The mention of going to church sent my kids into an immediate refusal and screaming fest. We don’t go on a regular basis, it’s not in our routine to go, but it’s something that my wife and I want to get back to. This one, we chose to just go and take what comes at us. Here were the strategies we used 1. Set them up on a show to get thier mind off it when we got them dressed 2. Created a visual schedule focusing on FUN AFTER- first church then dollar store! 3. Eliminated any verbal negotiations by not responding, just ignoring moving along. 4. When we get into the car you can watch one more episode, 5. When we got to the church- it was more refusal We were late, my wife and I are used to separating now, I said. I’ll just got for 20, you stay with kids then we’ll switch, the boys eventually came into the church but not to the service area. They ended up having cinnamon rolls in the cafeteria, so my wife took them there and I enjoyed a peaceful service full of Christmas music and quiet message. This is a win for us. Last year I would have been crying, so angry and upset that our family can’t even go to church together. But my expectations have shifted and I have learned to let go of some of these societal expectations and really focus on my family. When I do that, the guilt lessens, the anxiety dissipates the urgency is minimal. I’m here, doing my best and so are my kids and that’s ok. They went to church, it looked different and that’s ok. Next week we’ll try again❤️

It’s a common trend I see in a lot of parents, the overwhelm, the feelings and reality of doing it all!! All the small things add up, the morning routines, the behaviors, the snacks, meal prep, groceries, bills, siblings, evening routines, getting kids to bed, night he waking spouse relationships, having fun with your family, finding a sense of alone time… it’s all so much. What has been your go to? Your peaceful place, your strategy to handle it all? Let’s give 1 piece of advice maybe that will help someone else❤️

What was the one thing that you felt you needed help on immediately as you started this journey? Was it engagement and communication with your child, Or were the behaviors more of a priority? Behaviors are typically the top reasons parents seek help. What I find is that when we can focus on engagement and communication, the behaviors don’t seem to be taking up as much space. When we make time for connection, true presence in playful ways that your child responds to, that’s the regulation, that’s the key to help them stay balanced. Yes of course behaviors will happen, but when I’m VERY intentional with my time and presence with my son and clients, I see a difference, just curious about your thoughts.

When we begin to see the little things, the little wins and success and focus our mind on those, we begin to see those more often! What is your win this week!

Hello! I was curious about thoughts on this, has anyone tried it, have you heard of it? We are going to start seeing a wholistic pediatric practitioner, as Adam has had some gut issues for as long as we can remember. I don’t know much about it, but my wife will be able to give me the run down:) Thoughts from anyone?