January 2024: New year, new opportunities to grow for you and your family!
Hi, Practice families!👋
Happy new year! The changeover of the calendar from one year to the next often nudges us to reflect on how the past year went… and how we might want the new year to be different.
I’m not personally a huge fan of New Year’s resolutions– there’s a fair amount of research showing that most resolutions are unsustainable and end up petering out. Let’s face it, it’s hard to be compassionate with ourselves or stay motivated to continue to strive for change when we have “failed” at accomplishing the resolutions we’ve set for ourselves.
That said, I do think that the new year is a perfect time to stop and ponder what went smoothly last year (and why!)-- and to reflect on what we might want to continue doing in the new year and what we might want to shift in terms of where we allocate our energy or how we show up as we move forward.
I like to think about this in terms of my priorities and values. What needs more of my attention in the new year? What are the things that matter most to me as I move forward into this year? What are the areas on which I want to focus my time and energy, when I know those things are limited resources?
This year, I’m choosing to focus on a handful of things that hopefully will help drive my decisions day by day (and even moment by moment!) throughout the year. And if (when!) there are places I fall short, I’ll do my best to continue to work to center these values as I move forward through the year.
Connection– with my husband, my kids, my friends, my clients, my team, myself.
Embodiment– really listening to what my body is telling me and doing things that will help me more sturdily tolerate stress. (AKA, just take some deep breaths or go for a walk already, Nina. 😂)
Creativity– leaning into creating new programs and content to support families here and also exercising creativity in other ways that fulfill me outside of work.
Growth– embracing being a work in progress as a human being, a parent, and a professional, and leaning into the things that are hardest for me as being the greatest opportunities for growth.
Here’s a list of values as a starting point if you want to test drive this approach yourself (although feel free to go off reservation and add your own, too!).
Wishing all of you a very happy new year!
PS, reach out to us if you are looking for support for your child, your teen, or yourself– our team has limited availability for new clients at the moment and our open spots are filling quickly.
Warm Regards,
Monthly Resources – Just for You!
Did you miss any of our content from December (we know, the holiday season is crazy!)? Click through below for more ideas to start your new year off on the right foot!
Reflection isn't merely reminiscing; it's a powerful tool for growth. By revisiting both the highs and challenges, you gain insights, celebrate victories, and acknowledge the strength within. It's a meaningful way to honor the year that has shaped you as a parent.
As parents, we often prioritize our children's needs over our own, making it easy to neglect our own.
This new year, let's break that cycle by also prioritizing you! Utilize these prompts to guide your intentions — your personal compass for purposeful choices, mindful connections, and positive growth.
As parents, we are role models! ✨
The more we demonstrate our coping skills for handling big emotions and practice these techniques with our kids, the more likely they are to develop and utilize their own strategies. Learn how-to in this post.
Did you know those big emotions your children have are actually hard-wired in their biology?
Fortunately or unfortunately, it's true! Picture it like having a built-in switchboard in their brains, making them feel all the feels.
When stress hits, teens may experience a heart-pounding sensation or feel the urge to escape.
It's a common experience known as the 'Fight or Flight' response, and here's the reassuring part—it's totally normal. This automatic response is like their body's built-in alarm system designed to keep them safe, but sometimes, it can actually get in their way!
