Luckily, during these strange times, there are many wonderfully dedicated child development experts available to offer extra support to parents in the form of parenting coaching and other areas of guidance so we can show up as our best selves for our kids while we continue to navigate our way through all of this. We have researched and compiled a list of such individuals who we would like to make you aware of. There are many others we will add to this list in the future, but for now, we are starting off with these wonderful leaders in child development and parent coaching. Each of these dedicated individuals offer services to guide parents and have authored books & workshops on their areas of expertise. We’re also excited to be including Certified Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist, Juliana Avella, and her brand new Made Simple FREE App that provides valuable resources for moms and moms-to-be. Hope you enjoy this resource and we look forward to bringing you more supportive tips and tools as we learn about them throughout this year.
DR. DEBORAH MACNAMARA, Author of REST PLAY GROW
We will begin with Dr. Deborah MacNamara and focus on her book, REST PLAY GROW. This bestseller book was created with the intention of sharing the importance with parents about the three words in this title, and in their well-intended order.
When you are at rest, psychologically and emotionally, then what would appear next is play. Once play happens, that’s where you develop a sense of personhood and that’s how we grow. This is really what we should be working on as parents – creating the conditions so our children can rest, so they can play, and so they can grow. This is the developmental agenda of my book, Rest Play Grow. As parents, we need to be aware that it’s not the children’s job at making themselves grow, nor is it their job to have to turn their play into work. Children also should never have to work for love but rather, they should rest in it.
Dr. Deborah MacNamara, Author of bestseller, REST PLAY GROW
We are so thankful that Dr. Deborah MacNamara has made herself available to answer questions about this incredible book and guide for parents. We cannot possibly review this book in one article so rather, we have decided to run a series of questions and answers throughout the coming weeks so we can delve deep into this goldmine of guidance for parents. We look forward to posting one Q & A each week on our social media feeds and compiling them into a story monthly until we feel we’ve covered all the themes in this incredibly insightful book. Thanks again Dr. Deborah MacNamara, for allowing us this opportunity!
www.macnamara.ca
BRIDGETTE MILLER, author of WHAT YOUNG CHILDREN NEED YOU TO KNOW
This year my focus as a parent, and when guiding other parents, is to slow down and as best we can, look at children’s behaviour through the eyes of compassion.
When we take just a second to remind ourselves that all behaviour is communication, we’re more likely to soften our reactions into responses because our hearts go out to them in their struggle.
When we see them as having a difficult time managing their emotions we naturally soften our approach and begin to guide them rather than blindly trying to control them.
This small shift in how we see them supports us to find ways to guide and teach them while also deepening the connection we share.
Bridgette Miller, Author of bestseller, What Young Children Need To Know
Are you the parent of a cherished young child, and tired, possibly frustrated, and even doubting yourself—or them? Are you worried about their behaviour or feeling unsure of how to support them? What makes young children do the things they do? Will they ever grow out of it?
In 55 short, inspirational, and insightful entries, Bridgett Miller—teacher, remedial therapist, presenter, parent consultant, and parent herself—connects developmental science with heartfelt wisdom. She reminds us we have the power to shift our perspective, better understand young children (0-9 years) and, most importantly, deepen our connection with them.
These daily insights and affirmations could be just what you’re looking for to support your conscious parenting journey as you navigate the way using your head and your heart, towards becoming the parent you long to be.
www.bridgettmiller.com
DR. SUSAN HUNT, author of HERO BOOK SERIES
For parents: With all the distractions in the world today, try focusing on the positives that happen around us daily. Being mindful and tuning into our kids emotionally, can make 2021 the year of strong emotional connections!
DR. SUSAN HUNT, AUTHOR, KIDS HERO BOOK SERIES
According to registered psychologist and children’s author, Dr. Susan Hunt, we know that trauma and stress can trickle down to families and children. Knowing this, Dr. Susan Hunt created a series of children’s storybooks and workbooks that address these issues in a child-friendly way. She explains to us that the goal of this series is to open up the lines of communication among families, and provide them with the skills they need to build resilience and overcome various struggles that they face. We have enjoyed reviewing the Kids Hero Book Series and agree that these stories and accompanying workbooks affectively open up the communication between children and parents to provide education about anxiety while helping to develop strategies and skills for children who experience worries. You can learn more about Dr. Hunt’s Hero Book Series at this story link here.
www.kidsheroseries.com
DR. VANELLA LAPOINTE, author of bestseller, DISCIPLINE WITHOUT DAMAGE
“This is a year to focus on acceptance as part of the core essence of how we connect to our children and ourselves.”
-Dr. Vanessa LaPointe
All parents naturally want to do what’s best for their kids. But many parents struggle to know what this looks like in daily life. The act of parenting can also plunge adults back into their own childhoods, which may activate uncomfortable feelings, outmoded attitudes, and problematic responses. In the follow-up to her bestselling book Discipline Without Damage, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe shows us why mindful and connection-based parenting is essential to healthy child development.
www.drvanessalapointe.com
SUE DECARO, PARENTING COACH
As a parent in today’s challenging environment, do you find that your children do not always listen to you? Do you find yourself asking your children again and again to do the same thing? Do you find yourself extremely frustrated?
If the answer to any of those questions is yes, and you are seeking support, join me for my transformational online course offering you a chance to create the relationships that you want with yourself and your children.
When children don’t listen, it is often because they feel unheard. This course shifts the listening paradigm and empowers us to be better listeners, empowering our children to feel heard and listen in return. It offers you the opportunity to learn new tools and skills to help create an environment in which listening is occurring, encouraged, & celebrated. Check out my online course, Raising Respectful Listeners at https://www.suedecaro.com/courses/raising-respectful-listeners/
www.suedecaro.com
KATELYN MABRY, author of HI, IT’S ME, I HAVE ADHD
As a parent and a coach of children with neuro-diverse minds, it’s imperative to stay self-reflective in responding to their behaviours. Identifying the WHY behind the WHAT gives great insight and allows us to come alongside a child who may be struggling so we can brainstorm strategies and tools to help them learn and grow through struggles, while continuing to ignite strengths!!
www.katelynmabry.com
In addition to our parenting tips and resources, we are excited to introduce you to one very special woman who has made a career of sharing her expert knowledge about holistic nutrition with families, specializing in working with youth, parents, and expectant mothers. We are grateful for her advice offered below and can’t wait to check out her free new app that’s all about motherhood health and wellness.
JULIANA AVELLA, CERTIFIED HEALTH COACH & HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST
“2021 will be a year to look into ourselves, listen to our bodies, pay attention to our emotions, and give it the appropriate time to thrive and heal.”
Juliana Avella, Certified Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist
The pandemic brought us lots of feelings but if we look deeper into this critical moment, we will realize that every one of us has been given an opportunity to view our lives from a different perspective, from the food we eat, to the lifestyle we chose, to the people we connect with, and the kind of environment we want around us. We were forced to stop living on automatic mode, so we could reinvent ourselves – this includes our jobs and our family’s dynamic. With all of these transforming points in mind, why not convert them positively by choice, into our new lives in the new year? This is where holistic health comes in.
Holistic health is about living well as the entire human being that we are. From our home, our family and friends, to our physical, mental and spiritual health. It’s about what we watch, what we listen to, what we see, what we eat and how we eat. It’s also about what we desire for ourselves and what we wish for others. Let’s write this new 365 page book from our natural essence. Let’s allow the best of ourselves to shine through, bringing nature to our bodies and souls
The closest we are to our natural essence, the more we will find happiness and wellness for life!
Juliana Avella, Certified Health Coach & Holistic Nutritionist
