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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Illuminating the Path: A Conscious Parenting Guide for Diwali and Holiday Self-Care

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

A Calm and Spooky Halloween: How to Enjoy the Festivities Without the Stres

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

The Power of Conscious Parenting: A Journey to Raising Independent, Thoughtful Kids

Many often ask how the Conscious Parenting Revolution came to be, and it all began with one simple moment in my own Conscious Parenting Journey. It truly started the day my first child was born. When he was about 2 years old, my husband and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We stared at each other from across the room, unsure of the next step. We both knew we wanted to raise a child who was confident, loving, and autonomous—but we weren’t quite sure how to get there. That’s when the real work began. Having grown up in traditional households that valued obedience and compliance, my husband and I understood the elements of our upbringing we wanted to pass on to our children. However, instilling blind obedience wasn’t one of them. Instead, we envisioned raising children who could empathize with others, while staying true to their own needs. We wanted them to learn how to compromise, seek solutions, and meet their own needs—without sacrificing their sense of self.
This led me on a journey of learning from renowned experts like Dr. Thomas Gordon, Dr. Louise Porter, and Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, whose teachings profoundly influenced my parenting philosophy. Along the way, I was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend, Claryss Nan Jamieson, and together, we spent years coaching parents and raising our own families while laying the foundation for what would later become the Guidance Approach to Parenting. For me, this Conscious Parenting Journey wasn’t just about raising children; it was about transforming myself. My husband and I had to unlearn many of the habits we inherited from our upbringing. We had to break cycles, shift perspectives, and find a balance between addressing past trauma and being fully present for our children. After over 20 years as a Conscious Parent, I can confidently say that the journey was well worth it. The hard work has paid off in two remarkable children who are independent, confident, and deeply considerate. That’s why I do this—because raising thoughtful, empowered human beings is the greatest reward. If your “why” is anything like mine, I invite you to begin your own journey. Let’s take that first step together!
Categories
Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

The Power of Conscious Parenting: A Journey to Raising Independent, Thoughtful Kids

Many often ask how the Conscious Parenting Revolution came to be, and it all began with one simple moment in my own Conscious Parenting Journey. It truly started the day my first child was born. When he was about 2 years old, my husband and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We stared at each other from across the room, unsure of the next step. We both knew we wanted to raise a child who was confident, loving, and autonomous—but we weren’t quite sure how to get there. That’s when the real work began. Having grown up in traditional households that valued obedience and compliance, my husband and I understood the elements of our upbringing we wanted to pass on to our children. However, instilling blind obedience wasn’t one of them. Instead, we envisioned raising children who could empathize with others, while staying true to their own needs. We wanted them to learn how to compromise, seek solutions, and meet their own needs—without sacrificing their sense of self.
    This led me on a journey of learning from renowned experts like Dr. Thomas Gordon, Dr. Louise Porter, and Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, whose teachings profoundly influenced my parenting philosophy. Along the way, I was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend, Claryss Nan Jamieson, and together, we spent years coaching parents and raising our own families while laying the foundation for what would later become the Guidance Approach to Parenting. For me, this Conscious Parenting Journey wasn’t just about raising children; it was about transforming myself. My husband and I had to unlearn many of the habits we inherited from our upbringing. We had to break cycles, shift perspectives, and find a balance between addressing past trauma and being fully present for our children. After over 20 years as a Conscious Parent, I can confidently say that the journey was well worth it. The hard work has paid off in two remarkable children who are independent, confident, and deeply considerate. That’s why I do this—because raising thoughtful, empowered human beings is the greatest reward. If your “why” is anything like mine, I invite you to begin your own journey. Let’s take that first step together!
Categories
Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

The Power of Conscious Parenting: A Journey to Raising Independent, Thoughtful Kids

