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 #HealthyRelationships

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 self-love and care as a parent. #ParentingPausePodcast #SelfCare #ParentingRealities

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 hearts to find the beauty in the complex dance of parenting.

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 judgment, I suggest taking it inside, offering it kindness, and asking it a question. Then see if them...

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 expressions and consider where you might be slipping into little white lies of your own. Join us for...

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 and what belongs to your children. By doing this, you not only create healthier boundaries but...

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 I could shift my mindset to one of "wonder" instead of "worry". Tune in to discover how you...

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 learned that instead of focusing solely on supporting my daughter in creating a strong...

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 jumping to conclusions and to truly listen to my daughter's feelings and expressions. Remember,...

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 expectations and finding joy in the now.

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 of Parenting Paused, I guide you in exploring the topic of discomfort and how your own...

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 imposing restrictions, I focused on supporting her self-regulation and helping her understand...

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 awareness? Join the conversation on this week's episode of Parenting Paused. Listen here.  

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 discovered that caring involved offering support, encouragement, and coming along side her when she...

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 connections, and guiding our children not just to follow our lead but with a love that shapes their...

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 brings to someone's face. Whether it's a thoughtful gesture, a homemade treat, or a simple act of...

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 mother and therefore for my child to fulfill those expectations so I felt good about myself. We...

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, dodging pursuers along the way. Finally you reach the safe base, pure bliss! The moment of victory,...

Hey lovies! The holiday season is upon us, and that means family gatherings. Ever found yourself at odds with more traditional family values while consciously parenting? I've been there. I used to get defensive about my parenting style, convinced it was the only right way. But here's the shift – realizing it's okay to have different values. When heading to family events, I'd prep my daughter on their expectations, like manners, which were a big deal for them. Instead of fighting against it,...

Hey amazing parents! Leslie Potter here with a heartfelt pause for gratitude on this Thanksgiving week. Whether you're a regular listener or joining us for the first time, THANK YOU for being part of the Parenting Paused community. Parenting is a wild ride, and kudos to all of you for taking a less traditional path! This week, let's dive into the transformative power of GRATITUDE. I used to struggle with gratitude – it felt forced. But I realized it's a practice, a conscious choice to find...

​​If you've been with me, you know we're all about embracing a different way to parent – one that honors each child's unique spirit. This week, let's dive into PRESSURE. Where does it come from? Have you ever felt the weight of external expectations making you question your parenting choices? I sure have! In the quest for conscious parenting, I realized much of the pressure was linked to external influences. Ever been there? It can be overwhelming! But here's the twist – what if the key is...