Pause and Name: A Simple Mindful Moment to Curb Holiday Chaos cover art

Pause and Name: A Simple Mindful Moment to Curb Holiday Chaos

Pause and Name: A Simple Mindful Moment to Curb Holiday Chaos

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 Hey there, and welcome back. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here with me today. You know, it's that time of year when the days are short, the holidays are pressing in, and if you're a parent, things can feel absolutely electric with energy, right? Everyone's wound up. The kids are buzzing. You're buzzing. And somewhere underneath all that, you're probably wondering how to find even five minutes of actual peace. So today, we're going to do something really simple together that can absolutely shift the temperature in your home.

Let's start by just finding a comfortable place where you can sit for the next few minutes. You don't need to be perfect about it. Slouch if you want to. Just settle yourself down like you're sinking into a really good chair. As you do, notice what you're feeling right now. Not judging it. Just noticing. Maybe there's tightness in your shoulders. Maybe your mind is already three steps ahead. That's completely normal, especially today.

Now, take a breath with me. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four. Hold it for just a moment. Then exhale slowly through your mouth, like you're gently fogging a mirror. Again. In for four. And out. Feel that? That's your nervous system getting the message that you're safe. Your kids feel that, by the way. They're like little mirrors.

Here's the practice I want to share with you today, and it's one of my favorites because it actually works. It's called the Pause and Name. Throughout your day, especially when you notice your child is escalating or you're feeling frustrated, try this. Pause whatever you're doing. It might be for literally three seconds. Look at what's happening without trying to fix it immediately. Then, name it out loud or in your head. Say something like, "I notice my kid is upset right now. I'm noticing I'm frustrated." That's it. You're not changing anything yet. You're just creating a tiny space between the trigger and your reaction. That space is where your wisdom lives.

Try it with your kids too. When they're upset, get curious instead of commanding. Say, "I see you're really frustrated right now." You'd be amazed how often that simple acknowledgment is half the battle.

So as you move through the rest of your day, remember that moment of calm you just created right here. You can access it anytime. It's yours.

Thank you so much for listening to Mindful Parenting: Daily Tips for Raising Calm Kids. Please subscribe so you don't miss tomorrow's practice. You've got this.

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