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Category: Health and Wellness

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Capital Health and Wellness Personal Development

Get Ready for PREtirement: Securing Independence Regardless of Age

When the word “retirement” is mentioned, many people conjure up images of elderly individuals enjoying their golden years. However, the reality is that retirement isn’t solely about growing old; it’s about achieving financial solvency and independence. This concept of retirement is not limited by age, and the preparation for it should start as early as possible. Introducing the idea of “PREtirement,” a proactive approach to securing your future regardless of life’s uncertainties. In this guidebook, titled “Ready for PREtirement,” we delve into the essence of achieving independence, even in the face of unexpected challenges, while also imparting essential retirement planning strategies for today’s world.

PREtirement is a forward-thinking perspective that challenges the conventional notion of retirement. It emphasizes the importance of financial stability and self-sufficiency, no matter the age. The essence of PREtirement lies in ensuring that you have the means to maintain an independent lifestyle, even if unforeseen circumstances disrupt your plans.

Life is unpredictable, and unfortunate events can occur at any time, derailing our best-laid plans. Whether it’s a sudden health issue, a career setback, or economic turbulence, these events can impact your ability to live independently. The “Ready for PREtirement” guidebook recognizes these uncertainties and provides you with actionable steps to mitigate their effects.

Unlike traditional retirement guides that often focus on generic advice, “Ready for PREtirement” addresses the unique challenges of the modern world. From navigating gig economies to understanding evolving investment landscapes, this guidebook equips you with practical strategies that are relevant to today’s economic realities.

One of the standout features of “Ready for PREtirement” is its commitment to breaking down complex financial concepts. Many individuals feel overwhelmed by the jargon surrounding money management and investing. This guidebook simplifies these topics, ensuring that readers of all backgrounds can grasp the essentials of building and maintaining wealth.

“Ready for PREtirement” doesn’t just provide theoretical knowledge—it empowers you with actionable tools. The guidebook offers step-by-step instructions for implementing financial strategies, starting investments, and creating a comprehensive plan that aligns with your goals. By offering practical tools, the guidebook ensures that readers can take immediate steps toward securing their financial future.

Waiting until retirement age to address financial security is a common pitfall. The guidebook’s mantra of “Don’t wait till it’s too late” reinforces the urgency of taking proactive steps. The earlier you begin your PREtirement journey, the better equipped you’ll be to handle life’s unexpected challenges while securing your independence.

Retirement planning is not reserved for the elderly—it’s a lifelong endeavor that demands attention regardless of your current age. “Ready for PREtirement” redefines the traditional retirement concept, emphasizing the importance of financial independence at all stages of life. By providing accessible language, practical tools, and relevant strategies, this guidebook ensures that you’re well-prepared for whatever life throws your way. So why wait? Get ready for PREtirement and take control of your financial future now.

Use the Calendar Below to Schedule Your Free Financial Fitness Strategy One-On-One Session with Kris Miller, LDA, Legacy Wealth Strategist #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker & Educator
Calendar

30+ years of experience assisting others to grow & protect their wealth. Helped more than 6,000 families avoid financial disaster by strategically planning for their futures. Not one person has lost a single dime on her watch. Her clients learn how to change their families’ financial realities and create incomes they will never outlive

For more Healthy Money Tips:
linktr.ee/healthymoneyhappylife
Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com
Phone (951) 926-4158

Categories
Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Breaking Generational Patterns: Letting Go of Childhood Baggage

Breaking Generational Patterns: Letting Go of Childhood Baggage

“The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”

This familiar saying captures the essence of how children often resemble their parents, inheriting behaviors, patterns, and choices across generations. The concept is simple: children observe and replicate their parents’ actions, influenced by the examples set before them.

Contemplate this for a moment. Our children absorb essential life skills from us: how to crawl, walk, eat, sleep, communicate—and ultimately, how to engage with others and navigate life’s challenges.

The weight of setting a positive example or being a role model is substantial for any parent. This pressure becomes even more profound if your own childhood was marked by struggles or difficulties (a shared experience for many). Everyone encounters obstacles rooted in their early years, and whether consciously acknowledged or not, our upbringing undeniably shapes our approach to raising the next generation.

My own journey was unveiled on the TEDxGEM stage in France. I grew up with a caring yet traditionally-minded mother who believed that children should be seen but not heard. This upbringing led me to suppress my inner voice, training me to remain silent even in moments of exploitation.

