Parenting Stories, Struggles and Strategies for Moms and Dads of School-aged Children, Teenagers, and Impactful Parents

122: Redesigning Life Post Covid

Redesigning Life Post-Covid with Bette Fetter gives tips for starting a business and taking risks to change your life for the better. 

 

Redesigning Life Post-Covid. Links in Episode 👇

More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
Dali Rivera at https://dalitalks.com

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter  so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
Subscribe to the PODCAST  and/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
Check out the official website  of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
Discover how you can work with Kristina!  Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

------------------

Transcript for Redesigning Your Life Post- Covid

Kristina: Welcome impactful parent! Today’s episode is all about redesigning your life, taking risks, and doing new things to make life better post-COVID. I have a special guest, Betty Fetter. She is the founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts, an author, and today she will share her story of starting a home-based business while raising four young kids. Bette is encouraging us to consider redesigning our lives so we are even better than before! Thank you for being here, Betty.

Betty: Thank you. I'm so happy to be here, Kristina.

Kristina: Please tell us your story, Betty. How did Young Rembrandts come about?

Betty: There were times it was so busy and so overwhelming. I have a degree in studio art. I had no plan to ever start a business or write a book. I married my high school sweetheart. We’ve been married for 45 years now. We had kids, and I ended up working at a Montessori school. Then one day, a friend of mine asked me to give her kids art lessons. I said no. She persisted. Before I knew it, I was making $34 a week giving art lessons to kids. (laughing) It was hardly any money, but I enjoyed it.  

All the while, my children were on the top of my mind.  I wanted to spend more time with them. I kept thinking, how do I arrange life around my kids instead of work? It was just this seed in my brain; meanwhile, I turned my afterschool art lessons into Young Rembrandts.

After a few years, my business was big enough that my husband left his corporate sales job to join me. Then for 13 years, we ran Young Rembrandts together as a home-based family business. It was wonderful.  It gave me the best of both worlds, family, and business, just like I wanted.

[caption id="attachment_4275" align="alignright" width="300"] Redesigning Life Post-Covid[/caption]

Kristina: Wow.  I started my business much the same way! I wanted to get out of the teaching profession because I spent too much time teaching and putting my focus outside of my home. I came to a point where I needed to stop taking care of everybody else's kids and focus on my own. That's how The Impactful Parent was born. Like you, I never would have thought that is where life would lead me! I didn’t have a degree in business. I had to go back to school and get my Masters. I needed the life shift. I wanted something better for myself and my kids.

Transition is scary, though. It is terrifying, actually. What's the best advice you could give to somebody thinking about spreading their wings, going outside of their comfort zone, and starting something new?

Betty: I think there's so much wisdom available. I went back and got my business degree in my 50s. My art degree was so much more fun, but you got to do what's necessary, right Kristina. If you need additional training, you go get training. Watch 200 hours of YouTube about how to do something. It's incredible what is available now.

Start with an idea. Nurture it. Let it grow. Be aware of what your family needs. My business kept growing, and I decided to franchise because that was the best move for my business AND my family.  What the heck did I know about franchising? We found a franchise lawyer, went to franchise training and got educated in areas I needed to know about.  Let your idea grow with you. None of this happens overnight.  It takes years. Along the way, get the training you need to keep growing.

Kristina: How did you know when you and your family were ready?

Betty: It was important for me to be extremely present for my children. I'm was very involved. I'm sure many moms who listen to The Impactful Parent are very involved with their kids too. My husband and I had conversations about what we wanted our lives to look like. Every new opportunity that came our way, we questioned, Is this going to enhance our plan or is it going to compromise it?  We analyzed a lot. We were also open to allowing it to evolve. I also had to learn to be OK with saying NO sometimes too.

Kristina: It's okay to say no! So many moms have trouble with that word. They cannot say no. When you're trying to create something new for your family, and you're still saying yes to everything on the outside of your family, that's really going to pose some problems. New projects are all-consuming. Saying no is one of the things I learned to do in my growth process.

[caption id="attachment_4274" align="alignright" width="300"] Redesigning Life Post-Covid[/caption]

Bette: Many women also shortchange themselves. They take on too much because they think they can handle it. You're not meant to carry it all.

Kristina: Can you give us some tips to consider as we're heading into our post COVID life?

Bette: I love all the different topics that you cover on The Impactful parent, Kristina. Parenting is a multi-dimensional project.  Post-COVID gives us a new chance to evaluate differently. Work is different.  Why not take some of that change for yourself?

Kristina: This does feel like the time for a change. If you are listening to this and thinking about making a shift in your life, do it.  I understand it's really scary, but Betty is spot on. This is the time.

Bette: First, I would ask myself, What's your ideal scene? What vision do I have for myself and my family? Maybe you want to work from home now?  Maybe you want a new career? Do you want more time with your family? Do you want to be your own boss? Don’t forget to ask yourself, What do I want for ME?

[caption id="attachment_4272" align="alignleft" width="300"] Redesigning Life Post-Covid[/caption]

Kristina: What do I need? Whoo, that's a tough question for so many parents!  To put this into perspective, though, Bette isn’t telling you to put yourself above your family's needs, but instead to also make your needs a priority.  You are an important family member too.

Bette: Yes!  Then brew on your vision. Keep it close to your heart. You want to feed it. You want to pull the dream out, think about it, and consider how to put your vision in motion. Start reading and studying. If you are faithful, ask for God's blessing on it. Be prepared to keep it secret for a while so that no one will steal your ideas.  When you’re ready to announce your new endeavor, be prepared to have others look at you like you’re crazy. That’s ok.  Don’t expect others to understand it. Find an accountability partner and a team of trusted people to cheer you on.  Once you start embracing your dream, you'll start to notice things shifting.

Kristina: I agree. I couldn’t just dip my toe in the water and test it out.  I had to embrace the vision and really step into making it happen to start seeing change. I feel like you have to dive in.

Bette:  That’s right.  Just dipping your toe in, you are still radiating doubt.  The universe won’t deliver until you’re truly ready. 

Kristina: Tell me more about Young Rembrandts and how people can reach you.

Bette: Young Rembrandts is an after-school program. We teach drawing classes to kids, both online and in person. I wrote a book called Being Visual too. It talks about learning styles, how artistic kids think differently and learn differently in school.  I have a blog at bettyfetter.com. Lastly, if you are thinking about starting your own business but don’t want to start from scratch, Young Rembrandts has franchises. Check those out.

Kristina: Thank you so much for talking with The Impactful Parent community today, Betty. Until next time, parents. You got this. We're just here to help.

----------------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

121: All Things Bullying

All Things Bullying with Dali Rivera gives tips to parents for what to do if your child is bullied, if your child is the bully, and bully prevention. 

 

All Things Bullying Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• Dali Rivera at https://dalitalks.com

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST and/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

---------------------------------

Transcript for All Things Bullying: 

All Things Bullying:

Kristina: Today, we're talking all things BULLYING! Hello. My name is Kristina Campos. I'm the founder of The Impactful Parent. I help parents of school-aged children turn their chaos into connection with their adolescents. I offer free parent education videos every week, I have online courses, and I do some coaching. Still, if that wasn't enough, I bring experts in other fields onto The Impactful Parent stage to teach you even more. Today I have a very special guest, Dali Rivera. Dali teaches kids and parents about bullying awareness. She does whatever she can to prevent kids from being bullied altogether. I'm excited to have her today. Thank you for being here, Dali.

Dali: I'm excited to be here and have this conversation with you.

Kristina: What is the difference between bullying and teasing?

Dali:  That's a great question. Bullying is when unwanted, aggressive behavior is done to you. It can be spoken word or physical action. Also, there's a power imbalance. That means that somebody of authority or feels like they're more popular or maybe have more control over you uses that against you. Bullying is also consistent or has the potential to be ongoing. Bullying is also about the receiver.

Teasing is different. Teasing happens mostly among friends. Teasing is not meant to cause ill feelings or for you to feel distressed.

Kristina: I want to reiterate two things that you said are that big differentiator between teasing and bullying. One is, it's really about the receiving end and how that person is receiving the message, whether it's a tease or bully. The second thing is, who is doing the bullying, a friend or an acquaintance. That can be a gray area, especially for kids that attend small schools.

How do I explain bullying to a young child?

[caption id="attachment_4257" align="alignright" width="300"] All Things Bullying[/caption]

Dali: Start with books.  Many books give examples of stories. If you have a story of your own of bullying, then share that story because kids will remember it.  Describe to kids what it feels like too.  Say something like, “I felt really unsafe. , I felt like I had to hide from that person.”

Kristina: What are the different types of bullying?

Dali: There are four main types of bullying. Physical, social, verbal, and cyber; however, there's more than that. These are just the main types.  It is also emotional, physical, sexual, financial bullying, and the list goes on. 

