Welcome to Calm Parents, Better Days!

Hi Reader!

It seems like spring is finally here to stay! Warmer weather, blue skies and budding flowers make this a perfect time to rethink how we parent.

Here's what you'll find in this newsletter:

• Get out the door with less stress
• How to be mindful this spring
• A simple reframe
• My favorite meditation app

Get out the door with less stress

Life is usually hectic and busy. School, work, sports games, appointments...there are so many times we are trying to rush out the door. It's frustrating when your child can't find their shoes or just refuses to get ready, holding up the whole family, leading to a stressful situation.

We often forget one of the most useful items in our parenting toolbox...FUN! Children learn the best by playing. So when it's time to get out the door, instead of barking orders try:

• A race to see who can put their shoes on the fastest
• Pretend a monster is coming and you have to get out of the house before it gets there
• Play a fast, silly song to get everyone moving quickly

There are so many ways you can incorporate fun into a commonly stressful time of day. Brainstorm some ideas that your kids might enjoy.

How to be Mindful this spring

Self-care and mindfulness are so important in parenting. A stressed and exhausted parent is likely to have a hard time staying calm in challenging moments.

This spring take time to really appreciate nature. Notice the tiny blue flowers that pepper a green (and probably brown) lawn. Listen to the birds and count how many different sounds you hear. When you're taking the dog out at night, look up at the stars.

The possibilities for connecting with nature are endless. Find what brings you joy and make it a habit to get outside!

A simple reframe

Something that really bothers me is when people say that kids who are acting out are "just looking for attention". It just sounds really negative to me (even though attention might just be what they need). Next time you catch yourself thinking that, try this simple reframe: "My child is looking for connection."

Now you can think more clearly about what is really going on. It could be that your child is hungry, tired, bored, or simply wants to spend some time with you. Take time to consider the situation and what might be happening beneath the surface.

My favorite meditation app

​Insight timer is a great app for meditation and mindfulness. I have used it with my kids and for myself. The app is free (with a paid premium option). Here are some of the meditations that my family has found helpful:

• For Kids: A Bedtime Visit from the Zoo by Susanne Benton (for younger kids)
• Peaceful Slumber: A Kids Sleep Journey by Zenimal (for older kids)
• Be Relaxed by Barbara Faison (for parents)

Questions?

If you have suggestions of topics for future newsletters or if you found something particularly helpful, please let me know. I would love to hear from you!

Make sure you check out my website for information on my coaching services, digital downloads and upcoming events.

If you haven't already grabbed it, download my FREE self-care tracker!

$0.00 Self-care tracker Parents often put the needs of their family before their own. Unfortunately this can lead to stress and burn out. Keep... Read more Take care of YOU!

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If you find this information helpful, please forward it to a friend!

Take care of yourself!

Kim

P.S. - I know your time is valuable and you probably already get too many emails. I plan to keep every email short and sweet, no long blog posts, no detailed personal stories. My aim is to send you simple steps that you can take now to become a calmer parent.