Each of us carries a narrative, complete with its own scars. However, we are tasked with the responsibility to prevent negative cycles from perpetuating with our own children. Without careful consideration, the issues stemming from your own past might manifest in your interactions with your offspring.

Whether you’re a new parent striving to cultivate a nurturing environment for your baby’s growth or a seasoned caregiver witnessing echoes of your upbringing in your relationship with your adolescent, it’s pivotal to recognize three warning signals that suggest the need for change:

1. How to Let Go of Childhood Pain: Reflect on your own childhood. Were you blessed with a joyful upbringing, where you felt supported, understood, and acknowledged by your primary caregivers? Some adults who experienced early feelings of neglect may unconsciously project their own emotions onto their children. This can lead to extreme reactions like distancing or overprotectiveness. Ask yourself: Are your responses driven by your feelings or by theirs?

2. How to Release Childhood Baggage: Certain parents withhold privileges from their children, believing it’s a necessary lesson because they were denied those very privileges while growing up. A father might say, “You’ll work each summer instead of attending camp, as that’s how I was raised to be responsible.” Yet, “tough love” isn’t always the solution. Reflect on whether you truly needed that level of severity from your parents. What if they had provided more empathy and support instead?

3. Let go of emotional baggage: It’s only natural for parents to shield their children from repeating their own errors. However, parenting driven by the fear that your children might rebel can inadvertently convey a lack of trust or even label them as “bad” kids. An alternative, healthier approach is empowering self-guidance. Value your children’s opinions and viewpoints. Demonstrate that they can openly discuss anything with you, assuring them of your unconditional love.

Confronting your own childhood experiences is no simple feat, but it’s the sole means to crafting a brighter future. When we mend past wounds, we free our children (and ourselves) from generational cycles, establishing a foundation for healthier parent-child relationships. Regardless of where you stand in your parenting journey, you can initiate the process of releasing childhood baggage, paving the way for a fresh start for your children.

Feeling prepared to address your past and enhance your bond with your child? Reach out to me, and together, we’ll embark on this transformative journey.

Love and Blessings,

Katherine

Categories
Economics Health and Wellness Taxes

Secure Your Future: The Power of Early Retirement Planning

Imagine reaching the age of retirement, a time when you should be savoring the fruits of your labor, only to find yourself without a safety net. The thought alone is unsettling, yet for many, it’s a stark reality. The journey toward retirement demands more than mere daydreams; it requires strategic preparation and a vision for the future. It’s time to take charge and create a blueprint for the golden years you deserve.

Consider the tale of a seasoned man, aged 65, compelled to seek work abroad once more. The cause of his predicament? A lack of foresight in retirement planning. He unknowingly walked into a future where financial worries overshadowed his well-earned respite. What if illness or fatigue strikes? The haunting question lingers: What if you can no longer work?

Early retirement planning is the compass guiding us toward a secure and fulfilling life post-work. The first step? Taking stock of your assets. It’s time to cast a discerning eye over your investments, long-term health care insurance, retirement savings, business ventures, and real estate holdings. Do these pillars support the life you envision during retirement?

If gaps exist, fear not. It’s the perfect juncture to pave the way for robust financial security. However, having assets is only part of the equation. Deciding who shall inherit your legacy is a matter of equal significance. Imagine a future where your loved ones receive the benefits of your hard work without contention or confusion. Crafting your legacy now can save your family from disputes later.

Preparation transcends mere possessions; it’s about safeguarding your legacy and well-being. In the realm of asset protection, establishing trust becomes paramount. A trust ensures a seamless transition of your properties to your loved ones, unfettered by unnecessary costs or delays. 

But financial security alone isn’t enough; health considerations demand attention too. Designating a healthcare power of attorney empowers you to dictate your care in times of incapacity. In this way, your well-being remains in trusted hands, and your wishes are honored.

In essence, early planning isn’t just about finances; it’s a holistic approach to curating your future. It’s about orchestrating your life’s symphony to ensure that each note harmonizes seamlessly. The power rests squarely in your hands, and by preparing today, you gift yourself the peace of mind and control you deserve.

Remember, the boy scout’s motto rings true: “Be prepared.” Tomorrow’s uncertainties need not cast a shadow over your retirement dreams. Act now, and witness the transformative impact of your foresight. The horizon is yours to shape, and with a comprehensive retirement plan, you’ll set sail toward a future that radiates security, joy, and fulfillment. Your legacy awaits—start crafting it today! 