I'm going to break them down very quickly. Physical bullying is the one most people think of when you say bullying.  It can be pulling hair, damaging clothing, stealing money, damaging personal property, spitting, slapping, hitting, punching, or even blocking you from an entryway.

Social bullying is difficult to point out and see clearly. It can be spreading rumors, excluding someone, or damaging a reputation. Exclusion is the most popular form of this kind of bullying. 

Verbal bullying is usually insults but not always.  Sometimes it's unspoken mannerisms.  For example, passive-aggressiveness, like ignoring someone and pretending they don’t exist or are not there. It can also be belittling talk or put-downs.

Cyberbullying is being mean online or over internet apps.  Things like catfishing, cyber-stalking, and doing anything I previously mentioned online- can still be cyberbullying.  There is a lot of a grey area, which is why law enforcement has difficulty enforcing violations.

Kristina: Could your friend bully you?

Dali: Absolutely. That is one of the reasons why so many kids do not report bullying. Kids are like, “Because that’s my friend.” One of the things that I like to teach is the difference between a friend and an acquaintance. I tell kids, a friend is somebody who doesn't make you feel bad. A friend doesn't insult you. Friends cheer you on. When you fall down, friends help you get back up. Friends don't laugh at you because you've fallen. If someone is making you feel bad, they are not a friend. Also, your friend is a person you feel comfortable with. Acquaintances stay in the classroom. Usually, kids get it when I explain it that way.

Kristina: I know from being a parenting coach that kids will befriend the bully because it's easier to join them than to be against them. It is a way of protecting themselves.  Parents don’t understand it.  They think, “Why are you friends with that person?”  So what advice can you give parents who see their children become a part of the bully group because if you can’t beat them, then join them?

[caption id="attachment_4256" align="alignleft" width="300"] All Things Bullying[/caption]

Dali: These kids are going into survival mode. They are doing what they feel is necessary to stay safe. The number one way to combat bullying is to build up your child's confidence. There are lots of small things that you can do at home to build up your child's confidence. Role modeling is what I recommend first. This is important because if your child sees you taking crap from somebody, they're not going to defend themselves either.  Kids will also not have the confidence in the parent’s strength to stand up for the child.  If you can’t stand up for yourself, then they don’t think you’ll stand up for them either

Another thing you can do to build self-confidence in your child is, give them small challenges to succeed.  Build their confidence with small tasks that take them just a little bit out of their comfort zone and give them the confidence to succeed.

Encourage your child to use their voice and speak to safe adults.  Public speaking roles are good too for self-confidence building.  Roleplaying helps kids get ready for things they don’t feel secure about.  The roleplaying gets them ready. 

Kristina: I am a big fan of roleplaying with children and even high schoolers.  Have your child rehearse in their mind; what are you going to do? I tell the teens I work with to do this before they leave the house to a party.  Know what you are going to do before you walk out the door.  Roleplay peer pressures in your head and what you will say and do.   Roleplay prepares your child and gives them the confidence they need to do what they want to do when the social pressures are in front of them.

Dali: There are many ways to boost your child's confidence! Consider sports, art classes, singing classes, or anything that demonstrates that your child can do something they thought they could not do.

Kristina: What if your child is the bully? What does a parent do then? What are some of the signs that your child is the one that is the bully?

Dali: I am always happy when parents ask me this because there is a notion that the parents of the bullies don't care. Some people think that the parents of the bully are in denial. Sometimes it's just that they don't know how to deal with what’s happening.

Let’s first talk about the signs that your child is a bully. If your child is exhibiting bullying behaviors, you might notice how others react weirdly around your child. For example, suppose you volunteer in the classroom, and you notice nobody really wants to hang out with your child or that your child has a nickname. Also, consider what kind of friends your child is hanging out with.  Are these kids constantly at the principal's office? Is your child aggressive?

There is also a misconception that bullies are insecure about themselves, and that’s why they are aggressive towards others.  This isn’t necessarily true. Some bullies are very confident kids. In fact, some kids are so confident they are arrogant. It is important to teach these kids humility.

Kristina: I have seen this before too. The bully is so smart that they just don’t like tolerating others.

Dali: If your child is physically hurting others, it is important to teach your child empathy. It is important to show children that their actions impact others.

[caption id="attachment_4255" align="alignright" width="300"] All Things Bullying[/caption]

Lastly, tell your child that you love them regardless of what they have done. They need to know that your love is not conditional. Kids need to know that their parents love them even through their mistakes.  Also, tell your child that their mistakes do not define who they are. Always include your child in the solution of the problem. When you include them in the solution, you show them that you value their opinion. They can then take accountability to fix what was wronged. I also try to avoid the word punishment. Instead, your child needs corrective action.  

Kristina: When your child is the victim, should you confront the parents of the bully?

Dali: It depends on the situation. Some parents can't control themselves. Most parents want to protect their children and will fight themselves if they get too emotional.  This is why schools have individualized meetings. Having said this, I have had very amicable meetings with the parents.  You will have to be the judge and use your best judgment.

Kristina: What if my child is the victim? What are my first steps for helping my child?

Dali: Document what is happening. Things turn into he said, she said argument very quickly.  You want to keep track of what is happening, when, where, and with whom.  Don’t leave the incident to the word of mouth and one kid's word against the other. Think of it as a legal case. A judge will not hear hearsay. They want evidence. Keep a journal.  

I also recommend that you suggest an action for correcting what has happened. Give a solution. Don’t just present the problem.

Kristina: You are a great resource, Dali.  Where can people find you if they need your help?

Dali: You can find me at dalitalks.com.  I do one-on-one coaching, and I have a lot of recorded courses that parents can enjoy in their own leisure. You can book a free 30-minute call to see if working together is a good fit.

Kristina:  Thank you, Dali.  Parents, you got this.  We are just here to help.

-------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

120: 5 Tips For Homework With Fewer Battles

5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles. Zoie Hoffman, the founder of the Hoffman Tutoring Group, gives 5 tips for a more productive homework hour, less meltdowns, and fewer battles.

5 Tips for Homework with Fewer Battles  Links in Episode 👇

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE RECORDING 5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles:

https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.

https://theimpactfulparent.com/tutoring for Zoie's FREE E-book on homework help

www.hoffmantutoringgroup.com for more from Zoie

---------------------------

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCASTand/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

----------------------------

Transcript for 5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles:

Kristina: Welcome impactful parent. Today, we will be talking about five tips for getting your child to do their homework with fewer battles. Today I have a special guest, Zoie Hoffman. Zoie is the founder of Hoffman Tutoring Group. This online tutoring company serves children kindergarten through eighth grade for their extra tutoring needs. I'm excited to have her on today and hear about these five tips. Thank you for being here, Zoie.

Zoie: Thanks for having me. I'm excited.

Kristina: Homework is a battle for many parents. Let’s get started with your tips because I am excited to hear them.

Zoie: Yeah. Tip 1 for homework with fewer battles is: You need to find the best time within your after-school routine for homework. I know that this is different for everybody depending on after-school activities, how busy you are, what time school lets out, and what time you get home from work, but making sure your child knows when homework will get done each day will help reduce that battle.

So if you're at home, that might mean that you are doing homework simultaneously during your after-school routine every day. If you're on the go, that might mean on different days, your child does homework at different times depending on what they have going on in their schedule. They might not even be at home during homework time. But knowing that is the time on which they need to do the homework will help reduce those battles and make sure they actually get their homework done.

Kristina: I'm all about routine. Routine is important for children. It creates stability. It helps them understand the expectations. It creates security. In the end, kids perform better when they have a routine.

[caption id="attachment_4188" align="alignright" width="300"] 5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles[/caption]

Another thing that you said that I want to highlight is, it's okay not to do homework at home. Sometimes we have to be flexible and do homework on the go. Parents need to be prepared for that and communicate expectations to the kids.  Homework on the go can still be a part of the routine. Kids are so flexible. They can accommodate those kinds of schedules and still turn in good work.

Zoie: Tip 2 for homework with fewer battles is: Make sure all their physical needs are met. When your kid comes through the door, make sure that they are fed, have water, go to the bathroom, and maybe even meet some of their emotional needs before they start homework. Some kids may need 30 minutes to an hour to decompress after a long day at school before they start their homework. Other kids need to ride the momentum from the school day into their homework time. Either way, make sure they have what they need to succeed.

Kristina: Parents should also remember that these needs can differ for every child and even within family members. What other tips do you have for us today?

Zoie: Tip 3 for homework with fewer battles is: Make sure that you have all the materials needed to do homework for your child. You don't want your child getting up and asking you for a pencil and scissors and glue and have to hunt down all these materials. This is not only distracting for them, but it's annoying for you. I often suggest getting a shower caddy from Target or a diaper caddy. Put paper and scissors and all the things your child needs for homework into that caddy. It makes supplies easy to carry, and you can shove them in the closet when you're not using them. You can also get a smaller version in your car if you are doing homework on the go.

