Where did I go?

 You'll notice this blog stopped posting a few years ago. I made a big announcement about moving to a new website... but that website doesn't exist. So let me explain...

I did move to a new website. God blessed my business and reach tremendously. I had a podcast, book, tv appearances, coaching clients and more. But more isn't always better, in fact, it was too much.

I could not keep up with doing all these great things for my business AND homeschool AND run a family business AND keep my sanity. So I quite. I had to stop my own business, podcast, blog, and all that went with it. My children and family needed me most.

Fast forward a few years and I still have that same calling and passion to share with others what God is teaching me. So I'm back with a new blog at www.meaghanjackson.blogspot.com Hope to see you there.

Gentle parenting impacts learning

 

Do you learn best when you are feeling anxious, angry, shamed, or disconnected? Probably not. Most people thrive in a calm, loving environment where they feel safe to explore. Learning is vulnerable we "take chances, make mistakes and get messy," as Ms. Frizzy from the Magic School Bus likes to say. Gentle parenting will be a huge help to your child no matter if they are in school or homeschooling. As a parent I know you are invested in their education.

In this podcast I talk about:

• What is gentle parenting?
• Specific parenting strategies that help learning and school work
• Coping Strategies for children

Listen to the episode here:

What is Gentle Parenting?

Gentle parenting helps children feel a sense of connection. It is mutually respectful and encouraging. Any gentle parenting strategies are effective long term and teach important social and life skills. Gentle parenting invites children to discover they are capable. Jane Nelson of Positive Discipline

Click image to download the workbook

Positive parenting strategies that help with school work

Parenting communication tools that can be used to gain cooperation, understanding and better connection with your child. These are some strategies that help specifically with learning. You may also enjoy this free video series with even more parenting strategies to fill your tool box.

Asking not telling: Ask open ended questions to get your child thinking. Rather than telling a child what to do all the time, ask for their opinion. Get them to think of the next steps or how to handle a problem.

Taking time for training: Slow down, model and teach routines and methods. Don't always assume your kids should know or remember how to do something.

Routines: Having a strong rhythm and routines helps a child know what is coming next. Their stress and anxiety levels drop and the can relax. This allows them to enjoy the moment and leaves space for curiosity.

Problem Solving: Focusing on solutions, brainstorming and working together helps a child to move past rote learning and into exploration. Throughout our lives we will come across the need to think outside the box and solve problems. Teach your children how to work through their struggles, how to define the problem, brainstorm, choose a solution, evaluate and try again. 

Small Steps: As adults we can often see the big picture and break it down mentally into smaller steps, although many do struggle with that. Children can get overwhelmed easily when a task looks to big to tackle. Help them by breaking it down into smaller chunks and teach them to do the same. A large project, even chores can be broken own into manageable tasks.

Encouragement: Children do not need empty praise and external motivation to learn. However knowing that you believe in them, encouraging and building up their strengths help with their internal motivation and self-esteem. 

Kind and Firm: Gentle parents are not passive. It is good to set loving limits, to be kind and firm. If you and your child have made an agreement, then the agreement needs to be upheld. Of course there will be compromise and discussions, you do not need to be harsh. When work needs to be done you can still offer empathy and hold boundaries.

Empower your kids: Children long to be independent and in charge. Look for ways to offer choice, ask their opinions, and take the lead.

Winning cooperation

Parents often struggle with getting their kids to listen, do as they are told and obey . No one likes being told what to do all the time. It creates resentment, anger and sneaky behavior to get out of the work. Do you recognize this in your home? What if there was another way?

Children often listen when they feel heard and understood. Empathy communication is a way of listening first and them moving towards problem solving. The first step is to observe and state the facts without all the blame, shame or name-calling. Then consider your feelings and your child's. It can be hard to with with those feelings, or to recognize that a child's behavior doesn't always match how they feel. Next look past the feelings and towards the needs behind those feelings. Our emotions are often a warning light showing us that something isn't going well (or that life is fabulous). What need was your child trying to meet with their behavior? What are your needs right now? How can we meet both our needs? Now we are ready to problem solve and work towards a common goal. If you want an in-depth look at this check out Marshall Rosenberg's Non-violent communication.

