Let me paint the picture for you. It’s time for bed, you’re at your wits end and your kid(s) are off the walls.
It’s been a long day, and you’re trying hard not to completely lose your sh*t. So you attempt everything in the books, and none of the go-to tricks are working (not even deep breaths and lullabies). “Calm down, it’s time for bed!” “Stop that!” you shout.
But it’s only getting worse, and then the giggles kick in…and your sweet child is turning into a total monster. You’re starting to lose your mind. What’s a parent to do?
Hi, hello this was me the other night. And sometimes, even as a kids yoga & mindfulness teacher, I forget to lean on these tools.
💎 But here’s a lil trick I use in my kids yoga classes too that works like a charm every time: MATCH THEIR ENERGY. 💎
Yup, get kooky with them!
Some ideas to help your child calm down by matching their energy:
If they’re roaring like a lion, go ahead and make silly animal sounds with them.
If they can’t sit still and won’t get in bed, have a mini dance party and shake
Being kind is cool and I always say kindness begins with what you say to yourself. Here’s the thing: kids are listening and kindness is taught, which is a big part of my WHY. How can we speak kinder to one another…to ourselves?
Every kids yoga session I lead, we always incorporate positive affirmations. It’s been magical to watch the children get more confident using their voices and expressing themselves as the weeks go by. And it dawned on me recently, for some, they may not hear those kind words as often. That’s why it’s so freakin’ powerful. It truly is a ripple effect.
This month on the blog, I’m sharing five helpful tools to help foster kindness in children.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
5 Tools to Foster Kindness in Children
“Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck by Healthy Chicks
Positive Affirmation Wall Prints by Healthy Chicks
My Favorite Books About Kindness (various authors)
In my kids yoga classes, I’m always encouraging children to shine bright like a star — to be themselves AND to be proud to be themselves. This concept typically comes natural to children…it’s innately in them…in all of us.
But do you notice as adults, sometimes we dim our light? Whether it’s to make others feel more comfortable, fear of rejection or embarrassment, or not wanting to “be too much,” sometimes it’s easier to hide or turn our light wayyy down low.
Sound familiar? I used to do this too. In fact, I’d get jealous of other women shining in their full power and thought that if I did that, others wouldn’t get me…or I’d lose friends…or people in my industry would “copy” me or the list goes on and on.
A couple years ago I had this vision which shifted the way I think, a vision I’ll never forget. I was standing in a circle with the other women holding a torch…and everyone else had a candle. When I went around the circle to light everyone’s candle, it didn’t burn out. In fact, my torch only kept growing brighter and brighter and brighter (as did everyone else’s).
Winter is here and with the cold weather, snow and school vacations, you’re likely spending more time indoors with your children. And soon enough, the cabin fever starts to creep in. After all, there’s only so many Disney movies, toddler tantrums and crafts you can handle. Trust me, I get it!
If you’re looking for a screen-free alternative to entertain your kids (while keeping the house calm), I’ve got you covered.
One of my go-to parenting hacks is creating a “Calm Corner” (also known as a Cozy Corner) in your home — a little space for you or your child to spend some quiet time simply being. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; ours is a small closet-sized corner in our chalkboard room, and sometimes it’s just sitting quietly on the couch.
Once you’ve picked a spot for your “Calm Corner,” you can fill it with mindfulness tools to foster calm in the chaos. Today on the blog, I’m going to show you how to make your own “Calm Down Box” with your child.
How to Make a “Calm Down Box” with Your Kid
“Calm Down” boxes are wonderful to have on hand when you and your child … Read More!
‘Tis the season for giving thanks and practicing gratitude. The word gratitude can be such a big concept for children, so I’m here to simplify it for you to make it fun and kid-friendly. Here are four simple activities to practice gratitude with your little ones this holiday season (or any time of year)!
4 Ways to Teach Gratitude to Children
5 Finger Maple Breathing
Grateful Maple Exercise
Gratitude Bell Pass
Gratitude Jar
5 Finger Maple Breathing:
Hold up your hands like two maple leaves! Using your opposite pointer finger, trace up each finger as you breathe in, and breathe out as your trace down. Think about what you’re grateful for/what makes you happy as you breathe together.
Grateful MapleExercise:
This one comes straight from my “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck. Trace your hand on a piece of paper to create your own maple leaf! On each of the five lobes (your fingers), write down something or someone you’re grateful for. You can write for them if need be, or even have them draw pictures instead!
Gratitude Bell Pass:
This one is great for a group of kids such as in school … Read More!
Between busy back-to-school schedules and everyday life chaos, you may be craving a sense of calm in your life now more than ever. And even amidst the chaos (think: toddler tantrums and endless piles of laundry), it’s still possible to enjoy a moment of peace and quiet — seriously, I mean it.
Sound too good to be true? Here are four simple ways to slow down and embrace the moment this fall (with your kiddos).
1. Practice Positive Affirmations
Affirmations are a wonderful tool to instill self-love and confidence, and it’s never too early to start practicing with your littles. You can start by reciting simple “I Am” affirmations like “I am brave.” Grab the “Mindful & Magical Me” Kids Inspiration Deck for more kid-friendly prompts.
2. Start a Family Gratitude Jar
There’s no better way to appreciate the now than by practicing gratitude. Get the whole family involved by keeping a gratitude jar — where each family member writes down one thing they’re grateful for at the end of the day and pops it into the jar. This is such a wonderful way to honor all the blessings in your life while making room for more … Read More!
Last Monday was a dream for me. ICYMI, I was on the news! I was featured on WFSB Great Day at 9A for their “Mommy Monday” segment, talking about my new “Mindful & Magical Me” deck and mindfulness for kids.
It’s my vision to spread mindful, magical moments to kiddos (and their grownups) all over!
Fun Fact: I took a tip from one of my cards and shook my sillies out in the waiting room so I could let go of the nerves and ground my energy. And it worked!
I’ve been brewing up something special the past 9 months and it’s finally here…
I’m over-the-moon excited to introduce you to my newest creation, the “Mindful & Magical Me” Deck. This Inspiration Deck for Kids is packed with 35 colorful cards filled with mindful activities for little ones.
I had the idea to create this deck in the fall, and then got right to work in collaboration with my amazing “Aunti Di” who made the cards come to life with her watercolor “magic.”
You can grab your deck on Amazon here. Happy news: $1 from every purchase in June goes to Everyone Outside, a CT based nonprofit encouraging connecting people with nature.
It would mean the world to me & my small business for you to buy/share/gift to a friend or even just send some good vibes my way! Hint: they’d make great end of year teacher gifts.
P.S. I’m running an epic “Mama & Me” giveaway this month packed with $100 in goodies (think: affirmation cards, journal, children’s book & more!) Here’s how it works…
1.) Mention the deck and tag me on social media @healthychicks = 1 point 2.) Leave a review on Amazon = 2 … Read More!