[caption id="attachment_4189" align="alignleft" width="300"] 5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles[/caption]

Kristina: The shower caddy is a great tip.

Zoie: Tip 4 for homework with fewer battles is: Take brain breaks to help your child refocus. Kids can focus for about plus or minus one minute of their age. It is crazy! That's not very long! By taking brain breaks, your child will focus better and actually get homework done faster! Use a visual timer for the length of time your child can focus. When the timer goes off, let them take a break. On their brain break, encourage your child to go outside or move their body. Let them color or do something that they enjoy just for a few minutes. Then, kids can sit back down and refocus on their homework for another set of minutes. This may seem like it's gonna make things take a lot longer. Still, you might be surprised at how quickly your child can get things done when they're getting those bursts of focus instead of trying to drag their focus out for a long time.

Kristina: I am a huge fan of visual timers. The visual timer is more effective and helpful for students versus a timer on your phone that beeps. There is something special about visually seeing the time go by that helps younger children or kids with ADHD. It's a great tool.

Zoie: And my final tip, tip number 5 for homework with fewer battles, is: Know when to quit. I know that this is easier said than done, but sometimes homework fractures your relationship with your child. They're freaking out. They're super stressed. Maybe your child has an anxiety attack. Sometimes, homework can cut into their sleeping time. These are all signs that it is PAST the time to stop. Email the teacher that the homework did not get done. Tell them the reason why within limits. Don't tell them the gory details of what happened, but tell them you know your child is having trouble and ask for the next steps. Then help your child calm down. Tackle the homework later when everybody's a little bit more fresh. Doing this will reduce your child's anxiety around homework. Your child will know that you're not going to let it get to that point. It’s important to protect your child’s mental health.

Kristina: I have been there!  Preventing the homework meltdown is sometimes challenging.  Parents should watch their kids and visually see when they're starting to come to a breaking point. Then, approach your child and start the conversation. Say, it seems like you're having difficulty today. I can tell you're not concentrating like you normally can. What can I do to help?  Be an advocate for your child when they can’t be it for themselves because they are caught up in the “must-do” mentality. Sometimes kids need parents to intervene and help them regulate or see the bigger picture.  It isn’t easy, though.

[caption id="attachment_4190" align="aligncenter" width="300"] 5 Tips for Homework With Fewer Battles[/caption]

Tell me more about your company, The Hoffman Tutoring Group.

Zoie: we provide online tutoring for students in K-8 grade with reading, writing, and math. We bring in tutors that are educators. They have degrees and certifications. Our tutors have experience in the classroom and experience working with kids one on one. When you come into our tutoring group, you get on the phone with me, and I help match you with the tutor that will best meet your child and your family's needs. It's a personalized experience. If you want to find out more about our tutoring services, you can find us at www.hoffmantutoringgroup.com

Kristina: All your tutoring is online?

Zoie: Correct. We've been providing online tutoring for several years. We tutor over zoom.

Kristina: I heard that you have a freebie for my audience.

Zoie: Yes! I wrote a very comprehensive ebook about homework. It has all of the tips of today a lot more. If you’re looking to avoid Homework battles and help your child learn better and smarter, be sure to check it out.

Kristina: To get your freebie, go to theimpactfulparent.com/tutoring

Until next time parents, you got this. We're just here to help.

----------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

119: How To Get Accepted Into College

How To Get Accepted Into College. Beth and Greg Langston give tips for how to stand out and get accepted! 

How To Get Accepted Into College. Links in Episode 👇​

https://theimpactfulparent.com for more FREE Resources and paid programs.

https://theimpactfulparent.com/flightplan for your FREEBIE courtesy of Beth and Greg

www.collegeflightplan.com for more from Beth and Greg

----------------------------------

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletterso you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCASTand/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official websiteof The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina!Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

------------------------------------

Transcript for How To Get Accepted Into College:

Kristina: Welcome impactful parents. Today, we will talk about the three most important qualities college admissions officers look for in students. Hello, my name is Kristina Campos. I'm the founder of The Impactful Parent. I help parents of school-aged children turn their chaos into connection with their adolescents. I offer free parent education videos every week. I offer online courses and coaching. And if that wasn't enough, I bring experts in other fields onto The Impactful Parent stage to teach us even more. Today I have special guests, Beth and Greg Langston. Beth and Greg had been helping kids with college admissions and activating teenager's potential for over 20 years plus. They also own a little business called the College Flight Plan. I'm very excited to have them on today. Thank you for being here, Beth and Greg.

I am excited to get started. This is a perfect time because so many high school students are trying to make those college applications. So when do students really need to get started on preparing for that college application process?

Beth: Sooner than they think. Start working on the personal statement at the end of junior year! The personal statement rarely changes. It is  650 words. The average student applies to 8 to 10 universities. Each university will have other essays to write.  It is best to start as early as you can to avoid overwhelm.  

Then it’s important to work on the “Why This University” essay.  Most colleges have an essay where they want to know why you are picking their school for application.  You can't just have a generic answer for this essay.  Universities want to know you have done your research about that school.  Know which courses you want to take, your area of study. And be very specific about what the school has to offer and what you have to offer the school. Starting early is better!

Kristina: What are the three most important qualities that college admission officers are looking for in those applications? Is one of them the application essays?  Are they really that important?

Beth: There are three things that the college admissions officers are looking for.  The first is academic success.  A good GPA and a rigorous curriculum are what they're looking for. Also, seeking outside courses is very important. Universities love to see that kind of stuff that teaches you about what you're interested in.  It doesn't have to be school courses. Colleges also look at standardized tests.

The second thing college admissions officers are looking for is the student’s extracurricular activities. They want you to be involved in projects and have long-term commitments. They don't want you to check the boxes on 15 different things. They want you to go and do something in-depth. They appreciate an entrepreneurial commitment, like seeking internships.

The third thing colleges love to see is a student’s profound self-knowledge and self-discovery. They want to see that the student has a clear direction of where they're headed. Their students must be empowered to understand who they are and expressing that with competence and clarity. They search for students who know their values, purpose, strengths, and weaknesses. They want students who have a plan, set goals, and pursue a profession in which they will thrive.

So those are the three things they're looking for, and the ESSAY convenes those messages to the admissions team. That's why the essays are so important.

Many students have great GPAs, great standardized test scores, and lots of great extracurricular activities that they can write about. Still, they can't take all those kids! There's just not room for all the great kids that are out there. It is the essay where you can stand out.

Greg: Also, I recommend calling the university to get an interview.  You want to do the little things that go the extra mile. This shows interest in the university and will make you stand out.  Ask the admissions offers good questions so they will remember you.  The admissions people will put those notes in your application.

Kristina: I feel like many families underplay the importance of talking to that college admissions person. This is a great tip!

Greg:  That's right. You have to promote yourself.

Kristina: Would you suggest being a little controversial to catch the attention of the admissions people and stand out?

Beth: It is ok to be a little controversial, but I would avoid politics, even some religion, and be careful not to shed a bad light on yourself. You want to look good, not rebellious.

Also, don’t write about COVID unless your experience with COVID was different than most. You want to be unique.

Kristina: What's their most important piece of advice that you could give a high school student who's trying to decide their major?

Greg: Self-discovery.  That’s where we can help.  We have a self-discovery process. It is a 12-hour program that takes the student from beginning to end. The program helps teens identify their interests, strengths, and weaknesses. We take the teen through a self-make purpose statement. We help the teenager discover what they want to do with the rest of their life. Students make goals and an elevator speech that tells whoever's listening what makes the child special, their strengths, their values, what makes them unique, and why they should be accepted to their university of choice.

Kristina: Do you have any suggestions for parents? What should they be doing right now to support their teen?

Greg:  Don't assume that school will walk your child through everything they need to do for their college applications. The counselors have too many students and not enough time. Know the deadlines. Help keep your child on track with goals and encouragement.  Be in the process with your child. Don’t just sit back and watch them do it alone.

Kristina: Thank you for being here today.  If anyone in the audience would like to take your Discovery Course or get help with their college essays, where can they find you?

Beth: www.collegeflightplan.com

Kristina: If you would like to become a more impactful parent, please check out all that my website offers. I have parenting courses, family coaching, 30-day challenges, and lots of free resources. But Until next time, you got this, parents. We're just here to help.

-------------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

 

117: Behavior Management For Strong-Willed Kids

Behavior Management for Strong-Willed Kids

Behavior Management For Strong-Willed Kids with Dr. Sarah Allen.  Dr. Allen talks about teaching coping skills to kids to build resiliency and improve behaviors.