Coping Skills for kids

Talking about feelings in your home makes emotions welcome. Your children will be less likely to stuff their feelings down and hide them. While it can be a challenge to deal with big feelings, it goes a long way to help our children grow into healthy adults who can handle their own emotions better.

There are many ways to copy with our emotions, especially those that cause frustration or worry. Coping skills are healthy strategies to help us manage rather than feeling overwhelmed.

• Calming strategies are those that help the mind and body to relax. 
• Distraction strategies help take your mind of your problems for a while
• Physical strategies are great for burning of energy or getting you energized when you need to get going.
• Processing strategies are those that encourage you to reflect and work through the emotions.

A connected child feels understood and safe. When a person feels safe, their defenses go down. They are more willing to cooperate and learning can happen. Connecting with your child helps them to learn. All of these strategies work towards creating a closer bond with your child. Homeschooling and helping your child with their school work is all about relationships.

Watch the YouTube video workshop here:

Resources mentioned on the podcast:

Brave Writer with Julie Bogart (I also got to interview Julie here)

Positive Discipline with Jane Nelson

Non-Violent Communication with Marshall Rosenberg

There are many blog posts linked and many more resources I'd love to share with you. Be sure to look around the blog here for more on gentle parenting and homeschooling.

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The power of a gentle answer

 

Have you ever noticed that you get defensive and guarded when someone speaks to you harshly?

 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger Proverbs 15:1

Listen to the episode:

This verse has so much meaning in the way we speak to anyone, ourselves included. Empathy and compassion go a long way to being heard and understood.  Today, take notice of the way you speak to others, in your marriage, with friends, and in business. You may find that the snippy cashier softens her tone when you respond kindly. We often forget that the other person may have a lot going on in their lives that we can’t see.

Your children feel the same way about being spoken to harshly, and they will copy that tone in how they respond back or deal with siblings. When one of my boys is upset he will name call or put down another sibling. Of course, that gets the other boys, going and soon there is a huge shouting match going on. For my passionate boys this can escalate very quickly into something physical all because of the slip of the tongue. Helping my boys to work through their misunderstandings and offering empathy towards their hurt feelings goes a long way to deescalate the situation. 

Proverbs 15:4 reminds us that our words can bring life, but can also pierce like the sword in Proverbs 12:18. It is important to guard your tongue. 

It is time to break the cycle. Choose your words carefully and consider your tone. If you notice that someone is speaking to your rudely try responding with kindness and see if that changes their approach. Most often they felt threatened and defensive. Of course, it can be hard not to take things personally and get offended, and you may mess up along the way. But the more often you respond with a gentle answer, the easier it will become. 

Think about how you would want to be spoken to. Your children, I know, will want to be spoken to in the same way. They long for a listening ear and tender words. Now go out into your day and offer that same love, grace, empathy, and enthusiasm to those around you. Be the magnetic force, that amazing person that every one opens up to because they know you will respond in love. 

Taken from Joyful Motherhood: Deepen your connection with God and your children. For more information, Amazon links and a free sample visit www.joyfulmudpudles.com/joyful-motherhood

Reflect

What is God saying to you today?

How is your mood connected to the words you speak?

What are your biggest challenges in offering a gentle response? 

Is there anything about your tone or language God is asking you to change? 

Recall a time you responded gently. How did that feel? Celebrate the gentle loving mother you are.

Bible verses on speech

From the KJV

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29

Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man. Colossians 4:6

Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. Matthew 5:1

Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness. Proverbs 15:1-2

A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit. Proverbs 15:4

Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles. Proverbs 21:23

Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James 1:19

FREE Posters

It can really help the to have reminders posted around the house when you are focusing on changing your behavior. I often tell people that the feelings wall in the house was put there more for myself than the kids. I needed reminders so I could be a good model for my children.

