How are we leading the next generation of little minds? In order to relieve the pressure of perfection and find a real, genuine connection with our kids or the little minds we impact in our everyday lives, it’s important to take a step back and think intentionally about how we interact on a daily basis. While we lead most powerfully by example, there are a few key things we can begin to incorporate into your daily routine so we can help set the foundation for creating a safe place for our children to learn and feel comfortable processing all of life’s emotion as they continually grow alongside us. Today on the blog & podcast, I’m sharing 3 ways to lead with an open heart & intentionally teaching little minds how to live more joyfully.
3 Ways to Lead With An Open Heart & Intentionally Teach Little Minds
#1 Talk Through Their Schedules
As a society, we have the tendency to put our youth in every possible extra curricular activity to keep them from getting into trouble. However, in the same way we get burned out by overcommitting and never having the time to simply play or even rest, so will our kids. Take the time to talk with the little minds in your life about their schedules. Allow them to share what they enjoy doing and perhaps what they don’t enjoy doing & help them adjust accordingly. Focus on simplifying their schedules to allow them some free time to simply play and or downtime to disengage.
#2 Reflect On Your Interactions With Them
Take some time to reflect on your interactions with those young minds around you over the last few days. If you lost your temper or said something hurtful, take the time to apologize and remind them that you aren’t perfect. Giving yourself grace allows the little minds in your life to see what joyful growth looks life firsthand. Lead by example and pay attention to the ways in which you may be contributing to the feelings of stress or worry in your little one’s lives.
For example, ask yourself: Am I you creating pain or worry in my children through the life I’m designing for myself? Is there something that I did in the last day or week that was taken in a certain way, perhaps negatively? How can I create the space to have an open, honest, & transparent conversation to discuss any such events?
#3 Create A Safe Space for Them to Talk About Their Emotions
Do you create a safe space for the little minds around you to talk about the powerful and sometimes overwhelming emotions they may be experiencing? The words we use matter, how we say things matters, the approach we take matters. Work to create an environment where they feel safe to share their emotions & also share the strategies you use to cope with and process those big and sometimes dark emotions in a healthy way. Teach them to lean into those emotions and process them rather than numb out with alcohol or any other mind-numbing activities that is so prevalent in today’s culture. Giving your children the tools to process their emotions properly can be one of the greatest gifts you can give them in creating a life of true purpose and joy.
REMEMBER: As you set your intentions and reflect on your days, take the opportunity to teach those lessons to those little minds around you so that as you grow together, you continually strive to create moments of joy as we walk upon this journey of life together.
Listen to the Podcast BELOW:
Make sure to tune in to today’s podcast episode for a more in-depth look at leading from a place of love & teaching our children to live intentionally for lives of greater purpose and joy.
Thank you for listening in and reading along… I would love to hear your thoughts…
Join the conversation & send me an email at elizabeth@integratedbeingllc.com. I look forward to connecting with you & going on this journey of life together.
xo, Lizzie
This week’s featured essential oil: Kids Collection
Get all six here plus a year membership.
Kids have big emotions, and many times they don’t know how to express them, or that it’s OK to have these emotions. I would like to highlight the oils from the doTERRA Kid's Oil Collection. The best part about them as while they were developed with kids in mind, they are also great for adults to use as well!
What’s incredible with children and essential oils, is that because a child’s intuition is strapped into what emotions they may be feeling, you are able to assist them with finding oil that works for them by allowing them to inhale the oils and make them part of the process.
Calmer is made to reduce feelings of stress and to promote calm throughout your day! It includes soothing oils such as Lavender, Cananga, Buddha Wood & Roman Chamomile on a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. Sleep is very important in living a healthy lifestyle. This combination of oils is perfect for creating a peaceful atmosphere for bedtime. It can also be great for soothing a meltdown. This is beneficial for kiddos who are easily overstimulated or have difficulty quieting their mind. If you have a toddler, you may never want to leave home without it! Calmer is similar to Serenity, but it should be noted that this works just as great for adults!
Thinker was made to help you focus. Perhaps you or your child(ren) have a hard time remaining on task. Maybe you need a boost when it's time to pay attention. If you struggle with staying engaged or have difficulty transitioning, this blend was crafted to keep you on task. This blend includes Vetiver, Peppermint, Clementine, and Rosemary essential oils in a base of Fractionated Coconut Oil. These oils combine to create a blend that promotes a stronger sense of concentration while limiting distractions.
Stronger was created to promote feelings of wellness and vitality. Stronger is also known for helping people protect their boundaries (and the emotions of others - Empaths, where you at?) and promote independence. Sounds pretty good, right? The blend includes Cedarwood, Litsea, Frankincense & Rose essential oils diluted in Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Steady Grounding Blend is to help soothe stressful and anxious feelings. In very intense times, Steady can help you and your little ones feel supported and stable. This blend consists of Amyris, Balsam Fir, Coriander & Magnolia essential oils topped with Fractionated Coconut Oil.
Rescuer Soothing Blend was developed just for this purpose: to support growth and active bodies. On an emotional level, this blend can restore calm when fears overwhelm our littles. Rescuer is made up of Copaiba, Lavender, Spearmint & Zanthoxylum combined with Fractionated Coconut Oil which are all oils known for their ability to provide feelings of comfort. It is so important to remember that keeping active is a great way to feel happy and stay healthy!
Brave is to help create belief in yourself as you begin each day. It is a blend of Wild Orange, Amyris, Osmanthus & Cinnamon essential oils combined with Fractionated coconut oil. Sometimes it can be hard to be positive! Perhaps a child is feeling nervous about a school project, presentation or performance. Just apply Brave and the feelings of positivity will prevail!
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