 

Behavior Management For Strong-Willed Kids. Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• The Impactful Parent's Free webinar https://theimpactfulparent.com/webinar
• Dr. Allen's website with links to her program and book http://brainbehaviorbridge.com

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletterso you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCASTand/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official websiteof The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina!Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

 -----------------------------

Transcript for BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT FOR STRONG-WILLED KIDS:

Kristina: Welcome parents to The Impactful Parent’s inspire and learn series where real parents come on and tell their stories of inspiration. Today we're going to be learning from our guest speaker, Dr. Sara Allen. Dr. Allen will talk to us about the importance of teaching kids coping and adaptive skills to grow into successful adults. Dr. Ellen has her own personal story of adversity. She is also an international book and best-selling author to a book called Raising brains. Dr. Ellen is a mom, of course. She has spent over 15 years studying neuroscience and brain development, so I'm really excited to hear what she says on the subject. Thank you so much for being here, Dr. Allen.

Dr. Allen: Thanks so much for having me.

Kristina: I want to start with your story. How did all this come about that you are so passionate about teaching coping and adaptive skills?

Dr. Allen:  When I started my parenting journey, I lost three kids. They all lived about an hour. I was pregnant with my first son and lost him at 23 weeks. It was all very difficult, but I'm a positive person. I picked myself up and kept going. I never thought it would happen again.  Then I was pregnant with twins. I lost them three days apart. Again they lived about an hour. When it happened again, it took my breath away.  It really kicked my butt emotionally.  

Then my luck changed. I had my daughter, Juliana. Soon after that, I birthed my son Carter.  Things were going well for a while, but my son got increasingly more difficult as he got older.  He's a wonderfully sweet little boy. He's passionate. Some may call him strong-willed. I call him “spirited.” He had a lot of trouble controlling emotions.  Some parents may call kids like this obnoxious or oppositional. Some adults think that these kids are disrespectful.  

We worked really hard to help him. “We,” being my son and me, worked together.  I worked really hard to help him learn how to control his body and control his thoughts and control his mind. I didn't realize how much that would set him up to be successful. He is nine today, and he has an emotional intelligence of a much older child.  

I remember a time I was standing in the kitchen with my mother crying. Things were hard, and I wanted to help him, but it was so difficult. My mom said, “ You should take him to see someone.” That's when I started sobbing. I was the person that parents took their kid to see!

Fast forward, and I a grateful that I started those coping skills behaviors early with my kids because things got rough again. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 28. She died at 29.  My mother battled cancer twice. Then my kids went through a divorce with my husband and me.  The result had us moving to a new town.  As if that wasn’t difficult enough for them, the whole world shut down right after we moved.  They never had an opportunity to settle into their new school or environment.

In those times of difficulty, I leaned back on the 15 plus years of brain science that I had studied. I'm a neuropsychologist.  I do brain-behavior relationships with kids. I started helping other families too.  My book, Raising Brains, came about because I started writing down how I was helping my own kids and others.  Then that content also turned into a program I offer.

Kristina: One of the things that you said that really stuck out to me was, “WE worked really hard.”  We being the keyword. I also have a behavior management program that I offer, and it is structured as a parent and child program. I believe that the parents are instrumental in helping the child change behaviors and learning coping skills.  It is a “WE” effort. The whole house is affected by the behaviors, and it takes collaboration to fix.  Kids need parental support.

Dr. Allen: We want parents and kids working together. Our job as parents is to teach our kids how to do these things for themselves. Teach kids how to be introspective. We need to teach kids how to gain self-awareness until they're capable of doing it for themselves.

Kristina: Yes. In my program, parents learn skills that help support their children. Everyone is learning and growing TOGETHER.

Dr. Allen: Parents forget that we are also teachers.  We want to teach kids the skills they need to build independence.

Kristina: Exactly.  Many parents make the mistake of focusing on the here and now.  They focus on trying to stop the behaviors they are seeing.  In reality, that is just a bandaid on a big wound.  Instead, parents need to focus on fixing the WHY of the situation and teach kids the skills they need to cope or stop the behaviors for themselves time and time again.  Not just the one-time fix. We want long-term solutions instead.

I also wanted to mention that you mentioned that YOU were the person people were supposed to be going to for help. Still, your own son couldn’t control his emotions. Thank you for admitting this. I, too, have kids that couldn’t control their anxiety and anger.  It is because we have been in our client's shoes that make us good resources for parents. We know what it was like.  It is also the reason why we made our programs to help others. I want the audience to know that everybody's home has a challenge.  That’s ok! The main thing is, how are you going to react to this challenge?

Now, let’s get to those tips for helping our kids that I know you want to give the audience!  If I have a strong-willed child, what can I do?

Dr. Allen:  Well, I have a couple things. My first suggestion is to understand your child’s brain.  There’s a part of our brain called the amygdala. I call her Amy G because she has the emotional energy. In the front of our brain, we have Franny, who is the voice of reason. When Amy G is freaking out, yelling and screaming,  Franny is trying to calm her down. The problem is, when that is happening, Franny can't think logically either. So what do we do?

The first tip is to just get some tools in your belt. Understand the way a kid's brain works. When your kid is kicking, screaming, and throwing their emotions, they're actually speaking with their behavior. That tells the parent that something is so upsetting that they can’t control their emotions.

Tip number two, start asking questions instead of making statements. Ask yourself, What is it this little brain needs, and what can I teach this little brain? It's part of becoming a brain detective. When you shift your thinking, you're going to start seeing your kids in a very, very, very different way. In my parent program, we focus on understanding the brain first. I want parents to know what that little brain needs and then have tools to get working.

And then the last tip that I would give is just to make sure your brain basics are set. Pay attention to things like sleeping and eating. Everything that you put in your body turns into the chemicals your brain uses to think. Make sure your kids are eating low-fat milk and cheeses. We want to get some good proteins in there, like fish.

Sleep. We know that kids who don't sleep can look like they're ADHD. Also, during sleep, our brain goes through a cleansing process. The fluid that surrounds our brain cleans it out. It's like when you clean your desk off for the day, and you feel like you can actually think. That's what sleep does for the brain. We know that people who don't sleep can actually have some cognitive issues as well. Suppose your kids are snoring or getting up in the middle of the night. In that case, you definitely want to talk to your physician because that could cause some cognitive issues. And don’t forget movement is important.  Make sure you're kids are getting up and moving around.

Lastly, establish routines and consistency.  I mentioned Frannie. She is regulating our emotions. She is trying to help figure out what we're going to learn and remember and pay attention to. She's pulling information. She's like the CEO of the entire brain, so she's got a lot going on. So anytime we can pull things off her plate and put them somewhere else, that's a good thing.  A routine does that.  

Kristina: What if I have a teenager? Parents don't have as much control over the eating and sleeping habits of teens. Do you have any recommendations for parents of teens in a similar situation?

Dr. Allen: I like to give teens information so they can understand the decisions we make for them and make better decisions themselves. You never want to get into this battle of wills. We want teens to build their independence so that they can be on their own. But the reality is, the teenage brain isn’t fully developed either.  They may seem like competent people but inside, their brain still isn’t functioning fully.

Kristina: Yes! I want to make a comment on that. I think the mistake that many people make is, they look at a teenager and forget their brain isn’t fully developed, and they are still just kids.  Yes, they look like a young adult, and many act like young adults, but they all still go through times of difficulty because their brains are not fully developed.

Dr. Allen: Yeah, definitely. Teenagers have a lot of strengths. It sounds silly, but they can communicate their feelings, socialize, work. However, the front of their brain still prevents them from seeing long-term consequences and holding back behaviors. That’s why teens have a ton of risky behaviors. They don't see the long-term effect.  PARENTS need to play the role of their frontal lobe.  Parents need to be the voice of reason and establish boundaries for their teens to keep them safe.

Kristina:  If people resonate with what you're saying and want to find out more about Raising Brains or your program, how would they find out more?

Dr. Allen: The best thing to do is email me at drallen@brainbehaviorbridge.com. You can always go to my website as well, which is www.brainbehaviorbridge.com.  There are links to both my books on there and my program.  

Kristina: Thank you, Dr. Allen. And don't forget, audience, that The Impactful Parent also has a behavior management program that I would love for you to check out! This program is a DIY program. It is online. And the best part about it, you can find out more for FREE with my webinar. This webinar will give you the eight steps that you need to start seeing results in your child!  Go watch the webinar at https://theimpactfulparent.com/webinar. At the end of the webinar, I will give you a free PDF called 20 ways to cope just for taking your time to watch. This free PDF is a start to helping your child. Even the free webinar is very powerful so go check it out right now! But until next time, you got this. We're just here to help.

------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

 

118: Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused

Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused

Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused gives 5 Tips for helping your child. PLUS- 3 FREE parenting resources are also included in this episode! 

Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• Learning questions to ask your kids at https://theimpactfulparent.com/learningquestions 
• Thinking Traps Video Link: https://theimpactfulparent.com.thinkingtraps
• Thinking Traps Free PDF at https://theimpactfulparent.com/thinkingtrapspdf

----------------------------------

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletterso you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCASTand/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official websiteof The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina!Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

-------------------------------------------------------

Transcript for Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused 

Welcome impactful parents! Today, we will talk about how to support your child when they are wrongly accused of doing something that they didn’t do.

Today’s question from the audience:  “I am trying to figure out how to help my young teen. A teacher thought he was on his phone and called him out in front of the class. He did not have his phone, and the teacher did not apologize. He is having a hard time moving past this and becoming productive in class. How do I help him work through his feelings so he can move on?”

This is a great question, and today I will give you 5 tips to helping your child that is wrongly accused.

[caption id="attachment_4081" align="alignright" width="300"]Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused[/caption]

Tips #1 for helping your child that is wrongly accused is: Support your child first. What I mean by this is, believe your child and show empathy.  Could your child be lying to you about what happened? Sure, but probably not.  When your child comes to you sad, obviously bothered, and needing help- then they are likely telling the truth. Your child is looking to you for support and what to do.  Your child doesn’t have the life experience yet to know what to do when an authority figure wrongly accuses them. Taking their side and believing what they say means the world to your child.  They need your support. 

Then also show empathy.  LISTEN to what happened and let your child vent about their frustrations.  They need a listening ear right now. 

Tip #2 for helping your child that is wrongly accused is: Talk with the person who made the wrong accusations. Your child isn’t mature enough yet to handle the situation alone. Even most teenagers don’t have all the skills they need yet to confront authority figures appropriately. Having said that, take your child with you when you confront the authority.  They need to learn these skills, and watching you advocate for them will teach them how to advocate for themselves.  In this case, talk to the teacher.  Ask for a meeting time where you can talk to the teacher privately without students around.  The objective of the meeting should be to discuss your concerns and how the accusation is affecting your child.  This meeting is NOT to make the teacher apologize or see they were wrong.  You want to work with your teacher, not against them. To do this, you want to approach the meeting with

1. A quick summary of what you heard happened in the classroom.
2. A quick explanation of how your child feels like they were wronged and treated unfairly
3. The concerns you have for your child moving forward. Explain to the teacher how your child feels disengaged and doesn’t want to make an extra effort in class anymore due to the separated relationship between the teacher and the student. [caption id="attachment_4082" align="alignleft" width="300"]Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused[/caption]

Good teachers will listen and understand how they may have made a mistake with the explanations you give and the efforts you are making for your child.  Many teachers will problem-solve with you and your child during that conference and even apologize. Teachers are humans too and make mistakes often.  Productively advocating for your child (coming from a place of concern) and NOT attacking the teacher.  Don’t come at the teacher acting like Mama Bear.  Instead, opening the conversation with a tone of concern will help diffuse the situation and open up the room for your child and the teacher to talk and reconnect.  That is the main goal of this conference!  Your child needs to feel safe and reconnect emotionally with their teacher.  Your child feels so badly because they trusted their teacher and now feel like their teacher turned on them.  To bring your child back to productivity, he has to reconnect with his teacher emotionally. He has to feel safe in the classroom. Kids don’t know how to facilitate these conversations alone, and it’s scary for them. That’s where you come in.  You need to make the appointment and set the tone for the conference as gentle, concerned, and worried.  Coming at the teacher like a Mama Bear will only put the teacher in defensive mode from the beginning. Then the meeting won’t be productive. So be careful in your approach.

Tip #3 for helping your child that is wrongly accused is: Make some next step changes if you have to. I hope that the situation resolves itself with step 2, but sometimes it just won’t.  Here is some next step I suggest after talking with the teacher and getting a failed response.

1. Talk with the principal. Yeah, go talk to the boss and see if you can make changes on a higher level.
2. Ask to change teachers. Switching teachers is the last resort because I don’t want to encourage your child to avoid their problems. Still, sometimes it can be easier to just change classrooms. Sometimes kids can’t get over their hurt emotions and need a fresh start in a new class to get back on track and feel happy again.
3. Start documenting what the teacher does. If the problem persists, you may want to document incidents so that you can present a more reasonable argument for concern to the school.  This will also allow you to see patterns in the classroom.

[caption id="attachment_4083" align="alignright" width="300"]Supporting Children When They Are Wrongly Accused[/caption]

Tip #4 for helping your child who is wrongly accused is: to talk about the consequences of allowing this incident to affect their life. In step 4, parents are trying to build resiliency in their children.  Life sucks sometimes, and it’s difficult to see our kids in emotional pain/frustration. Still, as a parent, we can use these “bad moments” to teach resiliency.  Start by talking with your child about the consequences of their actions.  What is going to happen if you don’t care about this class anymore?  Are you going to let this one person’s mistake affect your future?  I am giving you a free PDF today to help your child process the situation and help YOU ask the right questions.  This PDF gives you the right questions to ask your child to learn from the experience.  It may not seem like much, but asking the right questions is the key to success with kids.  To get your free PDF, go to https://theimpactfulparent.com/learningquestions

Tip #5 for helping your child that is wrongly accused is: watch out for thinking traps. When you get kids talking, but they are hurt emotionally, you will hear them speak absolutes.  “The world is going to end.” “I am going to fail.” “Everyone hates me.”  These are unhealthy ways of thinking that teens fall into really easily.  You’ll want to watch out for this, and so to help you, I have 2 awesome resources.

1. The first is this video where I talk about Thinking Traps, what they are, and how to spot them. The link is: https://theimpactfulparent.com/thinkingtraps
2. The second is this FREE PDF that you can print out that helps you remember what all the Thinking Traps are so you can reference the PDF later when you need it. https://theimpactfulparent.com/thinkingtrapspdf

But until next time, parents. You got this. I am just here to help.

-----------------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

115: How To Teach Equity At Home

How To Teach Equity At Home

How To Teach Equity At Home with Liz Dempsey Lee.  Liz talks about being a more equitable parent, tips for teaching equity in the home, and why teaching equity is so important!

 

How To Teach Equity At Home. Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• Liz's contact information is www.lizdepseylee.com

 

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the podcast and/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

 -----------------------------

Transcript for HOW TO TEACH EQUITY AT HOME

 

Kristina: Welcome impactful parent. Today, we will talk about ways parents can weave equity into their family life and parenting. I have a special guest, Liz Dempsey Lee. Liz is a mom, an educator, a writer, a speaker, a consultant, and most importantly, she specializes in teaching equity. I'm very excited to have her on today. Thank you for being here, Liz.

Liz: Thank you so much for having me, Kristina. It's a pleasure to be here.

Kristina: I want to start with a very quick definition of equity to all be on the same page as we start our conversation.

Liz: I like to describe it as thinking about fairness within the community context. Every person, or in this case every child, within a community has to access to the things they need to become functional adults.

Kristina: Why does it matter to me as a parent to really learn what you will be teaching us today?

Liz: I appreciate this question. I will talk a little bit about what is considered good parenting and what is considered successful parenting. Are the ideas about good parenting and successful parenting reasonable in your community?

What's happened over time has been that our ideas about what makes a good parent and what makes a successful parent has become narrow. This puts a tremendous amount of pressure on parents. This pressure makes many of us feel like we're always doing it wrong. So when you start thinking about equity, one of the first things you have to think about is your particular community's expectations for you as a parent. What expectations do you feel? Are these expectations reasonable?

[caption id="attachment_4002" align="alignleft" width="300"]How To Teach Equity[/caption]

Our main goal is to have children who are happy, functional, healthy adults. Sometimes the definitions of good parenting become so narrow that they actually veer away from that ultimate goal. For example, in my community, the Boston area, we have a traditionally academic view of what it means to be good parents for a successful child. There's a lot of pressure on us to have our kids be good at everything that they do in the academic realm, whether that actually suits the child or not. So how does this relate to equity? Well, one of the first things is that if you have a very narrow definition of what you should be doing as a parent, you're actually leaving many people behind.

Kristina: There is a lot of pressure on parents, and it’s increasingly becoming worse. Media has made it even harder on parents because everyone feels like they have to keep up with the Jones’.

Liz: We're often told that our parenting is individual. And to a certain extent, that's true. Someone else is not going to come and bail out my child if there's an issue. However, our parenting is not in a vacuum and is more in an ecosystem. For example, if every child in your child's classroom dropped two plastic straws a day for a week, we'd have this huge mass of plastic straws around your child's school.

That is the kind of understanding I am trying to get parents to understand. Individually, there's not a lot of responsibility on the surface. But collectively, if everyone acts in the same way, collective actions ripple out into the community. The collective result can be good or bad.  Over the last couple of years, we've seen that if everyone pays attention to not using plastic straws, we can have that same kind of ripple effect, but positively. So parenting, even though we're often told it's individual by family, it doesn't exist in a vacuum. That's why we feel pressure to conform to the “normal” of our community. I can give an example.