You can get free posters by  signing up right here to the .Joyful Mud Puddles Newsletter You'll get instant access to all my freebies including the posters you see here in this post and more! You'll also get an email when I have a new blog post to share with you.

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I’m also on Clubhouse @joyfulmudpuddle 

Overcoming worry

 

*If you are struggling with anxiety please speak with your doctor or seek help. This post is not meant to make light of a serious issue or condition.*

Thanksgiving is an antidote to worry.

The world is changing; our life as we knew it has changed significantly. Major world events have a way of rocking the boat and making big waves. As I write this, the whole world has shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It feels unsafe and scary. Every day there is news of health concerns and injustice. Add to this all the pressures of daily life, work, school, and parenting. No wonder we feel a sense of fear and anxiety looming over us.

But we cannot live life in fear. No one can operate well from a place of worry and stress. It will cripple you and shut you down. So what can you do? How can you break free of the anxiety and fear that has gripped you and me?

Listen to the episode here: 

Philippians 4:6-7 reminds us not to be anxious but to go to God in prayer and to be thankful, then his peace will guard our hearts.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7

Thanksgiving is an antidote. It sets your mind on blessings and the source of all those good things (James 1:7). A heart of gratitude fills up with hope. We are reminded of our powerful God who brings us peace.

Yes, even peace in our hearts amongst the chaos and pain. As you give thanks for all that you have and what he has done in the past, God’s faithfulness will reassure you that He will always help you through anything you face.

Notice too that coming to God in prayer, sharing your worries, and giving them to Him will also give you peace. Now don’t just complain and vent and keep those worries in your heart. You need to believe that He will take your anxious thoughts from consuming your energy and time.

There have been many times in my life that I let anxiety take over. The first time we went through contract renewals in our family business worry about our financial stability consumed me. I desperately began looking for ways to earn money and stay at home with my children. To be honest I can barely remember whole seasons of their childhood around that time. Praise God He has taught me an important lesson. I know this world is not all there is for me. I have a heavenly home that is perfect. These troubles here are temporary. I can choose to spend my time worrying or I can live a life of joy. I choose joy.

This was taken from the Joyful Motherhood Devotional. For more information and a free sample of Joyful Motherhood visit www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/joyful-motherhood

How can I help my children with worry and anxiety?

Whatever we practice and learn for ourselves we can also teach our children. When you set your mind on the gift and blessings in your life, you also set you mind on the giver of those gifts.

• Tell someone about your worries or journal, don't keep them in your head
• Pray and share your anxious thoughts with God
• Take time to reflect on times when God has been faithful
• Remind yourself of His character
• List your blessings and thank God for all he has done
• Fill your mind with truths, even write them out or repeat them

Bible Verses about Worry and Anxiety

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you Psalm 56:3 ESV

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Philippians 4:6

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ Matthew 6:31

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand Isaiah 41:10

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? Psalm 118:6

When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. Proverbs 3:24

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8

For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17

I will give you thanks, for you answered me; you have become my salvation. Psalm 118:21

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 118:1

Reflect

What are you worried or anxious about? 

Are you worried about something but have no let go of that? 

Are you giving thanks in all areas of your life? 

Do you have faith and believe that God will give you peace? 

Recall a time when you felt God’s peace.

This was taken from the Joyful Motherhood Devotional. For more information and a free sample of Joyful Motherhood visit www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/joyful-motherhood

Come join us on Facebook in the Gentle/Peaceful parenting Community
https://www.facebook.com/groups/159772495411468

Find me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest at @joyfulmudpuddles
I’m also on Clubhouse @joyfulmudpuddle 

Life Skills Leadership Summit

 

Ever since the pandemic hit, more and more families started homeschooling! Many parents realized how little their kids were learning at school and jumped on board the homeschool train. Now it's February and you’re knee deep in the school year, with the end of your first year fast approaching ... and I have the most amazing treat for you!