Use the Calendar Below to Schedule Your Free Financial Fitness Strategy One-On-One Session  with Kris Miller, LDA, Legacy Wealth Strategist #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker & Educator

Calendar

30+ years of experience assisting others to grow & protect their wealth. Helped more than 6,000 families avoid financial disaster by strategically planning for their futures. Not one person has lost a single dime on her watch. Her clients learn how to change their families’ financial realities and create incomes they will never outlive

For more Healthy Money Tips:

linktr.ee/healthymoneyhappylife

Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Phone (951) 926-4158

Categories
Best Practices Economics Health and Wellness

Embarking on the Journey to Your Dream Retirement: Crafting a Happily Ever After

Picture this: a vibrant life post-retirement, where you’re not just free from the demands of the nine-to-five grind but thriving in a world of boundless possibilities. Envision retiring young, your days brimming with adventure, laughter, and cherished moments. Now, imagine coupling this newfound freedom with robust health, enabling you to relish each experience to the fullest. Can you feel the thrill of it all? Your dream retirement is no longer a distant fantasy; it’s a reality waiting for your embrace.

The canvas of your retirement journey is blank, and you hold the paintbrush to fill it with vibrant strokes of happiness and fulfillment. Your youthful dreams of a retirement adorned with joy, relaxation, and cherished relationships are within your grasp. The path to this blissful haven is paved with the art of PREparing for PREtirement.

Retirement planning is akin to crafting a masterpiece. Just as an artist carefully selects their palette, you must curate the hues of your financial future. Begin with a brushstroke of financial planning. Assemble your toolkit, understanding the intricacies of savings, assets, pensions, and health concerns.

Unraveling the Financial Tapestry

Money, a vital thread in your retirement tapestry, requires careful weaving. Craft a comprehensive financial plan that encompasses:

Savings: Delve into the art of saving, setting aside a portion of your income to create a cushion of security.

Assets: Explore the potential of your assets—properties that can yield income to sustain your desired lifestyle.

Dependents: Like a symphony, your plan should harmonize provisions for your loved ones, ensuring their needs are met.

Pension: Assess the bridge of your pension, determining whether it aligns with the expanse of your dreams.

Health Issues: Shield your masterpiece from unexpected storms; secure health insurance to safeguard against health-related financial setbacks.

Lifestyle: Conjure your post-retirement life’s vision—a realm of purposeful pursuits, be they leisurely or impactful.

The Art of Balance and Meaning

Retirement’s canvas extends beyond finances. Brush in the hues of emotional well-being and purpose. As the curtain falls on the working world, emotions may sway from elation to ennui. Ensure your life continues to radiate vibrancy by envisioning meaningful activities that bring joy and fulfillment.

Rediscover your passions, whether through continued work, part-time endeavors, or contributing to your community. Let your palette encompass not just relaxation but also the satisfaction of continued contribution.

Harmonizing Relationships

Just as every brushstroke plays a role in a masterpiece, the delicate dance with your partner shapes your retirement symphony. Engage in heartfelt conversations about your retirement aspirations. Align your dreams, discussing whether relaxation or exploration will guide your joint journey.

In this tableau, the harmony of companionship is vital. Cultivate understanding, crafting plans that bridge desires, ensuring neither partner feels left behind.

Your Retirement Masterpiece Awaits

As the final touches of your retirement masterpiece come into view, remember that this canvas is unique to you. Sculpt your vision with meticulous care, weaving together financial prudence, emotional resonance, and harmonious relationships.

Your retirement dreams are not distant stars; they’re galaxies within reach. With every brushstroke of preparation, your masterpiece evolves—a life where happiness, purpose, and fulfillment create a symphony of contentment.

Unlock the art of preparing for retirement, and let the melody of your life play on in the most harmonious and rewarding way imaginable. 

