It is time for me to follow my own advice and really assess what is most important for our family at this time. I will be taking a break from the podcast and I hope to see you again in the new year. Have a joyful Holiday Season, a Merry Christmas, and a very Happy New Year!

How can you make the holidays meaningful? The Holiday Season is here. Lots of parties, events, and excitement. Will you get caught up in all the business of Christmas or be more intentional and meaningful? Blog post with round up of all my Christmas posts (including several on how to avoid holiday meltdowns) https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/11/23/making-the-holidays-meaningful/ 1. Decide what is most important to your family.  2. Focus on connection.  3. Keep it simple.  4. Slowdown...

In this video I talk about several topics while answering questions from my Facebook community all about consequences, cleaning playrooms, and what strgeties they should use as gentle parents. YouTube video: https://youtu.be/nZoJeRHmj98 * Parenting with the end in mind, being intentional and having a plan * Tools and strategies to use as a peaceful parent * Consequences and agreements and how to use them * How to get kids to clean the playroom I mention this free workshop How to Avoid...

Children love to play. Using playfulness as a strategy is effective in parenting. It helps to bring the joy back into your family! In this episode I ask Sarah: Because playful parenting is something that it just really clicks with the kids. They're playful. And I'm just curious, how can we bring that into our parenting? What's an example of how you can Use that in like an everyday situation, you know? How can playfulness come into that to help regulate their emotions? What can I do if I'm...

Parents have high hopes that their children will be generous, thankful and want to serve others. Although these qualities come naturally in some children, for many it needs to be taught and worked on daily. With the holiday season coming up how do we cultivate this spirit of gratitude in our children? Read the full blog post here https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/10/11/how-to-teach-gratitude-in-children/ Links I mentioned in the episode Gentle Parenting Summit Finally Family Homes Free...

In this podcast episode I ask Christina all about... What is gentle parenting?How did you discover gentle parenting?What advice would you have for someone who is new to Gentle Parenting, or interested but isnt sure how to bring that to their family?You’ve written some books, tell us about thoseAside for gentle parenting you also have ministry called Finally Family Homes. How did that get started and tell us more about what you doYouTube Episode here https://youtu.be/JBzwROnI3Es Blog Post...

> I'll be honest I've been avoiding updating this post for a while because I didn't want to get into a debate, but when I saw a post last year on Instagram outlining the detailed steps to spank your child I couldn't ignore it any longer. My heart ached for the poor child on the receiving end of this punishment. Full blog post with references and further links https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/09/20/should-i-spank-my-child/ In this episode I talk about: Why do parents spank their...

As a parent you want to communicate with gentleness and empathy. Modelling for your children how to be kind and respectful is very important to you. Blog post https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/09/13/communicating-with-gentleness-and-empathy/ In this episode I talk about Why is empathy so important?Communicating with your childEmpathy CommunicationMaking a requestWhat does the Bible say about communication?Coniderations and tipsWhen my child is having a hard time...Gentle Parenting...

This week I speak with Angela Harders of Peaceful Worldschoolers all about gentle parenting and Gospel-Based Parenting Blog post: https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/09/06/interview-with-angela-harders/ In this episode: Angela shares how she learned about gentle parenting We discuss about what gentle parenting is Gentleness and schools Gentle parenting in the Bible, Gospel-based Parenting Angela shares about her books We announce the Gentle Parenting Summit Meet Angela Harders Angela...

The secret to those who have discovered a more peaceful, respectful way of parenting is that they have a different mindset towards parenting. They have a different internal dialogue that translates into how they relate to their children. Blog post https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/08/23/the-secret-of-peaceful-parents/ So how can we parent with a new perspective? How can we manage our own emotions while parenting at the same time?  Notice your triggers.  Stop and pause.  Reduce Stress and...

As you move from your summer rhythm and schedule into the fall, I’ve got some tips to help you ease that transition. Tips to transition to school or daycare Ease into schedule - find out what the new schedule will look like and start the transition slowlyStart practicing early - practice with lunch boxes, school routes, new clothes etc. You'll find the challenges and have time to problem solveExpect some challenges - changes come with big feelings, be away and offer empathyCommunicate with...

When was the last time you yelled, or blew up? Were you at the end of your rope, running on empty? You can't give to your work or your family when you are feeling like that. In order to thrive you must take care of yourself too. It isn't selfish it is essential. Get the Guide Blog post https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/09/28/thrive-as-a-working-parent-caring-for-yourself Check in How are you feeling right now? What do you need in order to feel more grounded and calm? Just like you...