What if I told you I could help you and your homeschool, prepare your kids for the real world, real life skills and an education plan that inspires a love of learning and lifetime learners … who crave a relationship with the Lord ... even in your first, or tenth year?

What if I told you that you could learn how to do it from the comfort of your home in your favorite cozy sweater or jammies ... slippers optional?

And what if I told you we have 34 homeschooling experts to help me help you do ALL THE HOMESCHOOLING THINGS?

I can and WE will!

Introducing the Life Skills Leadership Summit, a free 5-day online event party filled with free homeschool leadership classes, homeschool life skills classes and live demonstrations from over 30 expert authors, bloggers, and YouTubers! We also have amazing giveaways, freebies, encouragement snippets and lots of FUN!

Isn’t learning supposed to be fun?

And did I mention it's FREE?

The Life Skills Leadership Summit is designed to inspire, motivate, and help you plan, organize, and make your homeschool perfect for YOUR kids! Whether you're just overwhelmed with our crazy year and a busy life, or you're struggling to know what to do next, I want to personally invite you to this special virtual event made just for you!

I’m working with 34 creative, homeschooling experts to put together this event and it couldn't be more PRACTICAL! These experts have been teaching people just like you for years, and they'll be sharing everything from leadership skills for homeschoolers to love of learning & how to think for yourself, communication skills to entrepreneurship, money skills, time management, relationships and so much more!

There’s even a special day for Encouragement for Homeschool Moms & Dads.

Join homeschool celebrities like Andrew Pudewa, Ana Willis, Annette Breedlove, Jim Hodges, Jen Merckling and SO many more as they teach you how to do what they do best in practical videos!

There's SO much packed into the Life Skills Leadership Summit that you really need to check out all the details, freebies, and bonuses at the link below:

>> Click here to learn more and claim your free ticket! <<

But it's important to note that this event requires a ticket! A FREE ticket!

So here’s how to snag your ticket. Get it now and don't miss it!

https://kerry-beck-school.teachable.com/courses/life-skills-leadership-2021?affcode=455173_7csdyxrz

I'm so very excited to invite you to this very special, once-in-a-lifetime event, and I hope to see you there.

Be sure to look for my sessions too!

Empathy Communication

Family Meetings

You are more than just a mom

 

*This post includes affiliate links

You are more than JUST a mom!

Do you ever feel like you are losing yourself in this motherhood role? You used to have passions, hobbies, an identity.

I wear many hats and play many roles as a mother, wife, sister, daughter, business owner, etc. As a Christian another identity I have is in Christ. I am a daughter of the Most High God! A daughter of the King! Wow that is powerful.

Listen to the podcast here:

Read Galatians 4:4-7

Motherhood changes everything. It turns your life around and consumes you. Your tiny precious baby needs all your attention. Even as they grow children need you. But it can begin to feel like that has become your identity. I want to remind you my friend that you are more than just a mom. Don’t get me wrong, being a mother is to be honored and is very worthy. But you are more. Don’t lose yourself in the journey of parenting. Your children can see that and you will too. Resentment, bitterness, longing, and depression can set in when you think of all the other things in life you had wanted to do.  

I remember slowly packing away more and more of my craft supplies with each new baby I brought home. We needed the space and my handiwork was not a priority. I love to be creative and crafting is my outlet. I didn’t notice the difference in me at first as I was too busy with my boys, but as time went on I began to miss it. One day while cleaning my closet I brought out the sewing machine. My boys were fascinated and asked me to show them how it worked. This opened up a whole new way for my children and me to connect. 

Be sure to keep up with your hobbies, passions, and interests. Share what brings you joy with your family. Not only is it a great model for being a healthy adult, but it will bring you closer too. Your kids want to get to know the real you.

Someone else wants to get to know the real you too. When I say you are more than just a mom, I want you to know you are a daughter too. Not only do you have your earthly parents but, you have a loving Heavenly Father who cares deeply for you. 

You are a daughter of the King! You, yes you the one reading this. You are a princess and joint-heir with Jesus Christ. Can you feel the power and overwhelming love wrapped up in those statements? 