In my community, academic success is highly valued. Several after-school math programs in my area charge a ton of money to advance your child in mathematics. A couple of parents chose to enroll their children. Before you know it, several families also felt the pressure to enroll their children so that their own children wouldn’t fall behind the other kids.  The ripple effect was obvious. Suddenly, it was the norm of the community to pay a lot of extra money for math classes after school.   Children that don’t even like math were pressured to excel and enroll also. Instead, parents need to be mindful of their parenting practices. Ask yourself, is it the right thing for my kid? Is it the right thing for my community? And does this parenting choice have the desired result? Separate yourself from the stress, and think about it in a way that will allow you to make less anxiety provoked decisions, if that makes sense. I can give you an example.

[caption id="attachment_4001" align="alignleft" width="300"]How To Teach Equity[/caption]

Two teenagers are taking the SAT. The goal of the SAT is to get the highest score possible. The two children are the same, but one child has many resources, and the other doesn't. Child #1 has parents that pay for extra pre-SAT preparation classes and can pay for their child to take the SAT multiple times. The other child does not. Research shows that the child who engages in all this extra work will see a substantial increase in their SAT score. The result is Child #1 appears to be more successful than the other child with the same profile. This is where our parenting actions can reinforce inequities. And again, in my community, it's very common for people to pay for their children to go through multiple extra activities. In contrast, other children who are equally as successful academically and capable are left behind. That's where we, as parents, can unwittingly be creating inequities within a community even worse.

Kristina: That is the story of everyday life. We all don't have the same amount of resources. We don't have the same amount of anything. We are all coming from different places and can provide our children with different things. Some parents can provide their children with a plethora of resources but don’t provide their children with a plethora of love, time, and attention.

It is also interesting to see that our small decisions affect the entire community. This is true. Our lives leave fingerprints on others. We should look at our parenting as a collective. What are a few concrete actions that parents can take today to get started trying to be more equitable with their children?

Liz: I tell parents to pay attention to the messages that they're receiving from their community. If you’re wrestling with a parenting decision, are you thinking, “I have to do this,” or “I must do that?” Maybe you are saying to yourself, “I should do this,” or “everybody else is doing this.” 

Those are signs that you're not approaching this parenting decision from the perspective of what your family needs. Instead, you are listening to what other people in the community are saying is important. Frequently, that kind of decision will actually feel physically uncomfortable. So, if you hear yourself saying, “I have to put my child in a soccer clinic; otherwise, they'll never be as good as their peers,” then rethink your decision process.

Kristina: What else can parents do to incorporate equity into their home?

Liz:  When you are at your child's school, ask what other children in the classroom need. The kids in our community have different needs. Find out what's best for your child. Then ask how your child’s needs differ from others in the class. Discover what your community needs, not just your child.

[caption id="attachment_4000" align="alignleft" width="300"]How To Teach Equity[/caption]

The last thing I want to say is that often, parents are afraid to have hard conversations with kids. Yet, equity conversations are important. It’s ok to make mistakes. Talk to your kids. It’s ok to tell your kids that you are confused too and don’t have all the answers.

Kristina: Yes!  It is ok not to have all the answers!  Instead, tell your child that you don’t know, but you’ll find the answers together! That statement is powerful to kids. Kids can see that their parent is human, but they're going to help them find answers as a team. 

I have one last question for you, Liz.  The equity struggle is everywhere.  Kids feel it in their everyday lives without realizing it.  It usually starts as, “Why does that kid get more time on their test, and I don’t.” Or more common is, “Why does Sara’s mom let her have a phone, and I don’t get one?”  How can parents start teaching kids about equity in their real-life situations?

Liz: I'm laughing because the cell phone conversation is one that my son is having right now. I'm feeling this really personally at the moment. When kids bring up issues of fairness, parents should go back to the original definition of equity. Is my child getting what they need to be a successful adult? Understand that it is not a one-size-fits-all.

Just because other families have a cell phone or a later curfew doesn't mean it's appropriate for our family. One thing I do with my kids is, encourage them to present a case for their argument.  I hear out their reasoning and have them think critically about parameters and guidelines. We have a conversation. It becomes an ongoing discussion between my child and me. And if you call me back in a year, I'll let you know how that's gone.

Kristina: It is all about starting a conversation. That is the bottom line. Start a conversation with your child about equity.

If people want to learn more about equity from you, where can they find you?

Liz: I have a website and a blog. It is at lizdempseylee.com

Kristina: Until next time, you got this, parents. We're just here to help.

 

-----------------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch), go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today, and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, create keywords your audience can type to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses, and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

 

116: Teaching Kids: Life Isn‘t That Good

Teaching Kids: Life Isn't That Good

Teaching Kids: Life Isn't That Good.  Tips for teaching kids the reality of life so they can gain coping skills to become successful adults. 

Teaching Kids: Life Isn't That Good Links mentioned in the episode:

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• FREE Newsletter sign up so you don't miss an impactful parenting tip. https://theimpactfulparent.com/bigimpact

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST and/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

 -----------------------------

Transcript for TEACHING KIDS THAT LIFE ISN'T THAT GOOD:

Life isn’t that good

              Don’t’ believe the hype!  Life isn’t that good.  I used to believe the Leave It To Beaver and Andy Griffith reruns that I grew up on.  Not anymore.   Experience quickly taught me that life is not just black and white. As a tween, I was still confused because life was showing me more hardship, but TV kept showing me more great families like The Cosby’s and the Keatons from Family Ties.  Then, the show Rosanne premiered.  This was ground-breaking at the time because it represented a not-so-perfect TV sitcom family.   America loved it.   Rosanne was a highly rated show for a while, but it didn’t last.  Before I knew it, TV was back to either representing family life as sweet and perfect as the Fresh Prince of Bel Aire or MTV was showing me the craziest of people on the new fad of reality TV.  Needless to say, I learned to stop watching TV altogether.  My life expectations were confused!

              Today’s kids are in the same predicament!  Social media shows everyone happy.  Life is perfect in the pictures of Instagram and Facebook.  These picture-perfect moments are making our kids feel inadequate. Everyone else is having more fun in the Snapchat videos.  But this generation has it worse.   The TV shows of my day weren’t personal.  I was still several degrees away from knowing Michael J. Fox and Will Smith.  Today, photos and videos are personal.  They are posts of the kids at school. People they see walking in the halls.   Social media makes life look perfect and creates an unrealistic expectation for our children.  Life is not that great!  We only post the good parts.

I am going to go one step further and suggest that you teach your kids that pain, failure, heart ache, and disappointment in their life is absolutely NORMAL.    Some of the depression that exists in our young people today stems from unrealistic expectations of how their life should be.   With social meda only glorifying and portraying the “good” moments- our young people are being manipulated to think that their life should be that good. They should look that good, feel that good, be that happy…  Social media influence is stupid and completely fake! 

What do we do as parents?  How can we combat unrealistic expectations? Well, unfortunately, most parents make it worse by sheltering their kids too much and putting them on teams where everyone gets a trophy. As parents, we are to prepare our kids for the real world.  We want our kids to grow up, leave home, and be successful adults.  If you’re not preparing your kids for real-world expectations and skills for combating real-world issues, then you are not preparing your kids to be successful.  In fact, you are setting them up for failure.   Of course, we all want our kids safe and happy, but life isn’t that good.  We need to prepare our kids for the hard times too.   Let me tell you another story….

My son runs cross county and is a good athlete.  Having said that, he isn’t a runner.  He runs cross country for his team, but it’s not his primary sport, nor is his body the made-to-run tall and thinly build.  Last week, his small school competed against some big schools in the area, and my wonderful son ran across the finish line last.   Yep dead last.   As a parent, I had a few choices on how to react to this. 

1. Get mad at the coach for setting him up for failure
2. Cry with him and soothe him. Tell him that he is a great runner, and the next time he will do better.
3. Tell him the truth. Remind him that running is not his primary sport. He did a great job.  Tell him that I was proud of him for never giving up and talk to him about the realities of coming in last.

Yes, I took path number 3.  Sometimes in life, we come in last.   Sometimes others deserve to win more.  As parents, it is important to teach humility, effort, and grace as much as it is to teach them grit and drive. Learning these lessons are never easy, but learning them at a young age is much better.  When children are young, they can rationalize better and process experiences better.  Learning hard lessons young gives them time to learn coping skills. The younger you can teach your kids to lose, and congratulate others who out-perform you,  the more drive they will have to win!  Better yet, wining will become more meaningful and something they can be proud of.  

So put your kids in sports, clubs, and competitions where they can win AND lose.  Don’t shelter them from loss.  Instead, take losing as an opportunity to teach them valuable lessons.  The short-term may be hard, but in the long run, you will be giving them a much more beneficial experience.