Schedule a Free Financial Fitness Strategy Session with Kris Miller, LDA. Legacy Wealth Strategist #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker & Educator

Use the Calendar Below to Schedule Your One-On-One Session 

Calendar

30+ years of experience assisting others to grow & protect their wealth. Helped more than 6,000 families avoid financial disaster by strategically planning for their futures. Not one person has lost a single dime on her watch. Her clients learn how to change their families’ financial realities and create incomes they will never outlive

For more Healthy Money Tips go to my linktr.ee/healthymoneyhappylife

Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Phone (951) 926-4158

Categories
Best Practices Capital Health and Wellness

Unleash Your Retirement Dreams: Crafting a Blueprint for Your Golden Years

Picture this: You’re strolling along the sun-kissed shores of a distant beach, savoring the freedom to explore and relishing the company of your loved ones. You’re not confined by office walls or deadlines; instead, you’re living life on your terms, basking in the golden glow of retirement. Sounds like a dream, right? Well, it doesn’t have to be just a dream. It can be your reality with the power of a well-crafted retirement planner!

In a world bustling with the demands of today, contemplating your retirement might seem like gazing into a distant galaxy. But pause for a moment and consider this – what if you could shape your future now, ensuring that your golden years truly shine?

The Prelude: A Retirement Planner Unveiled

Imagine your retirement planner as a magical treasure map, leading you toward a life of financial security and boundless adventures. It’s not just about numbers and charts; it’s about painting a vivid canvas of your dreams. The first step? Acknowledge that this journey is worth taking, no matter your age. Whether you’re a young professional or a seasoned veteran, a retirement planner is your compass to navigate the seas of your future.

Mapping Your Voyage

  1. Setting Sail – Your Retirement Date: When do you envision setting sail for your retirement haven? Setting a clear date infuses your dreams with purpose and direction. Whether it’s an early escape or a graceful exit, having a date in mind propels you forward.
  1. A Treasure Chest of Funds: Ahoy, financial security! How much booty do you need to realize your retirement dreams? Crunching numbers may sound mundane, but it’s the key to unlocking your aspirations. Calculate the riches required to fund your desired lifestyle, and let that guide your financial strategy.
  1. Designing Your Oasis: Retirement isn’t just a time to relax; it’s a time to thrive. Envision the life you want to lead – globe-trotting, pursuing passions, or simply reveling in tranquility. Your dreams fuel the engine of your planner, charting a course towards fulfillment.
  1. Guardians of Health and Happiness: Along this voyage, you’re the captain of your well-being. Secure your health with long-term care insurance, ensuring that the winds of uncertainty won’t capsize your financial ship. A living will adds an extra layer of control, ensuring your wishes guide your medical care.
  1. Legacy of Abundance: Just as pioneers leave behind trails of discovery, plan for the legacy you’ll leave. Decide who’ll helm your entrepreneurial ship when you dock into retirement. A seamless transition safeguards your hard-earned treasures and keeps your family’s sails billowing.

Hoisting Your Sail with Purpose

Think of your retirement planner as a vessel powered by your aspirations. Each piece of information is a plank, meticulously laid to construct the ship that will sail you into your dream retirement. It’s not just about numbers; it’s about steering your life towards an extraordinary horizon.

So, are you ready to craft your retirement saga? Set your sails towards a future that’s not just secure, but remarkable. Your retirement planner is the compass, the key, the map – your pathway to a life that’s guided by your dreams and driven by your plans. Begin your voyage now, and let the wind of possibility carry you to a retirement that’s beyond your wildest imaginings. 🌄🚢💰 #RetirementDreams #FinancialFreedom #SailIntoTheFuture”

Schedule a Free Financial Fitness Strategy Session with Kris Miller, LDA, Legacy Wealth Strategist #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker & Educator

Use the Calendar Below to Schedule Your One-On-One Session

Calendar

30+ years of experience assisting others to grow & protect their wealth. Helped more than 6,000 families avoid financial disaster by strategically planning for their futures. Not one person has lost a single dime on her watch. Her clients learn how to change their families’ financial realities and create incomes they will never outlive

For more Healthy Money Tips click on my linktr.ee/healthymoneyhappylife

Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Phone (951) 926-4158

Categories
Growth Health and Wellness Personal Development

High-Performing Women and the Imposter Syndrome

As someone who has personally dealt with Imposter Syndrome, I understand the importance of addressing this psychological phenomenon and delving into the reasons behind its occurrence. My studies have focused on this issue, particularly among high-achieving women, to better counter its effects. 

Imposter syndrome is a widely experienced phenomenon, and it seems to particularly affect high-achieving women who doubt their own worth. Many accomplished females often question their capabilities and accomplishments, fearing being challenged, and believing they have somehow deceived others into thinking they are competent. This persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evidence to the contrary, can be crippling.

