Parental Stress and the Surgeon General's Report

As the New Year gets underway, many of us think about fresh starts and resolutions. For parents, this provides an opportunity to reflect on how we want to show up for ourselves, our families, and our children in the months ahead. Instead of focusing on rigid, Pinterest-worthy resolutions (which I believe sets us up for failure), consider setting intentions. Intentions are similar to resolutions, but they are kind of like the cooler, less judgmental cousin. What Are Intentions? Think of intentions as flexible guideposts that nudge you in the right direction. They gently guide your actions and focus on the energy and values you bring to your day. They are rooted in who you want to be , not just what you want to do . Best of all, intentions are about progress, not perfection. And honestly, in parenting, we need all the little wiggle room we can get. Why Intentions Are a Parenting Lifesaver Because parenting is an ever-evolving journey and there are no one-size-fits-all answers (despite what the internet says), intention setting allows us to embrace the idea that we are always learning, growing, and aiming to be the best parents we can be. Setting intentions allows us to stay grounded in the chaos and helps us to remember what matters most: connection, love, presence, and understanding (and surviving bedtime). This is especially important as we juggle so many roles and responsibilities. Intentions remind us to focus on what we can control- our mindset, our reactions, and our ability to support and nurture our families- even when life throws us curveballs. How to Set Intentions Reflect on What Matters Most Take a minute (probably in the shower, because that might be your only alone time) and think about what you value as a parent. What do you want to prioritize this year? Is it more patience, quality time, or more family fun? Reflect on the big picture and let your intentions come from what’s most meaningful to you. Be Specific AND Flexible Intentions should feel aligned with your values, they also need to be specific enough to guide your actions. For example, instead of saying, “I want to be more patient,” you might say, “I intend to pause and take 3 deep breaths before responding when I feel frustrated (and my kids are bouncing off the wall)”. Keep It Kind Be gentle with yourself. Remember, no one gets it right every day. Parenting is challenging, and some days don’t go as planned. Intentions are about progress, NOT perfection. Mess up? No problem! You’ll have another chance tomorrow. Involve Your Family Make it a family affair. Ask your kids, “What’s something we can work on together this year? You might hear some gems like, “We can all try and listen more” or “Let’s eat more ice cream.” Either way, it’s a win, because this will foster a sense of teamwork and shared purpose. Final Thoughts At the end of the day, intention setting is NOT about fixing yourself or your family. (Spoiler: You’re not broken.) As you set your intentions, remember it’s about showing up with love, some humor, and a whole lot of imperfection. Parenting can be messy, and it’s also full of moments that make it all worthwhile. Here’s to a year filled with connection, love, laughter, and mindful moments! You’ve got this, even on days it doesn’t feel like it. What’s one intention you’re setting in the New Year? Share it in the comments or send me a message- I’d love to hear from you! Warmly, Andrea

This morning, I watched a mom trying to get her toddler to leave the playground by saying, “Bye, I’m leaving!”. The little one ignored their mom and continued playing. The mom took a few steps, as if to leave, looked at her phone (now distracted), and allowed her child to continue playing. Every few minutes the mom would repeat her request (with a lack of emphasis) and the standoff continued. This approach—pretending to leave—rarely works and can feel unsettling for a child. Imagine thinking your grown-up might leave you alone in a public space. So scary! Over time, it teaches fear, doubt, and mistrust. Worse, kids learn to tune you out because your words don’t match your actions. What parents want is a child who listens, cooperates, and trusts them. That starts by building habits and routines early that strengthen connection and trust. Here’s a better way to handle leaving the playground: Acknowledge their feelings: “You’re having so much fun, and it’s hard to leave.” Offer choices: “Do you want to open the gate or should I?” Set a clear boundary after two chances: “Would you like to walk, or do you need my help?” By showing empathy and staying consistent, you foster cooperation and trust—not just in the moment, but for years to come. Have questions or want more tips on managing transitions? Let’s talk, I’m here to help!

ONE simple practice can impact 35 areas of your life

What if bedtime didn't have to feel like a negotiation? What if morning routines could flow without constant reminders? What if getting out the door could actually be...easy? This isn’t as far-fetched as it might sound. The secret lies in moving away from bribes and rewards and toward communication, understanding and connection. So instead of: "If you take a bath now, you can watch TV after" Try: "Your body worked hard playing today. Would you like to start your relaxing bath now or in five minutes?" I’m not saying the kids get to decide whether or not to (insert anything) take a bath, but I am saying that by providing an explanation and offering a choice will likely yield cooperation. This simple shift does something powerful: aside from building your relationship it also helps your child understand the 'why' behind what you ask, building their own internal motivation rather than relying on external rewards. When children understand the reasoning behind requests, they're more likely to make positive choices – not just now, but for life. Schedule a FREE, no obligation call right now if you would like support in making this shift. Best, Andrea Check out my website here

Back to School with Success!

Build Connection

Tips for anyone who has, teaches, or interacts with children... -Ground yourself (if possible) before you have this conversation. Children may need to borrow your calm and regulation to help them manage their worry and confusion. -Be present, receptive, and open to what you might hear. -LISTEN! -Ask them what they know or what they have heard. Depending on their age they may have seen something on social media. If you have the news on they are definitely hearing it. They likely know something. -Give developmentally appropriate information and history. Show them a map. -Ask if they have any questions or want to share any thoughts and feelings. Give them accurate information. -Reassure them of their safety so they can continue being children- learning, playing, and growing.