Free to Be Mindful Podcast | Helping Professional Moms Find Calm in a Busy World

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “Thanksgiving is coming up and my kid is the pickiest eater. How do I get my kid to eat so that I won’t be judged by my extended family?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobem...

When living great experiences two things typically happen - we get upset when the experiences have passed or we are left wanting more. In this episode Vanessa shares how reframing our thoughts and living a life filled with gratitude can bring more joy and peace into our lives. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation weaving mindful living...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “It’s the end of the marking period and my kid did terribly. I’m so mad but nothing seems to get through to him!” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.com. FREE GIFTS!...

It is said… Time is an illusion. Time is money. Time is the biggest and our most valuable non-renewable resource. When we think about it though, not all hours are created equal. In this episode Vanessa reflects on what we’re doing with the time we do have along with 5 tips to make the most of our time. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversat...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My kid forgets everything at home - homework, glasses, instruments, sneakers for PE - everything! How do I teach him responsibility?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemind...

In life we have gotten used to instant gratification, however, that isn’t always possible. When we don’t get what we want, how do we react? And how does that impact others? These are the topics discussed in this week’s episode, along with tips to help with being patient and how to have a positive attitude while we’re waiting. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My kid has special needs and holidays like Halloween are tough for him. What can I do to help others understand our struggles?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.co...

We don’t just treat others the way we want to be treated, we actually TEACH others the way we want to be treated. In this episode Vanessa shares tips to help your working, romantic, familial and parent-child relationships. Join Vanessa - licensed therapist, educator, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation weaving mindful living, mental health, and personal growth, with a short medi...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How do you give your children, specifically your middle schooler, more independence as they grow up, while still making sure that you have the reins?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at pod...

If you’ve been here for a while, or if you’re new, every month we discuss how mindful living, mental health and personal growth intersect with a special guest to the show that has expertise in the above mentioned areas. In this week’s episode, guest Lisa Dominguez and I chat, connect, and share little nuggets of how you can incorporate mindfulness into your everyday life. We are all so busy, and w...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My middle schooler is already talking about group costumes for Halloween and it's driving me nuts. So much unnecessary drama! Help!” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobe...

Shoutout to the parents that are recovering “ Pinterest Perfect Parents”. You know, the parents that spend countless hours and amounts of energy planning, executing, and preparing for a birthday party. Meanwhile, when they day of the party comes, you’re so consumed with making sure the party, the guests, and every minute detail are spot on, that you forget to schedule time for yourself to enjoy th...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “How do I teach my child kindness and inclusivity - including everyone and not leaving anyone out?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemindful.com. FREE GIFTS! “Tools to Help...

The three things I always reinforced in my classroom at the start of every new year were: Respecting others,  respect of space. and Self-respect.  These are messages that we as parents, educators, and society in general, instill into kids at such a young age, and continuously embed it year after into them. While we are so adamant of reminding young ones of these principles of respect in all forms,...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “Kids are in school one month and I'm not liking my kid's teacher. They don't give enough homework. So different from my older child's teacher. What should I do?” Have a question for the Consult a...

When was the last time you took a purposeful moment just to pause, and celebrate something in your life that wasn't a special day on the calendar? Most of us tend to put emphasis on the days that are important, but not  the baby step moments and actions in the day, that lead up to possible monumental achievements. In this episode,  I will share with you a few personal achievements I have had...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “I'm a stay at home mom. I thought I was going to be thrilled when my kids went to school, but I just miss them. What should I do?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series? Email at podcast@freetobemi...

If you’ve been here for a while, you know that my passions revolve around the well-being of children, educators, and mothers in all facets of their daily lives. More importantly, I love to focus on the mindfulness approach we can take with each action to take steps towards a healthy physical, emotional, and mental state, especially for women and children of color.   With National Childhood Obesity...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully. Today’s question is: “My partner is Latino and I am not. He wants to speak Spanish to our kids at home, but it leaves me out. And they learn Spanish in school anyway. What should I do?” Have a question for the Consult a Counselor Series?...

Sometimes it takes tragic events or a loss of a loved one to remind us what is truly important in life. This episode provides tips on how we can take small steps to value life as it’s happening in the right here, right now.  Join Vanessa - educator, licensed therapist, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation on mindful living, mental health, and personal growth, with a short meditat...

The “Consult a Counselor Series” is a segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which answers parenting related questions to help caregivers live life mindfully.  Today’s question is: “What can I ask on the Consult a Counselor Series?” FREE GIFT for YOU: Do you find yourself repeating yourself 97234920 times? Do your kids only take actions once you’ve flipped out? This is for you… The “Talking to...

Welcome to season 4 of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast! Vanessa shares about herself, the podcast, and what drives her motivation in all she does. She also shares how this time of the year ties into yearly goals.  Join Vanessa - educator, licensed therapist, entrepreneur and mom - for this real-talk conversation on mindful living, mental health, and personal growth, with a short meditation at the e...

In this episode Vanessa reflects on summer while bringing season 3 of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast to an end. The progress and growth of the podcast are shared, including changes for season 4! Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful Podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educators...

Did you know there are defined stages of development that describe important concepts we learn in each stage? This episode shares these stages, the concepts we should be obtaining in each stage, and what they have to do with mindfulness.  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful Podcast pro...

This episode shares three crucial tips that could make or break how successful this year is for your household. The major insight is how beneficial these tips are for YOU - more than for your kid.  Join in for this real-talk conversation on personal growth, mindful living, and a short meditation at the end. ABOUT the SHOW: The Free to Be Mindful Podcast provides bite-sized tips for parents, educat...