Studies have shown that women leaders and high-performing females are more likely to experience imposter syndrome than their male counterparts. Societal expectations and gender biases that create higher standards for women in leadership positions contribute to this. The pressure to constantly prove oneself and the fear of being perceived as less capable are significant factors fueling imposter syndrome.

The impact of imposter syndrome on high-achieving women is profound, affecting both their professional and social lives. It significantly hinders success and personal growth, undermining self-confidence and creating hesitancy in taking risks or pursuing new opportunities. Ironically, in the pursuit of proving themselves, many women overextend, over-commit, and push beyond their physical, emotional, and mental capacities, ultimately leading to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Interestingly, most over-achieving women don’t consciously align their contributions with the imposter syndrome. Yet, many end up working tirelessly, sacrificing their well-being in the process.

This begs the question: Why do we push ourselves beyond limits? Could it be that we feel inadequate or that we have something to prove? Addressing these underlying beliefs is essential in conquering the imposter syndrome.

It is crucial that we prioritize self-care and kindness towards ourselves, starting with setting appropriate boundaries. Striving for perfection often fuels burnout. Instead, we must give ourselves permission to take breaks when needed, embrace imperfections, make mistakes, and learn from them – after all, growth is a constant journey.

Leading authentically and conquering the imposter syndrome begins with embracing our true selves. It’s essential to raise your voice and be unapologetically you. You deserve the space and time to care for yourself and live the life you choose.

To achieve a healthier work-life balance, we need to change old habits and be unafraid to seek help, set boundaries, prioritize, delegate, collaborate, and seek feedback and support. These steps may take practice, but they are instrumental in our journey towards overcoming the imposter syndrome.

As we strive to make the world a better place, we must start with ourselves. Let me know how I can support you in this endeavor.

Sincerely,

Scharrell Jackson

Your High-Performance Leadership Coach 

Categories
Economics Health and Wellness Personal Development

Mastering Financial Security: 10 Essential Tools to Build a Rock-Solid Future

Life is full of surprises, and financial uncertainty can strike when we least expect it. To navigate these uncertain waters and safeguard our financial well-being, it’s essential to equip ourselves with the right tools. In this article, we will explore ten powerful ways to select the tools that will ensure your financial security and provide you with peace of mind.

1. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP): Combat inflation and build wealth by investing regularly in a SIP. This disciplined approach allows you to grow your money over time and stay ahead of rising costs.

2. Accidental Disability Insurance: Protect yourself from the unexpected by securing accidental disability insurance. It provides a safety net in case of unforeseen accidents that may impact your ability to earn a living.

3. Term Life Insurance: Safeguard your loved ones’ financial future with term life insurance. This tool ensures that they are protected and provided for in the event of your untimely demise.

4. Critical Illness Insurance: Prepare for medical emergencies by obtaining critical illness insurance. It offers financial support in case you are diagnosed with a serious illness, giving you the freedom to focus on recovery instead of worrying about finances.

5. Health Insurance: Prioritize your health by investing in comprehensive health insurance. This tool shields you from exorbitant medical costs and ensures access to quality healthcare when needed.

6. Personal Asset Insurance: Safeguard your valuable assets, such as your home or car, with personal asset insurance. It provides protection against theft, damage, or other unforeseen circumstances that may compromise your assets’ value.

7. Pay Yourself First: Cultivate a habit of saving by prioritizing yourself. Set aside a portion of your income for savings before allocating funds for other expenses. This ensures that you build a financial cushion for the future.

8. Cut Down Expenses: Take a closer look at your expenses and identify areas where you can make cuts. By trimming unnecessary expenditures, you can free up more money for saving and investing, ultimately bolstering your financial security.

9. Use Credit Wisely: Avoid relying too heavily on credit and debit cards. Instead, focus on spending within your means and minimize the accumulation of high-interest debt. This approach empowers you to maintain control over your finances and avoid unnecessary financial burdens.

10. Spend Less, Save More: Embrace a frugal mindset and make conscious choices to spend less. By practicing mindful spending and distinguishing between needs and wants, you can allocate more resources toward savings and long-term financial security.

By implementing these ten powerful tools, you can lay a strong foundation for your financial security. Remember, the key lies in taking proactive steps and making informed decisions. Equip yourself with knowledge, seek expert advice when needed, and stay committed to your financial goals.

