Parenting Paused

This week let's dive into one of my favorite topics.   I always aimed to create an environment where my daughter could trust herself. But that became challenging when I wanted her to trust my experience, too. Like many of you, I have a lot of life experience, but making it the only truth made it hard for her to have her own experiences.   Growing up with a bit of a disturbing childhood made it har...

As summer approaches, I can't help but feel nostalgic for the free, open summers of my childhood in Mississippi. 🌞 Back then, we'd hang out, ride our bikes, and our parents trusted us to be okay. Nowadays, times are different - with cell phones and constant tracking, there's a lot more structure and perhaps less freedom for kids. This summer, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to relax the structu...

In this week's episode of Parenting Paused, I found myself reflecting on the different approaches to parenting I've seen and experienced. I noticed a backlash against gentle and conscious parenting, as if kindness to children prevents them from behaving appropriately. I believe these perceptions stem from the ways we were parented ourselves. I chose a different path, one that felt kinder and more...

This week on Parenting Paused I dive deep into the topic of overprotection. It's a parenting trait that's close to my heart and one I see many struggling with. Of course, you want your children to be safe, but are you shielding them too much? Are you preventing them from experiencing their feelings and thoughts, both good and bad, to avoid discomfort? I share my journey of learning to sit with my...

Reflecting on our role as parents, we often express our needs to our children without realizing the pressure we put on them. This week, try flipping the script: instead of projecting your needs onto them. Ask your kids what they need. Understanding their needs can shift your relationships with them, reduce stress, and promote their own love and care for themselves. #Parenting #UnderstandingNeeds #...

On this episode of our Parenting Pause podcast, I share my experiences and wisdom about losing my mojo! I dig deep into the challenges of parenting, the unrealistic expectations we often have, and the importance of treating ourselves with kindness. Remember, you are not expected to be a supernatural parent, but a human one who sometimes loses your mojo. Listen in for insights on maintaining your s...

Join me on my latest episode of Parenting Paused where I dive deep into understanding your children's behavior.  I encourage you to question common advice and seek to understand the root causes of behaviors such as hitting. The goal? To parent from your internal wisdom, not just expert advice. Don't miss out on this insightful episode! #ParentingPaused #UnderstandingBehavior #ParentingWisdom

Discover the ever-changing nature of your children in this week's ParentingPause podcast. I delve into the challenges of getting 'stuck' in one perspective and how to broaden your vision to embrace all sides of your children's behavior. Just as spring brings constant change, so do your children. Tune in to explore how to navigate these changes and avoid black and white thinking. 

Discover the profound preciousness in every moment of your parenting journey. Even when reality differs from our expectations or when challenges arise, remember that each experience has a unique, inherent value. It's not always about getting it 'right' or making things 'better'. Sometimes, it's about sitting in the present, acknowledging the full spectrum of human experience, and opening our heart...

This week on Parenting Paused I'm delving deeper into the function of my judgments and how they serve me. What I discovered is that judgments often occur in the blink of an eye. After observing myself, I noticed that my judgments are like questioners, leading me back to myself. They can cover over the deeper wisdom I carry, especially as a parent. Instead of creating a whole story around a judgmen...

Let's talk about honesty in parenting. We often strive to teach our children to be honest, but how do we react when their honesty conflicts with our comfort? This week in the Parenting Paused Podcast I explore how your reactions might inadvertently teach your children to tell white lies to keep you comfortable. Tune in as we reflect on the importance of truly hearing your children's honest express...

Discover the intricate dynamics of parenting with my latest Parenting Paused podcast episode. I take you on a deep dive into how your reactions often say more about you than your children. Uncover the truth about how your responses to your children's behavior can be a mirror reflecting your own unresolved issues. This episode is all about learning to draw a line between what emotions belong to you...

Excited to share our latest episode of 'Parenting Pause' where I dive deep into the topic of moving from worry to wonder. I don't know about you but when my daughter was young I found myself consumed with worry about her future. Over time what I discovered was that I wasn't worried about her, I was feeling discomfort with where she was in her journey. It was a big aha moment when I discovered that...

Imagine yourself supporting your children in building their internal house, and just like any house, it's crucial to have a stable foundation. But here's the thing - to support them in building a stable house your internal foundation is equally important. This week on Parenting Paused I share my personal journey of discovering that my own foundation was shaky, and how that affected my parenting. I...

Let's dive into some thought-provoking ways to view our children. In this episode, you'll be challenged to explore the power of interpretations and conclusions in your parenting journey. Your experiences shapes your perspectives, and it's crucial to recognize how your conditioning and beliefs influence the way you interpret your child's behavior. I found it challenging to be present without jumpin...

In this week's podcast episode, we explore the concept of believing something is missing in the present moment. As parents, it's easy to get caught up in wanting things to be different, constantly seeking what we believe is missing. But what if we took a step back and realized that everything we need is already here, in this very moment? Join me as we dive into the practice of letting go of expect...

Are you feeling discomfort in your parenting journey? It's natural to want things to go well and to feel comfortable, but I found avoiding discomfort as a method for parenting led to a disconnect between my aspirations as a mom and my actual methods. Parenting involves both challenge and support, and it's important to embrace all experiences, not just the comfortable ones. In this week's episode o...

This week, I dive into a topic that you might relate to: NEEDINESS! I share my personal experience and insights on how to navigate this rather challenging aspect of parenting. My emphasis is on understanding and honoring your needs and how they are perceived by your child. Tune in to discover my unique approach and learn practical strategies for embracing and loving your needs.  

Are you struggling with limiting your children's computer use? Here's a Purejoy take on the matter. Rather than being the enforcer of limits, how about empowering your child to discover their own boundaries? As a parent, I realized that my own experience of being constantly limited as a child led to resistance and a lack of self-awareness. Deciding to break that cycle with my own child, instead of...

Happy New Year, lovies! Does the New Year prompt personal reflections and inquiry? Today, put aside your resolutions and look to what is true now. Pause with me to wonder: Who are you in this beautiful moment? What magic is unfolding in your child's journey? What changes have you noticed in your parenting journey? How is it to honor the present moment and step into the future from a place of aware...

I found in my parenting journey that there's a delicate balance between caring for our children and unintentionally taking over. What might this balance look like? As a mama, I find my love knows no bounds. Even though, when my daughter was young, I wanted to shield her from pain, guide her through challenges, and see her thrive I found it challenging to separate out my desires from hers. I discov...

Finding the sweet spot between power and influence is the dance of parenthood. It's about knowing when to step in and hold our personal boundary and when to step back, supporting our children in taking the space to explore, learn, and develop their own sense of self. Let's celebrate the power of awareness and influence—a force that lasts long after the rules are laid down. Here's to fostering conn...

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful dance between giving and receiving. This time of year isn't just about the twinkling lights and festive decorations; it's a celebration of the connections we share and the love we have to offer. There's something incredibly heartwarming about selecting that perfect gift, wrapping it with care, and witnessing the joy it bri...

Disappointment has been on my mind lately, and I imagine you can relate. There are some really great things that come along with parenting and yet it also has its share of disappointments. I often found myself wrestling with the weight of expectations. It's not easy admitting that the source of disappointment isn't external, rather it comes from within – from the expectations I set on myself as a...

Tag, You're it! Do you recall those words? The exhilarating start of the game tag! Everyone dashes, laughter echoing, as the chase begins. Let the adventure commence! The art of zigzagging, ducking, and weaving through the playground. Mastering the moves to avoid being tagged is an art form! The anticipation and anxiety! Spotting that safe base, your heart races as you make a beeline for it, dodgi...