Mindfulness for Kids (and Parents)
The topic and practice of mindfulness has made its way into all healthy living circles, including kids and parents. And frankly, it makes me happy. I first learned about it as a therapist trainee and thought it was best thing since sliced bread (I lie, I thought it was the best thing since grilled cheese, […]
When a Parent or Loved One Goes to Jail
The Night Dad Went to Jail is a children’s book has been on my radar to check out for a long time since I come across several children and teens whose parent went to jail. Having a parent or loved one go to jail can be extremely traumatic and jarring for most children. It’s a […]
10 Important Parenting Tips to Help Children Comply
Parenting is both hard and rewarding at the same time. The hardest parts are when our children aren’t complying, we don’t know why and nothing we’ve tried works. In my last article, I identified different reasons children might not comply. As promised, I put together this list of the top 10 important parenting survival tips […]
Teaching Kids Empathy
On the heels of two mass shootings this weekend in the U.S., a slew of traumatizing immigration reform acts, and a lifetime of community violence in inner city neighborhoods, I’m left thinking, “where do we begin?” My friend and owner of Long Beach Littles reached out to me for information on how to teach kids […]
Grieving on “Happy Mother’s Day” (Updated)
Written by Sofia Mendoza, LCSW In the United States we’ve been celebrating Mother’s Day since 1908 when Anna Jarvis, a peace activist, held a memorial for her deceased mother and then annually celebrated mothers because she believed that a mother is the “person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” […]
15 Statements to Convince Yourself to Self-Care: A love letter to all parents
“What to say” Series: Last week I wrote a blog post on 20 easy 5-minute self-care ideas for parents. Today, I continue the conversation in the guest post, “15 Statements to Convince Yourself to Self-Care: A love letter to all Parents” on The Productive Parent website. I provide 15 statements and quotes that parents […]
How to be a better parent by being Self(care)ish: 20 easy 5-minute ideas to nourish yourself
How to be a better parent by being Self(care)ish: 20 easy 5-minute ideas to nourish yourself Sofia Mendoza, LCSW Have you ever felt guilty or even selfish for indulging in some down time while your littles are in daycare, with grandparents or friends? If you have, you’re not alone. Every time I ask a […]
“I’m not bad…”
Ever want to shout out at a child, “Stop it, you’re being BAD?” You are definitely not alone. Parenting, caregiving, teaching children requires lots of patience and skill especially when they are not complying. Growing up, I knew a lot of kids who heard this from teachers, siblings, and well-meaning neighbors. These kids didn’t listen, […]