Don’t let financial uncertainty dictate your life. Take charge of your financial future today and build a solid path toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow. Start reading and exploring these tools in-depth, and let the journey toward financial security begin!

For more Healthy Money Tips:

  1. Listen to our PodCast  “Money 911”
  2. Subscribe on YouTube here
  3. Sign up for a Financial Fitness Strategy Session here
  4. Visit our website here

Email Kris@HealthyMoneyHappyLIfe.com

Phone (951) 926-4158

Categories
Advice Health and Wellness Personal Development

You are not alone- Celebrating mental health awareness month

Dear Reader,

Every year, an average of 150,000 lives are tragically lost to drug, alcohol, and suicide-related causes in America. In the midst of the pandemic last year, the number of substance-abuse deaths rose by a devastating 18%, making 2020 the “deadliest year in drug history.”

These alarming statistics highlight the fact that many individuals feel isolated and alone in their struggles. However, May brings with it a powerful reminder: it is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Throughout this month, mental health experts, psychologists, and wellness teachers unite to emphasize a crucial message – you are not alone. Despite the physical isolation, global unrest, and unimaginable loss, we stand together in solidarity.

As someone who personally experienced the heartbreaking loss of my own brother to suicide years ago, I came to realize how shared childhood experiences and patterns often lead us to suppress our emotions and needs. Tragically, unmet needs can manifest in devastating ways. It was during that unimaginably painful period that my commitment to conscious parenting and mental health advocacy began to take shape.

Our society needs more than just awareness of mental illness; it requires a proactive approach to promoting mental wellness. We must equip ourselves with tools and strategies for effective and compassionate communication, managing emotions, and navigating distressing situations.

In the spirit of promoting mental well-being, I would like to share three simple hacks that can help you feel less anxious, more centered, and clear-headed:

  1. Draw Figure 8s: Using your index and middle finger, trace a figure 8 pattern around your eyes. Apply different pressures to instantly integrate the right and left brain, bringing a sense of balance and harmony.
  2. Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing: Breathe through one nostril at a time to experience deeper breaths, centeredness, and a release of anxiety. Begin by blocking the right nostril, inhale through the left, then block the left nostril and exhale through the right. Repeat the process, alternating nostrils.
  3. Engage in Ha! Exhales: Make fists with your hands, inhale deeply, and exhale with a forceful “HA!” as you bend forward. This technique will help calm you down, induce relaxation, and release nervous energy.

For those seeking more resources on mental health platforms, I recommend watching this enlightening video from the National Mental Health & Mental Fitness Summit in July 2019.

Remember, we are all on this journey together. Let us continuously remind one another that we don’t have to face our challenges alone.

Wishing you strength and well-being!

Love and Blessings,

Katherine

P.S. If you’re looking for a welcoming, compassionate support group that will accompany you through parental ups and downs, join our Conscious Parenting Facebook Group.

 

Categories
Growth Health and Wellness Leadership Parenting Personal Development

5 Steps to Ace the School Year

If you’re a parent or caregiver to a school-aged kid, chances are you’ve found yourself learning grammar or long division again — and sometimes, the teacher is on Zoom. And you’re fighting with the technology of uploading your child’s digital work. And trying to run a household. And maybe attempting to work yourself.

While it’s not easy to juggle all those priorities, it’s possible to make the experience a little better for both you and your kids.

The expectations around school and the pressure parents put on their kids can create a lot of stress. Whether your child is co-working with you at the living room table or back in the classroom, these 5 tips will help you both ace the semester:

  1. Discover your child’s learning style.

    Some kids find it easy to work independently while others need activity and collaboration. Find out which learning styles your child responds to best and help shape their experiences accordingly. Independent thinker? Give them time and space to study and work on their own. Collaborative mind? Encourage them to schedule more Zoom sessions with their classmates. Catering to their unique style will help your kid have a more positive experience.

  2. Encourage their hobbies.

    Who says education has to be by the book? Let your kids explore and expand their non-academic skills, like cooking, baking, drawing, or dancing. These skills are just as important as geometry or social studies. What matters is that they find ways to become engaged with something they care about. Their hobbies may change over time, but the ability to dig into an area of interest has lifelong benefits.

  3. 9Use the resources available.

    Look around you: you have a wealth of educational resources online and in your neighborhood. Coordinate a book swap with a classmate or neighbor. Hold biology class outside to look for real-life examples of the concepts your child is learning. Sign up for online guitar lessons (Youtube can teach you to do just about anything these days). Let your own creativity expand the options beyond the school’s lesson plan and the oh-so-many online worksheets.

