Do you have kids between the ages of 4 and 12? Have you experienced the drama around an emotional meltdown with your kids? If yes, then this blog is for you, see how you can sign up for a FREE workshop and learn a 3 step process for helping your kids manage their intense emotions.

Having 4 boys, I have seen more than my fair share of meltdowns and I could have used this training when all of the kids were smaller. Just the other day one of my kids begged and pleaded with me to sleep over at a friend’s house. I told him before the party, no sleepovers. Later in the evening he texted me begging and pleading. Then called me and begged some more, saying he was the only one who was not being allowed to sleep over. I could sense the energy between our conversation was not going where I wanted it to go.

I repeatedly told him no. Then I started to feel my heart racing and my blood pressure rising, as I said no for the nth time. I didn’t want to raise my voice and yell, but I also didn’t want him to freak out or shutdown. My little 6 year old was standing there staring at me with a confused look on his face as he could hear the tension rising. “How do you stay calm and help your child when they are melting down, freaking out or shutting down?” I took a deep breathe and said, I love, you, I have already told you nicely the answer is no. If I have to say it again your phone will be gone for next week. He nicely said good bye and hung up the phone. I felt bad after he hung up thinking. – Did I do the right thing? – – Is he going to be mad at me? – Is he going to give me the silent treatment when he gets home? – Is he going to give me a problem getting up for church in the morning? It’s a fine balance in keeping yourself calm, staying true to yourself, helping them, but also being a good example for the other children that are watching your every move.

Calming CompassA friend of mine Kimberly is hosting a free FREE online workshop on Parenting your Child through an Emotional Meltdown on Sept 23rd at 6PMCST or Sept 24th at 11am CST. Sign up at www.calmingcompass.com. She has an amazing program that helps parents learn how to guide their kids through meltdowns, power struggles and anxieties so they can create more calm, compassion and connection with their family.

Here’s what you’ll learn in the 3-step path hands-on workshop:
• Uncover the common (and often overlooked) 4 triggers that cause parents to lose it. Understand these and you’ll be able to move out of reaction mode and into confidently responding to your child’s emotions.
• Create your personal Meltdown Map to help you drastically reduce meltdowns.
• Discover 3 common mistakes that actually make meltdowns worse (many parents make these without realizing it.)
• Learn 3 proven tools you can teach your children so they can better calm themselves.
• And there will be a live Q&A at the end so you can get your specific questions answered.

Feel free to forward along to anyone else who you think might benefit from this amazing FREE workshop.

If we truly want to end body shaming and deprivation, we must be willing and open to say YES to ourselves. Sometimes it can appear easier to say no and close the door to new possibilities. When we choose comfort and safety over the unknown, we end up hiding from reality and our own truth. The truth is, change is the only real constant in our lives.

Life is constantly offering you opportunity – as simple as right or left, black or white.  The choices you make usually can be distilled into the simplicity of yes or no.  If you are not open to change and newness, you are mired in a state of fear. Your vibration is low, and you attract more of the same.  Your belief system no longer serves you.

Stop and Notice – I encourage you to STOP and NOTICE the choices that you make on a daily basis. When you say YES to you, you unlock the door to the treasure within.
Be Still, and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

FREEDOM CHALLENGE: What is ONE THING you can do today to STOP and NOTICE to say yes to you?

If you are ready to learn how to stop the madness, listen to the wisdom of your body and allow yourself permission to evolve,schedule a complimentary consultation here

What do Tennis Baseball and a Sacred Labyinth have in common? My boys and living to enjoy the moment.

Last week I attended an event by a local group called Think Wholistic at a labrynth here in Naperville, Il. My first experience with a labyrinth was when Beth Majerszky planned a wellness retreat for my 40th birthday party. Walking a labyrinth is a spiritual experience & provided wisdom & guidance on my life’s journey.

So when I heard there was a labyrinth event close to my house, I packed up my 4 kids for the evening. I took them to a ball field to play tennis baseball (a new invention for my family), a couple blocks away from the labrynth. We played for a while and then I told them I was going to go to an event for about an hour. They could continue to play and then we could all go out for dinner. They all agreed.

At the event, I learned so many things about the history of the labyrinth in downtown Naperville, it was absolutely amazing. The couple who designed and built it (Debi Kermeen) were there to share stories with us about how it came to be and the their journey to building over 80 Labyrinths across the US. (Labyrinths in Stone) When God called them to begin this work, they had no idea how many lives would be touched by their work Hearing their story and mission created an even greater depth of the labyrinth experience. I was honored to be a part of this journey.
labyrinthThe best part is what came next. My four boys were done with their game and came to sit in the background while the talk was still going on. Then came time to walk the labyrinth. There were beautiful flowers and pictures in the middle along with candles all along the outsides. My 6 year old was very excited and wanted to participate. Before I knew it, all of my kids came over and were intrigued by what all the fuss was with walking a labyrinth. I watched them as they watched everyone else. They took their shoes and socks off and began to walk the sacred journey in silence. I watched as each one of them wanted to participate in some way. My little guy walked behind my friend Beth like her little shadow. I stood there in absolute amazement that my boys would willingly participate in this activity. If I would have told them I wanted them to participate, I am certain I would have gotten some interesting looks. But to my amazement they were drawn by the power and energy of the labyrinth and all participated in some way in the experience.

Not only was I able to experience this meditative sacred walk, but my family was able to experience a part of me and something that I enjoy. I am truly blessed and humbled by the experience and will remember and cherish this special day always.

If you have never experienced a labyrinth, I encourage you to look for one near you. Take time in silence and experience meditation and mindfulness in a different way.