Many often ask how the Conscious Parenting Revolution came to be, and it all began with one simple moment in my own Conscious Parenting Journey. It truly started the day my first child was born. When he was about 2 years old, my husband and I found ourselves at a crossroads. We stared at each other from across the room, unsure of the next step. We both knew we wanted to raise a child who was confident, loving, and autonomous—but we weren’t quite sure how to get there. That’s when the real work began. Having grown up in traditional households that valued obedience and compliance, my husband and I understood the elements of our upbringing we wanted to pass on to our children. However, instilling blind obedience wasn’t one of them. Instead, we envisioned raising children who could empathize with others, while staying true to their own needs. We wanted them to learn how to compromise, seek solutions, and meet their own needs—without sacrificing their sense of self.
This led me on a journey of learning from renowned experts like Dr. Thomas Gordon, Dr. Louise Porter, and Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, whose teachings profoundly influenced my parenting philosophy. Along the way, I was fortunate to reconnect with a childhood friend, Claryss Nan Jamieson, and together, we spent years coaching parents and raising our own families while laying the foundation for what would later become the Guidance Approach to Parenting. For me, this Conscious Parenting Journey wasn’t just about raising children; it was about transforming myself. My husband and I had to unlearn many of the habits we inherited from our upbringing. We had to break cycles, shift perspectives, and find a balance between addressing past trauma and being fully present for our children. After over 20 years as a Conscious Parent, I can confidently say that the journey was well worth it. The hard work has paid off in two remarkable children who are independent, confident, and deeply considerate. That’s why I do this—because raising thoughtful, empowered human beings is the greatest reward. If your “why” is anything like mine, I invite you to begin your own journey. Let’s take that first step together!
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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Breaking the Silence: Fostering Mental Health Awareness and Community

Every year, approximately 150,000 lives are lost to drug, alcohol, and suicide-related causes in America. These sobering statistics underscore the isolation many individuals feel in their struggles. Yet, as October unfolds, it brings a vital reminder: it is World Mental Health Day.

On this day, mental health experts, psychologists, and wellness advocates come together to share an important message — you are not alone. In a world marked by turmoil and loss, we stand in solidarity, reminding each other of the strength found in connection.

Having personally faced the profound sorrow of losing my brother to suicide, I have come to understand how shared experiences can lead us to suppress our emotions and needs. Unmet needs can lead to devastating outcomes. It was through this painful journey that my dedication to conscious parenting and mental health awareness truly began to evolve.

Our society requires more than mere acknowledgment of mental health issues; it needs an active commitment to promoting mental wellness. We must arm ourselves with strategies for effective communication, emotional management, and navigating life’s challenges with compassion.

To foster mental well-being, here are three simple techniques that can help you feel more centered, calm, and clear-headed:

  1. Draw Figure 8s: Using your index and middle fingers, trace a figure 8 pattern around your eyes. Varying the pressure helps integrate the right and left brain, promoting balance and harmony.
  2. Practice Alternate Nostril Breathing: This technique involves breathing through one nostril at a time to achieve deeper breaths and reduce anxiety. Start by blocking the right nostril, inhale through the left, then switch to block the left nostril and exhale through the right. Repeat, alternating nostrils.
  3. Engage in Ha! Exhales: Form fists with your hands, take a deep breath, and exhale forcefully with a “HA!” while bending forward. This exercise helps calm your mind, induce relaxation, and release built-up tension.

For those looking for additional mental health resources, I recommend checking out the enlightening video from the National Mental Health & Mental Fitness Summit held in July 2019.

As we navigate our journeys, let’s continuously remind one another that we are not alone. Together, we can face our challenges and foster a supportive community.

Wishing you strength and well-being!

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Breathe Better, Parent Better: Strategies for a Calmer Family

Do you remember your child as a baby? When they accidentally hit their head on the crib or were startled awake by a loud noise? Those seconds felt endless as you waited for that first gulp of air—often followed by a piercing cry.

Breathing is the most hardwired, involuntary function we perform as human beings. Every creature, great or small, breathes. It sustains life, and we don’t even have to think about it—breathing happens as reflexively as our heartbeats.

Yet, despite its importance, we often take breathing for granted.

Recent studies from the Harvard Business Review and Yale News highlight the benefits of SKY Breath Meditation. This breathing technique engages the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps regulate rational thinking, promotes calmness, and maintains balance during stressful situations. Participants in these studies reported significant improvements in mental health and well-being after practicing the techniques for just two days.

As someone trained in SKY Breath Meditation for 10 years, I can attest that breathing does far more than just supply oxygen to your body. The way we breathe directly influences how we feel and navigate the world. Breathing well makes your quality of life better, especially when faced with everyday challenges.

If you’ve been feeling stressed, depressed, or overwhelmed—whether by current events, holiday preparations, or your child’s endless love for “Baby Shark”—you’re not alone.

