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WE CANNOT MAKE OUR KIDS HAPPY. We can only support their full emotional experience and find connection throughout the inevitable ups and downs. #consciousparenting #toddlermomlife #raisingchildren #parentproblems #toddlertantrums

If you work with children I'm sure you've sung this song a time or two! This song teaches children self-care & regulation. When I sing it I will actually take a stuffed monkey & pretend he's jumping, then when the monkey bumps his head, I'll rub the head to soothe the monkey, kids love it!
This week I wrote a continuation of this song & want to share it with you 👇
"Five little monkeys sleeping in the bed
They dreamed dreams in their head
Mama kissed them good night
"Good night dears"
Now there's no more monkeys jumping around here"

Love this quote ❤

HOLDING ON WHEN APART
Staying connected even when apart is so important. Times will come that a child will need to say goodbye to a parent or someone close to them. Whether it's a simple day off to daycare or school or a parent who will be gone for days or weeks at a time for work or even the loss of someone close to them, it's important to stay connected at the heart level. Let's say a child needs to go to daycare/school, build a bridge to the next time of connection by saying how you look forward to seeing them later, state something you can do together, like sharing a snack or playing their favorite game, etc., whatever the interest is for both of you, talk about doing it & then follow through once you see them again. For young children, think about giving them something from you to hold on to during the time apart, something small, but special they can keep in their pocket or backpack.
If a parent or loved one is going away for an extended amount of time, stay connected through texts, Facetime, Video, & photos & talk about the things you want to do with them when you see them & follow through once you see them - this builts trust for the next time you're apart.
If someone is struggling with grief over the loss of a loved one, its so important to allow them time to grieve, to express their emotions in a safe space. To not feel pressured to share more than they are comfortable with, but giving them avenues to express in their own way. It could be by painting, by writing a letter or journal to the loved one, by making a memory board with their photos & words to express their love, writing a song, dedicating a game to them if playing a sport, etc. If they believe in God & Heaven they can focus on seeing them again one day & being grateful for that time to come. Praying to God can release a lot of built up pressure that's inside & can be done at any time. Releasing pain into Gods hands can give a person peace.

Whatever the distance, be purposeful in staying connected.

Telling a child to "say sorry"?
Instead of just telling a child to "say sorry" after they have done something they shouldn't have or hurt someone, we should teach empathy in other ways, not just make a child say sorry & think it will make everything better. Empathy can be taught through simple play & age appropriate discussions. When a child actually learns to have compassion on another, it will not only trigger a remorseful response when they hurt someone or do something they shouldn't, but it can also prevent them from doing things on purpose in the first place. A genuine "I'm sorry" is very needed in many cases, but the person saying it should be allowed the time to realize how their actions affected another person.

♡ Myrna

2022 Babies of the Foothills!
The Western Wheel is showcasing babies born in 2022 from around the Foothills!!
To place your child's photo in the special feature, for a cost of $30, please contact Gayle at the Western Wheel. at 587-325-6234 or email at [email protected].

Last date for submission is February 1st 2023.

How beautiful ❤ These small times of connection actually leave huge imprints in a child's memory. It's the times that may seem small that really are the most important!

After speaking with parents with older kids and looking back on my own childhood, I realize my kids would eventually shift their priority to friendship once they hit a certain age.  With my 5-year-old, I knew it was important to focus on building a strong connection and bond during the early years. Here are some ideas you can tell your older child to build connections every week. Try these and let me know what you think! Please comment below if you have other ideas that you want to share with us. . 💫Follow @mom.ma.g for more positive discipline + gentle parenting tips. #mindfulparenting #parentingquotes #parentingtip #parenting101 #parentingskills #parentinggoals #respectfulparenting #parentcoach #childdevelopment #motherhoodquotes #parenthood_unveiled #lifewithlittles #mindfulmama #asianmama #positiveparenting #positiveparentingsolutions #motherhoodunited #gentleparenting #consciousparenting #parentsupport #montessori #montessorikids #teachermom #homeeducator #parenteducator #asianpareting #asiaparent