-sabotaging voice and how to embrace the learning that comes from uncomfortable moments.
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I recently felt inspired to write another blog after seeing several posts on social media that felt very divisive. They were posted by peaceful, loving individuals. This got me thinking about how often humans say and do things that perhaps unknowingly, contribute to conflict in our world.
Do you do this?…
I first wrote this blog after meeting Sir Ken Robinson in person. Recently, after hearing of his passing last month, I decided to republish this blog about a man whose passion was to enlighten us on ways to better educate our children. As we enter into a time in education like no other, well, I must say how timely…
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Humans keep finding ways to create “war”. The topics in which we create wars keep changing or in some cases, resurfacing over time like sexual orientation or equality amongst races. Is it the topics that are war creating or our need for others to agree with us and do what we think is right that is most deadly?
What is the latest topic we are using that is creating separation?
What has this human phenomenon have to do with parenting wars as well?
During these times of racial tensions, getting along with others can be challenging. Are you choosing peace or war?
Many people have strong opinions about the meaning of the term Black Lives Matter and White Privilege. There are people voicing concerns over the participation or lack of participation in peace walks. People are sharing opinions on why there is violence during riots, the need for police conduct and training to change, the possible reallocation of police funding and training as well as questioning if the past behaviour of victims of police brutality justifies an officer's violent conduct. There is a great controversy over some people finding the need to remove historical statues related to slavery as well as how to reform the systematic racism in our schools and governments.
What are we to do?
Stay silent and feel permissive to injustices?
or
Speak up and risk persecution?
Amongst all these raised voices and opinions, how can we bring more peace to the planet?
Need an idea?…
Are you tired of dealing with your child’s challenging behaviours? Have you tried things like rewards, sticker charts, and even punishments for unwanted behaviour? Do you find the things you are trying draining and wonder why eventually they stop working?
Are you seeking ways to be a better parent?
Then be sure to read this blog and check out my website regarding upcoming parenting workshops.
As a mother of four children, I have had my share of dealing with meltdowns at various ages.
In this blog, I share several of my strategies that clearly DID NOT work and what motivated me to seek skills and understanding that would assist me in being more compassionate and effective in dealing with undesirable behaviour.
Even though I use the example of homework as a possible trigger for a meltdown in this blog, I offer perspectives and strategies that are helpful no matter the age of your child or what the triggering event might be.
Ready to deal with temper tantrums and meltdowns more effectively?
Have You Ever Struggled to Understand or Accept the Traditional Easter Story?
I have.
Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, the traditional story of Jesus coming to Earth to die for our sins disturbed me greatly.
Find out how some traumatic events in my life, offered me a new perception that changed everything.
Learn more about the experiences that have brought me endless moments of peace.
Want to learn more?
Need ideas for resolving conflicts between children?
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Recently I woke up around 4 o'clock in the morning with words rambling around in my head. I tried going back to sleep, but I couldn't. So I got up, sat down quietly in front of my computer and began to type what was in my head.
I soon realized what was in my head was a poem. I haven't written a poem in years. When I was done, I experienced a greater sense of awareness as a deep level of calm and stillness washed over me.
So, instead of a blog, today I share with you a poem.
Wishing you all a heightened sense of consciousness, peace, and connection during this globally troubling time.
As the world is beginning to experience a global pandemic, many parents are wondering what they should or should not be doing around the physical, psychological and emotional care of their children. The big question on many parents’ minds is:
How Do You Parent Your Child During a Pandemic?
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One of the things we do every year at the school where I teach is host "Character Education Assemblies." One of the character traits we need to teach students about Honesty. I have noticed how easy it is for adults to tell kids to be honest and always answer truthfully yet how difficult this can be at times for us as adults to do in our day to day lives.
"Do you want to go out with me? Is it ok if I borrow your car? Do you think this looks good? Do you like what I did? Is that ok with you? Are you ok to watch my kids? I need to borrow some money, is that ok? How are you feeling?"
Read my blog to find out what may be blocking you from being fully honest with others...
Last year I went to a workshop on parenting teens. The night left me pondering a lot of things about parenting, especially challenges with teenagers.
Do you find yourself in a constant battle with your child? teen? Are you seeking ways to find peace within your home? Are you wanting a greater connection with your child, no matter their age?
Do you want to stop having the need to control your kids?
Check out what I discovered after attending a parenting workshop and how it may help you as well...
Have you ever caught your mind running out of control? Creating a mental movie of what should have been? It happened to me and my daughter when she got into a ski accident where we kept wanting to rewind time in our minds.
When we argue with reality, it just causes us pain. It takes constant awareness of what thoughts we are believing if we want to stay mentally well. It takes determination, skills, and resources to stay in a healthy state of mind.
My daughter's recent ski accident was not only another opportunity to practice my mental wellness strategies and skills, but it was also a wonderful opportunity to welcome the wisdom that is around me when I am open to hearing and receiving it.
Be sure to check out my latest blog for a strategy on how to manage painful thoughts you are stuck in "what should have been..."
I remember when I used to get very angry over the sight of a messy bedroom. After seeing my kid's messy bedroom I would give out lectures starting with "How many times do I have to tell everyone around here that it is not my job to pick up your dirty clothes off your bedroom floor... " as I was picking up dirty clothes off the floor.
Many things my children did or did not do would result in me yelling.
One day I woke up to realize I didn't have to yell. Yelling was a choice and I was going to do everything I could, for my sake, and more importantly for my family's sake, to stop yelling.
Be sure to read my latest blog to find out what I discovered about my upset and one strategy I still use to break my "autopilot cycle" of yelling...