Megan Barella
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seasons change

8/26/2019

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this song
has been
running thru
my head
for days

because
seasons change
people change

#childofthe80s

but for real
things change
all the time
it's so bittersweet

here
we are
smack dab
in the middle 
of yet another
transition

while
i'm excited
to have 
regular
work/school
hours again

i'm also sad 
to see summer
go

plus 
transitions
are the hardest thing
ever
for both kids
and parents

whether it's getting...
* out the door 
* into the car
* ready for bed 
* back to school ready

ugh
transitions
are challenging

here's some
transition tips
whether
it's back to school
or bedtime
to make life easier
and to develop
security + strength
in our children
the foundation
for all learning
- and cooperation

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Transition Tips to keep it simple and bring it back to basics.


#1 Connection = Cooperation
Slow it down. Focus on the relationship with your child. Connect before you correct. This Fall season, choose connection time over a full, over-committed schedule chock full of activities. And just "say no" to any unnecessary obligations that will add more stress to your family.  Do be sure to schedule in one family nature/outdoor activity for September and one for October. As summer wraps, up we tend to spend more time indoors. Nature is the best way to connect and begin anew.

#2 Declutter just a wee bit.

After you've Konmari-ed your schedule for Connection and simplicity, take a peek at your physical space to support your family's transitions. But take it easy on you. Grab a grocery bag. Pick an area of your home (entryway, kid's room, your room, or bathroom is best) - and set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Do a quick sweep of the area placing everything into the bag you can donate. Or get 2 bigs: one for donations and one for put away. Sticking to 5-10 minutes will keep it doable. And if you want to do more after that, go to town! Decluttering our space declutters our minds, and transitions call for clear thinking. ​

#3 Positive Parenting Communication Tools:
Review some of our favorite Positive Parenting Tools.... Prep for Success, Make it a Song, Encouragement,  Two Positive Choices , and Curiosity Questions
Pick one tool and consistently practice it for a week. Want to dig deeper into Cooperation? Get on the waitlist for Just Listen to Me.



Please be good to you. Remember we all struggle with transitions. I hope these tips help support all your Fall transitions!


​You Got This Fall Time Transitions.


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back to school tips

8/11/2019

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Back to School Tips


just
last week
we were talking
summer magic

and
now it's
back to school tips!

that's august....
drinking
the last of summer
with our eyes on
what's beyond
FALL TIME!

if you
like to
plan ahead
or you're already
back to school
this is for you

back to school
is a big transition
for kids & parents
let's help
you make it
smooth sailing
​


Back to School Tips


#1 Relaxed Kids = Smoother Transitions.
⭐ Slow life down as slooowww as possible. Life is way over-scheduled these days. Whatever is possible for your family, make doing less a priority. And just say no to anything that causes unnecessary stress, chaos, overwhelm or parental/kid meltdowns.

#2 Focus on Connection.
⭐ Secure kids are confident kids. No matter what age your kids are, you grow their inner security by spending Quality Time together. Low cost/free, child led activities are your #1 bff for growing your kids' inner security.

#3 Kick your Communication Skills to High.
⭐Communication is mostly listening - and knowing how to ask questions, tell stories and be judgement free. 
* Questions that start with "What?" or " How?" followed by active/reflective listen open up dialogue and lets kids know you are on the same team. 
* Sharing your stories also lets kids know that feeling nervous, anxious and fearful are part of the human experience - and are also connected with the excitement of new beginnings.  
* With teens, it's often best to say and ask nothing and to just sit with them. Eventually, they will talk if you are patient enough to listen - and they trust you to be judgement free.

#4 Focus on Solutions and Problem Solving.
⭐If your kids share big concerns or problems, after active listening, focus on brainstorming solutions. Sometimes kids just need to be heard, and sometimes positive action steps are needed. It's awesome when the smallest new idea solves the biggest problems.

#5 Think Good Thoughts.
⭐ Send the message of faith, trust and unconditional love and support to your children. Kids aren't the only one ones who get nervous around back to school. It's a big transition for parents too, especially if children are switching schools or if they've struggled with school in the past. Get whatever support you need to be in that positive place. Because what the latest brain research affirms is that your thoughts become your children's thoughts. Thinking good thoughts goes a long, long way.


​You Got This Back to School - while enjoying the rest of summer too!


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cliff notes guide to summer magic

8/5/2019

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There's just something about August....

summer
kicks off
like a
slow morning

then it's
august
and
summer
flies by

this past week
we wrapped up the
summer magic 2019
group coaching program

thanks and love
to all the parents
who joined this
transformative
community

even if you
weren't able 
to join us live

here's a summer magic
summary to keep
close to your heart
to experience
lots of august magic
- and for a
smooth sailing
transition
into fall time

Summer Magic 2019 Summary


#1 Basic Needs Focus:
* The foundation for all you do in a day? Your basic needs. Be aware of your needs and respond to them as the #1 foundation for ALL you do in a day.
​
Basic Needs Include:
* Food, water, sleep and rest
* Quality time with yourself and other adults 
* Positive outlets to express high emotions 
* Community support 
and
* Lowering expectations for yourself and your children when under stress.
Does this feel like a long list? Focus on just ONE basic need to meet this week.

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#2 Play is your #1 Discipline Tool:
* The Latin root of discipline means "to teach." Your responsibility as a parent is to teach your children.  The #1 way children learn? It's through play. So, play truly is your #1 discipline tool!   

How to use play as your #1 tool?
* Take the current behavior challenge and turn it into PLAY to teach life skills. Making up a song, game, or puppet show to teach and practice life skills is the most direct and effective way to transform challenging behavior.

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#3 Growth Mindset your Life:
* Roll with it! And let go of self judgement and criticism - because they are no longer needed with your GROWTH MINDSET.
Sadly, when you respond to your life challenges with judgement, criticism, shame, blame or resentment, you lock yourself into the very cycle you're trying to change. Instead, pick one parenting challenge and  bring a Growth Mindset approach to transform it:

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Heres' to your Summer Magic 2019.

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    Categories

    All
    Getting To Gold
    Positive Parenting
    Reflections
    Summer Magic

    Mama Megan

    Hi friends,  I write from the heart to tell my life story, and the story of those in my neighborhood called life. Research shows that our children's emotional & mental health is contingent upon us parents being able to tell our life story, or "coherent narrative."  This is my coherent narrative, my life story in the making, with some of what I love in life too. My goal is to share my life in a way that is real, uplifting & positive- sometimes serious, sometimes fun. In my practice, I inspire parents to empowerment through reclaiming our life stories and learning respectful discipline. My work is my offering to our children- our future. Wishing you all a happy family!

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    Photo by J Jean Portraits

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