One of my favorite examples of this is from Walt Disney’s Nemo.  Dory is so wise in the movie when she is talking about Nemo to Marlen.  Marlen is Nemo’s dad and a classic hover parent.  She says to him,

 

“You can’t never let anything happen to him.  Then nothing would ever happen to him!”

 

You have to let your child experience life and part of that experience is emotional pain.  When you think of it that way, you realize that protecting kids from pain is unrealistic.  In fact, it is doing them a disservice!   The best lessons in life are learned through pain.  I am sure that you have had a painful experience in your life and when you recovered from it, you were wiser and better for it.   Maybe it was a heart ache, maybe you got caught doing something… whatever it was- it was the EXPERIENCE that made you LEARN and then you grew from that experience.   As a teacher, I can tell you with all certainty that we don’t learn best from books or theory or because our parents told us so, - we learn from experience. 

 

I am not saying that you let them do Whatever they want- yes, boundaries are important, but there is a balance between protecting them and letting them live and make their own choices. 

When they are having emotional pain, here are you dos and don’ts

Don’t:  Don’t ask what happened… yet.

Do:  Instead start with empathy.  Say something like,  I see you are upset.  I am just going to sit right here and be with you for a bit.  If you want to talk about why you’re upset, I am here to listen.  Then just sit and be there.  Listen.  Validate their feelings.

Don’t:  Don’t say ‘You SHOULD have done this…”  You should have done that… This turns kids off- especially teenagers.  You can process better choices later AFTER they have had time to process their feelings.  Give them one thing to focus on at a time.  They don’t want your advice at that moment.  They want someone to hear them!

Do: Stay calm- no matter WHY they are upset.

Don’t: Don’t get upset yourself and make judgements about the situation.  This is really bad.  If you start saying stuff like, “I knew that friend was horrible” or getting emotionally charged yourself, they won’t be able to calm down AND you will be digging yourself a hole when they will be friends again with that person next week. 

Much like when your child was a toddler and they fell- if you react like “OH NO…. and scream- then they will scream.  But if you are calm, then they learn to fall and remain calm.   Even teenagers are looking to you for guidance on how they should be controlling their emotions. 

Bottom line is:  impactful parents don’t save their kids from being hurt.  Impactful parents don’t always have high achievers or outstanding athletes.  No, instead impactful parents are just doing their best to grow proficient happy adults.  They pick up and support their children in learning, growing, and being the child’s best unique self.  Because life isn’t that good. You know that and I know that, so let your children learn that too- now when they have your love, support, and guidance when they are still living at home.  Protect them from what you can, but let them live. 

Because it’s the not-so-good moments in life that fertilizes the soul for growth.

You got this parents. I am just here to help.

 

-----------------------------------------

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann

 

114: Keeping Your Sex Life Alive After Kids

Keeping Your Sex Life Alive After Kids

------------------------------

Keeping Your Sex Life Alive After Kids with Azaria Menezes.  Azaria gives tips for keeping the spark alive even when parents are tired.

------------------------------

Keeping Your Sex Life Alive After Kids. Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• More from Azaria at www.azarimenezes.com

------------------------------

Rate, Review, & Subscribe!

"I love Kristina and all the FREE tips that she has to offer!  Thank you for making my parenting journey better!"  <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you!!!

Rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, subscribe to the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not subscribed, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Subscribe now!

 

What to do next:

1. Subscribe to The Impactful Parent Newsletter so you won’t miss a parenting tip that can help you! This once-a-week newsletter comes out Sunday mornings, and you can unsubscribe at any time.  No obligation. No Spam.  Just your favorite parenting tips! Newsletter sign-up link is here.
2. Follow The Impactful Parenton social media if you don’t already! Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, & Pinterest
3. Subscribe to the PODCAST and/or the YOUTUBE CHANNEL! Podcast link & YouTube link
4. Check out the official website of The Impactful Parent for FREE RESOURCES, parenting classes, mom’s groups, and so much more! Click here to check it out!
5. Discover how you can work with Kristina! Sign up for a FREE 30-minute discovery call! Click here to find a time that works best for you!

Bottom Line... I am here for YOU!  Contact me at theimpactfulparent@gmail.com 

--------------------------------

Transcript for Keeping Your Sex Life Alive After Kids

Kristina: Welcome impactful parents. Today we're going to talk about how to keep your sex life alive after kids. I have a special, Azaria Menezes. Azaria is a sex and relationship coach that supports moms and couples to reignite that spark to their sexuality in the bedroom. Welcome, Azaria.

Azaria: Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited that we get to talk about such a juicy topic.

Kristina: Yes, it is, and it's one that many people need help with. So, my first question to you is, how to keep the sex life alive when you're feeling exhausted? That is the number one complaint that I hear from most parents, especially moms. By the end of the day, they are just too tired for sexy time.

Azaria: This is so common. A lot of people are too tired to have sex after a long day.  Let's just normalize being tired and not wanting to have sex. It is a thing. BUT, there are also many ways to keep that spark alive in your bedroom. It’s important to find ways to eliminate those things that turn you off and find other ways to increase those things that really turn you on. I will give you a quick example. I cannot have sex when my room is really messy, and there's baby stuff everywhere, and everything is a mess. I like to keep my bedroom very clean. I like to keep all the baby stuff out of the bedroom. I also love to bring flowers into the bedroom so that when I go in there, my bedroom is a sanctuary. It gives a little bit of energy and wakes me up.

Look at things that give you energy and make you feel less tired, so you can approach sex with your partner.

Kristina: I love that suggestion. I feel like a lot of parents make the mistake of letting their children invade the entire house. We don't want to do that. It makes parenting even more exhausting. Everywhere you look, there is evidence of children and leave the parents with no break or place of their own. By allowing your child to be all over the house with their presence or even just their toys, you are giving your child a lot of power over you.  A bedroom is a place you want to keep sacred for yourself.

This brings me to my next question. I know a lot of partners do not have the same sex drive. This can be a big roadblock for couples. How would you help a couple that can’t seem to sync up their sex drive to want sex at the same time?

Azaria:  Absolutely. This is a common thing. It's really hard to have your libidos match up all the time. Many parents feel they have no time to have sex.  Many factors can contribute to mismatched libidos, jobs, kids, and even hormonal imbalances.

Parents need to change their mindset. Instead, there are other ways to be intimate without penetrative sex. Take some time to think about what you do feel in the mood for. So instead of saying, Oh honey, I'm not in the mood for sex, what is it that you would love to do and still be intimate with your partner? How do you want to feel connected? Maybe that's an important message? Find middle ground on something that you would like to experience together. It doesn't have to be penetrative sex. Other juicy things can arouse you. Try getting naked and doing a hot, intimate, kissing session together. I know it is really easy to get into disconnection and a routine of not having sex. Many parents think I don't really want to have sex, so they don't have any intimacy. The routine of going to bed, watch Netflix together, and go to sleep, can destroy intimacy.  Remember that there are many other options. There are many options to support your partner's pleasure and for your partner to support your pleasure in whatever capacity that feels yummy and delicious for you. Intimacy is important to keep alive, especially after having kids. Remember that connection and intimacy go hand in hand.

Kristina: I love that you brought up that sometimes hormones could throw things off. When I was breastfeeding my children, I did not want anybody touching me. I had to be touched all day long, and eventually, moms get touched out.  My hormones also made my libido non-existent.

The point is, many parents get touched out by the end of the day. Then, your significant other walks in the door, and they need a physical touch too. Some people have physical touch as their love language. Do you have any tips for somebody who's touched out but has a partner that needs the physical touch?

Azaria: This is tricky. I’ve been there too.  I didn't want anybody even breathing in my space.

What's important is to prioritize time for yourself where you get to spend time with yourself to recharge. Self-care doesn’t have to take long. Create a non-negotiable time for yourself. One thing that you do every day, just for you. Usually, it's good to do your recharge in the evening before you connect with your partner. Fill your tank, and then you will have the capacity to connect with your partner. Ask your partner for help with your recharge time.  If they know your intentions and benefit them, then many partners are happy to help.

Kristina:  Asking your partner for help can be difficult, but it is very important. I'm glad you mentioned it.

Can you give us suggestions for how we can connect with our partner?

Azaria: Yeah, absolutely. This is a great exercise that I give my clients.  I love doing it myself, which is a good way to feel great at the end of the day.

This exercise is called, What can I offer you? Ask your partner, What can I offer you? What can I do for you today that would make the day feel complete? Each person gets 10 minutes.  Maybe it's a yummy foot massage? Perhaps they just want to share about their day? Maybe they want you to rub their back for 10 minutes? Offer your partner 10 minutes of your undivided attention, and then it is your turn. This is a beautiful way to connect at the end of the day. If you are intentional, frequently, all you need is 10 or 15 minutes at the end of the day to feel connected.

