SHIFT is Happening

Celebrating Dads!
Whatever else you may accomplish in your life pales compared to your role as a father.
Every hug you give, every joke you share, every moment that you listen patiently, every time you take a deep breath and see things from your child's perspective, every time you role model for your child how to show up with integrity, you're shaping your child into being the best version of who they were meant to be..

"Children crave relationships with adults who make them feel significant." Jeanine Fitzgerald

I have a lot of respect for all of you amazing parents!!!!!

This is a powerful "Just A Thought" written by Jeanine Fitzgerals.

The Forces

"There are two big forces at work, external and
internal. We have very little control over external
forces such as tornadoes, earthquakes, floods,
disasters, illness and pain. What really matters is
the internal force. How do I respond to these
disasters? Over that I have complete control."

Leo Buscaglia

It is important to take into account the stresses, strains and incessant changes that characterize our society. The conscious and unconscious anxieties, which grip us, are both the source and the outcome of an increasingly complex and complicated world. For example, the news media does not serve us well with its rapid-fire bombardment of information, whether truthful or not, that bring instant disaster and tragedy into our homes. There is an unrelenting viewing of images that distort our perceptions of social mores and human values that has the potential to cultivate continuous unrest by emphasizing the need to acquire ever more material possessions. It seems more and more we are in a frantic search for tranquility and respite because we are losing our grip on our thoughts, emotions and behaviors. So where can we begin?

"Think of something quiet."

Clare Cherry

We have a responsibility to ask ourselves, how often during the day do we feel distracted, fragmented or hurried? As we move beyond the rapid beat of our culture and to the ever-present stresses in our personal lives, we must believe with every ounce of our being that the answer is within us. We control the stillness or lack of stillness in our body, minds and spirit. We can let go of troubling, worrisome thoughts that clutter and distract our mind. We can pull back from the chaos of a hectic external world and turn inward to the world of harmony and balance. All it requires is being still and shifting our focus, even if for brief moments. In your mind, imagine the smell of fresh cut grass, the sound of seagulls, the taste of your favorite dessert, the sight of a majestic sunset, or the grandeur of a snowcapped mountain.

"Mindfulness is the miracle by which we call
back in a flash our dispersed mind and
restore it to wellness."
Thich Nhah Hanh

So now is the time to be gentle with us. Now it our time to slow down, enjoy the present, and leave the past behind, while letting the future unfold. One of the greatest teachers we will ever have is sitting inside our own hearts. Now is the time to appreciate and celebrate the wisdom of the heart's lessons. The time is NOW!

My hope is that all moms and dads are being gentle with themselves during this challenging time. If you are hard on yourself, you might have a tendency to be harder on your children. Give yourself credit for doing the best you can do during this time. I am reposting something that I think is a great reminder of this.

They only have one childhood!

This is so true.

What we say to our children matters!

A giggle a day keeps the winter blues away! Enjoy! 😆

When we meet a child's big feelings with calm and empathy, we actually allow the most powerful calming hormone, oxytocin, to be released into their blood stream.

When we change our perception of how we see a child, we change our responses. Last night in class I was thrilled when both teachers and parents shared how their change in how they saw a child changed how they communicated with them which led to positive outcomes. SHIFT IS HAPPENING.

Bring back home economics so kids can learn basic life skills to be successful in daily life High school is a time that begins as a rite of passage from middle school and can end in questioning whether any of the information that is being stuffed into the brain will ever really be useful. Classes that encourage health, like Physical Education are being cut and rigorous spitting out of usele...

Great non toy gift ideas!

13 Children's Books That Encourage Kindness Toward Others Happy reading!

Montessori at home: Giving your child 'purposeful work' could be a game-changer When you see a child breaking the rules, try to look for the impulse behind it.

“THE BEST WAY TO PLAY IS THEIR WAY”
⭐️I’m sure we all hear the words, please can you play with me.
⭐️But how do you effectively play with your child? It’s ok to not know.
⭐️It’s not really something which is taught or we know much about.

We often think the best way to play with our children is to teach them. This normal looks like this (right lets get the Lego and we are building a castle, no that doesn’t go there it goes here). This kind of play doesn’t really give the child any opportunity to learn any deeper skills. They may also feel they are not good enough and can’t build one like you. So what do we do?

When we step back and give them opportunity to lead, it is much more empowering and effective. When we direct constantly, children don’t learn how to do things for themselves. If you think in life children are directed every day, when you allow them to direct you it’s a special moment. Really be present and attuned, no distractions and notice jow they feel. When you play, hold back and allow them to choose, say things like “that’s your choice”. It encourages decision making, self confidence and feelings of importance. They try new things, their body release oxytocin, they feel happy and listened too.

Ask your self today how much time do you spend playing with your child?

Play is so important for your relationship and it will bring you closer... please share this and spread the awareness. “The best way to play is their way”.