4. Design a schedule for learning.

Children thrive with some structure in place — adults, too! It’s important that children have a dedicated time and place for school activities. Work with your child to develop their own little study nook in the house, and help them identify the best time for activities like homework and studying. While they may not be able to dictate their entire schedule, your child should definitely have input in this process.

5. Don’t focus on the grades.

Try not to be overly preoccupied with your child’s grades, especially during this wild and crazy year. Becoming too grade obsessed can give a kid the impression that their confidence or self-worth should be tied to competency. We have to constantly remind our children that love is not something they have to earn or acquire by doing well in school or being a “perfect” human. We are worthy of love and belonging simply because we’re alive and breathing. Work to be more forgiving if your child scores lower than expected on a test. And forgive yourself if you feel like a less than perfect teacher. Our children’s achievements are not a reflection of us!

One thing is certain: the school-from-home era has been a learning experience for all of us. Learning always means growth, which gives you and your child the opportunity to deepen your relationship and come together as a team. Besides, not everyone gets a chance to relive their school days. 🙂

If you and your child struggle to talk about school, my free ebook may help. I wrote 7 Strategies to Keep Your Relationship With Your Kids from Hitting the Boiling Point to give every parent the tools they need to improve their communication with their child, especially around hot-button issues like homework and grades. Grab your copy today.

Love and Blessings,

Katherine

Categories
Best Practices Growth Health and Wellness Leadership Personal Development

Feeling anxious? This Can Help.

Remember your child as a baby? When they accidentally hit their head on the side of the crib or get startled awake by a loud noise? Seconds tick by slowly as you wait for the sound of that gulp for air — usually followed by a piercing cry.

Breathing: it’s probably the most hard-wired, involuntary function we do as human beings. Every creature, great or small, breathes. Breathing gives us life, and we don’t even have to think about doing it — you inhale and exhale as reflexively as your heart beats in your chest.

But despite the fact that breath keeps us alive, we tend to take it for granted.

The Harvard Business Review and the Yale News both recently conducted studies revealing the effectiveness of SKY Breath Meditation, a breathing modality that engages the parasympathetic nervous system — the part of your brain that controls rational thinking, gives you a sense of calm and provides balance in stressful situations. Participants in both studies reported a better sense of well-being and mental health after just two days of practicing the methods.

As someone who has been trained in SKY Breath Meditation for 10 years, I can attest that breath does so much more than supply your body with oxygen. The way you breathe can have a big influence on how you feel and experience the world.

If you’ve been stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed — by current events, the holiday season, or your kid’s insistence on listening to “Baby Shark” on repeat — you’re not alone.

Here are some tips to help you literally catch a breather (share them with your child too!):

  • Deeper inhales and longer exhales. What happens when your child cries? Their breaths turn to hiccups. The same thing happens when we feel stressed or sad. When you start breathing rapidly, consciously focus on taking deep inhales and long exhales. Count to 4 for inhales, 8 for exhales (or as close as you can comfortably get). The fog in your brain will clear up in seconds.
  • Do some quick, light stretching. Pressured by deadlines at work and the mounting pile of laundry at home? Take 5 minutes for a quick stretch break. Full-body activities like a yoga sun salutation get your blood flowing with good oxygen and help relieve stress.
  • Carve out time for meditation. Ten minutes is ample time for you to feel the positive effects of your breathing/meditation practice. Don’t have 10 minutes? Take 2 minutes, if that’s what you have. Find a quiet spot to sit in and breathe deeply. Check out our work with America Meditates by Art of Living.

Learning to control your breath can help rid your body of stress and flood you with positive energy. Not only will you feel more in control of yourself, but you’re also providing an excellent model for your children about the importance of self-care.

Supportive breathing is just one technique for becoming the parent you want to be. If you’re interested in true parenting transformation check out the 90 Day Parenting Reset Program.

Love and Blessings,
Katherine

PS To start 2023, we’re offering you 70% off of ANY of our supplemental parenting tools! That includes the Ultimate Parenting Toolbox, Applying Solutions Mini Course, and our Conscious Parenting Kickstart! Just go to our Conscious Parenting Revolution site and use the code TAKE ACTION at checkout. I’m so excited to dive deeper into this journey with you!