Mindful Moments Blog

Two Men and a Tantruming Toddler

Kids can break into full-on tantrums at the drop of a hat, and nearly every parent has been where actor Justin Baldoni found himself on Father's Day. How can we release fear of judgement and be with our tantruming toddler during their time of need?

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: A Guide for Parents

Learn how positive vs. negative reinforcement influence your parenting style and the ways positive reinforcers can support your child’s development.

The Trauma-Aware Classroom: We All Need Compassion

I am a teacher. In order to associate with the trauma of my students, I become aware of my own trauma.

Six Benefits of Using Child-Led Learning

Child-led learning. The thought of it can seem downright scary. Here are six benefits of using child-led learning with your young children...

An open letter to you, my toddler: "I get It."

I get it. I get all of it. The screams, the tears, the tantrums. Your bottom lip drops and your eyes brim with emotions. Sometimes you even turn away from me. That one rips my heart in two. Then the sun will peek through and the smiles will come...

Spanking Children Is Still Common and Still Harmful

Research has shown the long-term effects of spanking on a child's mental, emotional, sexual and behavioral outcomes. And the impact of these negative childhood experiences can directly influence and run the narrative of our adulthood. Read more.

Juggling Big Emotions

As a seven-year-old girl, I remember my grandpa coming over for the holidays and juggling whatever fruit he could find in our kitchen. He taught me to juggle using not lemons, but just three tissues. The fruit was too big for my little-girl hands, but like a set of training...

Why Using A Behavior Chart Is Ineffective

Before you decide to add to or continue using behavioral management charts, let's take a closer look at the undesirable side-effects. Read more.

Foster Families Are Making It Safe For Kids to Feel

One foster family shares how they are managing emotions on a daily basis in raising their five children.

What Two Young Boys Taught Their Grandma About Anger

I gave SnuggleBuddies to my grandsons while they were visiting for Christmas to help them learn about feelings, but what happened next surprised me. You see, that Christmas morning, we had a situation, one that caused my dog to get very, very sick. My dog had gotten into some chocolate candy. ...

Calming Spaces for Muggles, Wizards and Eight-Year-Old Girls Alike

Wisdom. Emotional intelligence. Maturity. These words typically conjure up the image of someone older than you. Perhaps it’s someone you know and revere for their persistent nature and kind soul. That person for me is Elizabeth: an 8-year-old I’ve only just met. Older than me? Not by a long shot....