Let Us Learn Together, with Kristene Geering, MA

I'm still ringing and singing in my head after the International ADHD Conference in Kansas City! I made lots of new connections and learned more about how brains with ADHD can move about more easily in the world. Looking forward to sharing with everyone!

About 15 years ago I was finally pregnant--with twins(!!)--and while I was over the moon happy, I was also in a wheelchair. Those babies were huge and my hips weren't having it. I have a vivid memory of dreading standing up, anticipating the pain, and then looking down at my massive belly...and wrapping my arms around it. As I did so, all I could think was, "I will never, ever, hold my babies this close again. How blessed am I?" That reframe got me through the pain and in touch with the joy.

Fast forward! Now I help other parents reframe their challenges in a way that acknowledges their pain while leaning in to the deep love and connection they have with their children. I help them get gentle parenting to actually work in real life, so they can parent with more confidence, compassion, and connection.

What are some challenges you've reframed? Or what is a challenge you're struggling to reframe?

SO many hours of work, both on the part of the team at Thrive, but also my lovely friends who took so much of their time to share their thoughts and suggestions with me (I'd share names publicly but don't have permission). Behold!

The Magic of Chores Page DesHow to Get Your Kid to Do Chores (While Nurturing Your Relationship) Get the The Magic of Chores

Can we PLEASE stop mom-shaming???

I was more than happy to contribute to this piece. If I had one piece of advice to give to parents around the world, it's this: STOP TRYING TO BE "PERFECT" (whatever that even means). It's not good for you, it's not good for your kid, and it's not good for society.

This Viral 'Mom Slop' Video Shows What's Wrong With Parenting Today The criticism surrounding one particular cooking video has prompted many mothers to speak out.

I'm attending a virtual summit ADHD and neurodiversity. Right now I'm listening to Dr. Matthew Zakreski talk about Giftedness and ADHD, and he just said something I will remember forever: "Never take criticism from anyone you wouldn't take advice from."

Boom. Mic drop.

I'm curious--what's a phrase or moment that stood out for you from a class/training/book/etc.?

Local friends, I'm giving a talk in Los Altos next week, focusing on helping young children with those all-important self-regulation skills. It's next Tuesday evening, and it's free! I'll put the sign-up link in the first comment, because FB is weird. I hope to see you there!

I'm reading an amazing book (10-25: The Science of Motivating Young People), and it's got me thinking about lots of things related to parenting, mentoring, and teaching...which means it's a great book! Right now I'm learning about teaching interventions that promote equity through self-reflection. It's really cool.

So here's a 2-part question I had today: What is a challenge or fear you faced and overcame? How did that experience impact you later in life?

For me, I think back on living and working in Japan for almost 4 years, and how many times I'd just break down in the post office or bank out of sheer frustration. Now when I'm faced with a challenge, whether it has to do with getting my business up and running or parenting twins, I think back on that time and how--somehow--I didn't give up. I stuck it out until I felt comfortable enough to stay. And THEN I left, lol, but on my terms! That kind of thinking is what helped our family through the pandemic (as seen in the photos, offered to the FB algo).

How about you? Please share your story and reflection--I'd love to hear more examples!

It's so overwhelming, trying to come up with a plan on how to handle phones and teens. So I figured I'd share my family's thought process and where we are. (Link in first comment.)

How about you? How does your family tackled phones in this Age of Connectedness?

Check out my blog post https://wix.to/pBP2KA2

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Free, in-person workshop coming up Oct. 22!

Cuddle Meditation | Los Altos United Methodist Church Tuesday, October 22, 7:00 pm Tantrums getting you down? Join us for a hands-on workshop for parents and caregivers with parent coach and author Kristene Geering. You’ll learn what self-soothing skills are based on, how to let your young child “borrow your brain,” and three practical tools to t...

I'm feeling much better today (fever gone now, but still staying away physically)...and the summit is SO EXCITING! For anyone working with ND individuals (which would be anyone working with humans), I so highly recommend it. I'm excited about ways to speak with parents, other professionals, and kids in ways that are affirming and focused on strengths. Dr. Hallowell was one speaker of MANY I found inspiring, and I wrote down the title of his new book with the intention of getting a copy ASAP. There are many, many more I want on my shelf....

What's your rec for a great book that is ND-affirming?