 

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

  • DEEPER INHALES AND LONGER EXHALES: When your child cries, their breaths often turn into hiccups. Adults, too, begin breathing rapidly when stressed. In these moments, consciously focus on taking deep breaths, counting to four for inhales and eight for exhales (or as close as possible). This practice can help clear your mind in seconds. Best Breathing Exercises for parents include incorporating these deeper inhales and longer exhales into your routine.
  • QUICK, LIGHT STRETCHING: Feeling the pressure of deadlines or a growing to-do list? Take five minutes for a quick stretch. Full-body activities, like a yoga sun salutation, get oxygen flowing and help relieve stress.
  • CARVE OUT TIME FOR MEDITATION: Even ten minutes of focused breathing or meditation can have positive effects. If ten minutes feels too long, take just two. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, and focus on deep breathing. Explore our partnership with America Meditates by the Art of Living for more guidance on the power of meditating on the breath for parents.

Mastering your breath can help you release stress and fill yourself with positive energy. You’ll not only feel more in control of your emotions, but you’ll also model the importance of self-care for your children.

Supportive breathing is just one technique that can guide you toward becoming the parent you aspire to be. If you’re seeking a true parenting transformation, explore the 90 Day Parenting Reset Program for more resources.

Love and Blessings,
Katherine

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Two Sides to Every Story: Are You Listening to Your Child?

Picture this: You’re minding your own business when the phone rings.

On the other end of the line, a teacher or camp counselor informs you that your child has been acting out. Your face flushes with embarrassment, and you assume the story they are telling must be the whole truth.

When our children misbehave in public — whether it’s getting into a fight at soccer practice or throwing a toy at a daycare teacher — our instinct as parents often leads us to apologize and then, shamefully, reprimand or punish them at home.

But are you listening to your child’s side of the story?

Anger and Shame Prevent Parents from Listening to Their Kids

I remember a time when I was on my way to my daughter’s Girl Scout camp. There had been a fight with another girl, and I was told that my daughter had allegedly shoved her. As punishment, the camp counselor put her in “detention” in one of the cottages. Upset and concerned, I drove to the campground.

I knew my daughter, and I knew she wouldn’t just push someone without reason. Why is listening to your child important in situations like this? Because I wanted to understand, how can you show you are listening to a child in moments when they’re already feeling so vulnerable.

As soon as I saw her, isolated and upset, my gut told me something was missing from the narrative I had been given. I approached her and gently asked, “Honey, what happened?” Through tears, she simply said, “I just want to go, I just want to go!”

Despite her desire to leave, I recognized that running away wouldn’t help; she’d leave without anyone hearing her side of what happened, and worse, she might already start developing a negative reputation as a “bad kid.” I knew I had to advocate for her, so I used what we call the protective use of force.

I told her, “I won’t let you develop a negative reputation. I understand that your side hasn’t been heard, and I’m not leaving until it is.” That’s when she opened up: “Mom, she was bullying me — calling me names in front of everyone. I asked her over and over to stop, but she wouldn’t, so I swung my arm and told her to stop it. And then I got in trouble!” My daughter’s big sobs spoke volumes about her confusion, her embarrassment, and the hurt she felt at being punished for defending herself.

Should parents listen to their children’s opinions? Especially in conflict situations? Absolutely. As I found out, my daughter’s actions came from a place of frustration and unmet needs. When I spoke to the camp counselor and facilitated a discussion between the girls, it became clear that my daughter hadn’t needed “detention”; she needed understanding.

That day, I learned a valuable lesson: Are you listening to your child’s side of the story? If I had let anger and embarrassment dictate my response, my daughter would have felt even more misunderstood and attacked. She might not have trusted me to tell her side of things ever again.

This doesn’t mean that every time a child misbehaves, it’s due to an honest mistake. But there’s almost always an unmet need driving the behavior. As parents, if we take the time to understand that need, we can address the root cause and work towards a meaningful resolution.

Our job is to put aside our own fears about how others perceive us and make sure we’re genuinely listening to our children. That’s where true connection and understanding begin.

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Rethinking Shyness: The Strengths of Introverted Kids

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Health and Wellness Parenting Personal Development

Should Your Parenting Style Be Discussed at the Next Parent-Teacher Conference?