Kristina: 10 minutes feels manageable to me. I can give the person I love at least 10 minutes every day. That does not seem overwhelming or too much of a burden.

Azaria: A lot of the time, we don't even ask ourselves what we need. We don't take the time to close our eyes, slow down and connect with our partners. This exercise can be very nourishing.

Kristina: My last question to you is, how do you start conversations about sex, intimacy, and needs? How do you start talking about it with your partner?

Azaria: I recommend creating an intentional space to talk. Many times when we start conversations, our intentions are good, but the timing is off. Somebody is rushing out the door, or two people are in the middle of a fight when one says,  Oh yeah, And by the way, …

Creating an intentional space for a conversation when both people feel good can facilitate a better environment for communication. Say to your partner, I care about our relationship. I want to listen to your feelings around this, and I would love the opportunity to share my feelings too.

Kristina: How can the audience contact you if they want more help?

Azaria: You can find me on Instagram under @azariamenezes. There are tons of ways to work with me. My website is www.azariamenezes.com. I also have a very juicy podcast to increase your pleasure in relationships. It's called Getting Intimate.  Come find me.

Kristina: Until next time, you got this, parents! We are just here to help.

-----------------------

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112: Common Money Mistakes Parents Make

Common Money Mistakes Parents Make

Common Money Mistakes Parents Make.  Misty Lynch, a financial advisor, gives tips for money management, preparing for the future, and teaching your kids a good money mindset.

 

Common Money Mistakes Parents Make Links in Episode 👇

• More from The Impactful Parent https://theimpactfulparent.com
• Misty's website https://mistylynch.com

 

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Transcript for Common Money Mistakes Parents Make:​

Kristina: Welcome, parents! Today we're going to talk about how parents influence their children’s perspective on money.  How we talk about money matters! And our guest today also gives us tips for not being a financial burden on our children later in life. So let me introduce you to Misty Lynch.  She is a financial advisor. She also hosts a weekly podcast called Modern Money. Thank you for being here, Misty.

Misty: Thank you so much for having me, Kristina.

Kristina: How do parents influence children with just how we talk about money?

Misty: Many people can remember the way their parents felt about money. Kids listen to how their parents feel about money, which impacts how they look at money throughout their lives. If they're always hearing things like, ‘we can't afford that,’ or ‘must be nice,’ then children will view money from a scarcity mindset.  Kids will think that there is never enough and maybe start to feel afraid of money.

[caption id="attachment_3839" align="alignleft" width="300"]Money Mistakes Parents Make[/caption]

Kids today are also in a new generation of learning from how we grew up. Kids are not used to even seeing cash! They view money as swiping a card or touching a button. This makes it really difficult to understand the concept of spending.

We can have better conversations with our children at a young age to build a healthy relationship with money because it will always be a part of their lives. I think that money is one of those parenting things that sometimes we don't even teach. I see many parents who just assume that the school teaches kids about money, and most of the time, that is not the case. In reality, education starts in the home. Parents need to teach how to save, how to spend, what investments are, and things like that.

Our kids are actually having more difficulty understanding or comprehending money because they don't physically use it the way we did when we grew up. It's all virtual.  And parents need to start these lessons young, so they have lots of time to learn.   We want teens to be proficient in money and learn how far the dollar stretches. You don’t want kids to learn these lessons in college when they are alone with little guidance.

Kristina: One of the things that many parents struggle with is, giving their kids too much. Parents want to give their children the luxuries they never had.  All of this comes from a place of love, but it can also cause problems when parents give too much, and kids don’t learn the dollar's value.

[caption id="attachment_3838" align="alignright" width="300"]Money Mistakes Parents Make[/caption]

Misty: Yes, it happens all the time and can be a slippery slope.  It’s good to make your kids earn the money they need to buy things they want.  It is also good to get kids used to waiting for what they want and need because real life isn’t always giving them instant gratification.  These lessons are better learned from you than by running up credit card bills in the future.

My kids also like to do charitable giving to an organization that means something to them.  Children are naturally generous and want to help.  Teaching kids about charitable giving early helps instill these great values.

Kristina: I'm a big advocate for letting kids save and wait for the things that they need. It is very hard to watch them be frustrated, but it's all a part of the process and growth. For me, it is so difficult to bite my tongue and let them buy that crappy toy that they will break 2 seconds after they get home.  But most kids need to learn by doing and not by listening to your advice. Parents need to let them buy that crappy toy and let it break so that their child will make a better choice next time.

An allowance is also important for kids.  Kids don’t need to get paid for all their chores, but it is nice to give them monetized rewards for chores that are over and beyond the parent’s standard expectations.  Allowances allow kids to experience and play with money so they can learn.  Kids won’t learn from reading about it. They need to interact with money, spend it, save it, etc., to really understand its value.

[caption id="attachment_3837" align="alignleft" width="300"]Money Mistakes Parents Make[/caption]

At what age would you recommend for parents to open up a bank account for children?

Misty:  It depends on the type of account and what the reasoning for the account is. To save for college, I suggest a 529 plan; the sooner, the better. Some bank accounts now are made for kids and come with their own debit cards.  These are great for teaching kids about money, and I recommend starting those kinds of bank accounts around age 8-12.

Kristina: I know many parents worry about being a financial burden on their children. Do you have any advice for them?

Misty: Yes, I hear that concern a lot. Most people don’t retire on the day they expect.  The majority of people stop working due to injury, inability, health, or job elimination.  To make matters worse, you can’t borrow money from the bank for retirement.  That is something everyone needs to prepare for and expect.

Saving for retirement is very hard when you're thinking about what's going on right now like your kid wants dance lessons. The dance lessons feel like the most important thing right now, but it's really just the thing that's right in front of your face.  It is the thing that is happening today.

Parents need to talk with their employer and discover workplace benefits like life insurance and 401 K plans.  If you're self-employed, get an advisor to help you put money away for future you.

Kristina: What would be the first steps for a parent who wants to start saving right now?

Misty:  Start working with your employer for additional benefits. See if they have anything available in terms of retirement plans. Some companies get a tax break to help their employees.  I also suggest having those saving come directly out of your paycheck automatically.  This is much better than deciding between saving for retirement and giving the kids more dance lessons. A direct withdrawal before your paycheck even gets deposited into your account will assure you are saving and be less stressful.

If you're self-employed or contract work, talk to an advisor about an IRA.  

Either way, talk to a financial advisor.  Financial advisors used to be only for the wealthy, but now they are for EVERYONE. 

Kristina: What are some other major money mistakes that you see parents make?

Misty: The biggest mistake I see all the time is not having any sort of estate planning, life insurance, or plan in place for when the parents are gone. Parents say that their kids are the most important thing in the world to them and that they don’t want to be a financial burden on them. Still, then they have no plan and no custody agreement in place for an expected or unexpected death. If you don't make these plans and have them in writing, your children may not be left in the care of the person of your choice.  I know for me, I want to make those decisions while I am still healthy and happy.

Keep in mind that these plans are probably cheaper than you think!  It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

Kristina: How do people contact you if they want your help, Misty?

Misty: Go to mistylynch.com.  My website has information about investment management, financial planning, and a group coaching program for working on a better money mindset.

Kristina: Thank you, Misty.  And until next time, parents, you got this! We're just here to help.

 

MORE FROM THE IMPACTFUL PARENT​

It takes a lot to run a business and family! Here are a few products I recommend:​

Gabb Wireless: The BEST first phone for your child! 

• No internet, no social media, and NO WORRIES! This phone has GPS tracking and other features that parents want to have peace of mind about their child having a phone. The Gabb Wireless phone has the sleek look of a smartphone that kids love without worry and high price.  To find out more and order your phone (or watch) go to: gabbwireless.com/promo/IMPACTFULPARENT30

The Contract Shop

• Protect your contact and your business with the Contract Shop. The Contract Shop provides DIY legal contracts that you customize for your business and your business needs.  Contracts are important and legal documents are boring!  The Contract Shop provides the security you need without the big price tags of an expensive law firm. Try it out today and please use my affiliate link for referring you because I get a small kickback for recommending The Contract Shop products.  Here is your link: https://thecontractshop.com?ref=kristinacampos

Mobile Monkey

• Mobile Monkey helps you gain more engagement in your social media posts by providing you with a ROBOT to client questions in your DM. This bot is genius and saves so much time!  Use your robot to respond to common questions, to create keywords your audience can type in order to receive special links, get analytics, auto-responses and so much MORE!  Mobile Monkey should be helping every content creator’s business because at this low price- there are no excuses for getting more time, ease in your business, and increased engagement!  Please use my affiliate link to order: https://app.mobilemonkey.com/instachamp?a_aid=kristinaann