No one wants to be blindsided or caught off guard. As a busy working parent you already know that you need to juggle a lot of schedules, responsibilities and people. Let's use your strengths to help reduce feeling overwhelmed.  Blog post https://gentleparentingcoach.com/2021/08/02/thrive-as-a-working-parent-being-intentional YouTube version https://youtu.be/ekyAWizUO08 Get the Guide Tips Use your strengths Prioritize what is most importantFocus on one small thing at a timeMake a planBe...

Have you ever been told you are too sensitive? There can be a log of stigma around being a sensitive person.  Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is an incredible blessing. Today on the podcast we are talking about being sensitive and strong with author Cheri Gregory. Full blog post here In this episode I ask Cheri: What does Highly Sensitive mean?What are some traits of Highly Sensitive People?What does it mean to be Sensitive and Strong?What tips do you have for our sensitive listeners...

Traveling as a family can be a wonderful way to bond and create memories that will last a life time. Vacations allow us to explore the world, meet new people and learn about different cultures. It can also be really stressful for parents to plan, which is why I'm thrilled to chat with Christina Vieira of Showcase the World Travel. In this episode I ask Christina How can we raising kids who love traveling? Why is it important to start traveling while they are young? What advice do you have...

This summer I'll be taking a short break from the podcast. I'll be sharing some of the most popular episodes from The Parenting Coach Podcast with you. The reason I'm taking a break is to work on launching an incredible program.  All parents want to have a close connection with their children and a peaceful home. Unfortunately most busy working parents find they get overwhelmed by the chaos at home. They feel guilty for resorting to shouting and punishing their kids hoping it will motivate...

Returning to work after maternity leave can be stressful. It takes careful planing and caring for yourself. This week on The Parenting Coach Podcast I had a wonderful interview with Lori Mihalich-Levin from Mindful Return. Lori shares some fantastic tips for parents returning from maternity leave. Full Blog Post In this episode I ask Lori: How did Mindful Return get started? What does mindful return mean? Have you seen a shift at all in how employers are working with parents returning to...

Fathers day is coming up and I want to give a big shout out to all the amazing Dads out there. YouTube https://youtu.be/_b3nJqa8Pm8 In this episode I ask Brad What are fathers doing well these days? What have you noticed in your practice? What is something fathers struggle with the most in parenting? Any tips or suggestions? Some listeners are mothers, hoping to get their partners on board with a more positive, gentler approach to parenting. What do you find dads respond best to? Meet...

Sharing has always been a tricky situation to handle with children. Today on the Parenting Coach Podcast I am talking with Erin Fleming, Unschooling and Parenting Coach, about navigating sharing. You'll notice that Meaghan's audio is rather scratchy. Oh the joys of poor internet signal. But we laugh about it and keep going. View the blog post and full show-notes here: https://www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/navigating-sharing-interview-with-erin-fleming In this episode we talk about: What is the...

Dealing with emotions can be exhausting for parents. For many families the pandemic isn't over yet and they are looking for ways to handle tantrums and big feelings. Today I am sharing my top 5 tips for weary parents and caregivers. Blog post https://www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/dealing-with-emotions-parenting-during-the-pandemic YouTV Halton Interview https://youtu.be/3R5kBf3wXQs 1. Take care of yourself 2. Be proactive 3. Meet what needs you can 4. Offer empathy when dealing with...

Just a reminder that the podcast has changed names (even I forgot in the intro). Formally the Joyful Mud Puddles Podcast this is  now The Parenting Coach Podcast. Do you have a child that some might describe as strong-willed, determined, stubborn? We all know someone like that I'm sure. Of course I always encourage parents to reframe their thinking towards resilient, problem-solver, stedfast, hard-working, assertive, leader, independent, courageous, or loyal. Looking at the positive traits...

** Starting next week the Joyful Mud Puddles podcast will be renamed to The Parenting Coach Podcast. ** Change can bring forth a whole range of emotions, from scared to excited. This week I am feeling a mixture of both as I am making big changes to my whole business. Read the full post here https://www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/big-changes-coming How to make a big decision Decide what is most important Be thoughtful, pray and reflect on your decision Be cautious when asking for opinions Big...

Oh, sweet mama, your tireless work has not gone unnoticed. You care for your family, work hard, help with your children’s schoolwork, take care of the household, and give so much of yourself. May you not grow weary from doing good. But, be encouraged my friend to keep going. Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Who are you doing all this hard work for? What is your motivation? So often we get caught up in the business of life and motherhood that we forget why it is we are working...

Today I want to share with you how important it is for children (EVERYONE) to get out in nature!! Find fun way to explore with your 5 senses. Full blog post: https://www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/the-importance-of-nature-and-fun-ways-to-explore Being in nature is calming Being in nature can build confidence Being in nature develops so many skills Certain spots in nature can become like a second home Being in nature develops responsibility Nature is the best sensory experience!   Exploring...