In the same way that your children depend on you for all things, so we can depend on God. He will provide for all your physical needs. Our wonderful Father also gives us wisdom, love, forgiveness, and even correction. As you move through these devotionals think about how your relationship with God is also a reflection of your relationship with your children. As you are growing closer to God, learning principles and truths, you can also apply these to your children. You have many roles in life and, many relationships with family, friends, and work. You are a daughter and a mother learning and guiding at the same time. Some of you may even be trying to re-parent yourself as you parent your children. Never forget who you are, whose child and daughter you are.

Watch on YouTube:

If you'd like to get in on the discussion, I'll be reading one devotional from my new book every other week. Join me in the Gentle/Peaceful Parenting Community to listen in live and share your thoughts.

Joyful Motherhood is a 31 day devotional for busy moms. Deepen your connection with God and your children. Now available on Amazon and Kindle. For more information and a free 5 day sample, visit Joyful Motherhood

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Joyful Motherhood devotional www.joyfulmudpuddles.com/joyful-motherhood

Being Highly Sensitive

 

*This post does contain affiliate links.*

I am sure you noticed that social media only shows what people want you to see. I am hear to break through that barrier and show you the real me. You may not know that I got overwhelmed and burned out just before Christmas. Thanks to scheduling posts and episodes you never noticed. Today I'm sharing some tips on how to help deal with the overwhelm and about being a highly sensitive person.

In this episode I talk about:

• Overwhelm - how to handle it
• Highly sensitive - what it means
• Super powers - benefits
• What I'm doing to help myself
• Highly sensitive parenting
• Highly sensitive entrepreneur

Overwhelm 

When you are feeling overwhelmed try to pause and pray. Share your worries with God and get those thoughts out of your mind. Even just speaking them aloud helps to stop the cycle of worry.

Cut out what you can from your schedule so you have a moment to breath. If you have obligations, then perhaps let go of some high expectations you have set for yourself in other areas. 

It is okay relax. In fact it is essential. As a highly sensitive person self-care and down time are needed so you can prioritize what lies ahead to move forward.

What does it mean to be highly sensitive

A highly sensitive person (HSP) is a term for those who are thought to have an increased or deeper central nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli. 

The highly sensitive person (HSP) has a sensitive nervous system, is aware of subtleties in his/her surroundings, and is more easily overwhelmed when in a highly stimulating environment. (Dr. Elaine Aron The Highly Sensitive Person) 

This can include external stimuli, like your surroundings and the people you’re with, or internal stimuli, like your own thoughts, emotions and realizations. (Highly Sensitive Refuge)

Super powers

• Emotional awareness 
• Great empathy 
• Passionate 
• Sense of justice and fairness 
• Sees beauty all over 
• Appreciates small things 
• Contentious 
• Notices subtleties 
• Creative 
• Deep thinkers 
• Self-aware

Highly Sensitive Parent

You may notice these things about yourself: 

• More attuned to your children’s needs and emotions. 
• Take on others emotions easily 
• Overwhelmed easily by loud noises 
• Feel deeply 
• Thrive on routine 
• Sensitive to sensory input 
• Find you need more frequent breaks and down time

What may help: 

• The key challenge is learning to handle the stress and sensory overload that can accompany raising a child 
• Simplify your life (environment, schedule, rhythm, clutter) 
• Check in with your body often 
• Self-care and coping skills are essential 
• Find a support network (I'd be honoured to be part of that)
• Don't take on everyone's issues

Resources Mentioned

Digital homeschool conference Homeschooling your special needs child

Myer Briggs test

Highly sensitive quiz

Other Resources

Highly Sensitive Person website

Highly sensitive person book

Highly Sensitive Parenting

Highly Sensitive Child 

Raising Your Spirited Child

Raising your Spirited Baby

Marketing to your personality website

Connect with Meaghan

Website: www.joyfulmudpuddles.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/joyfulmudpuddles

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joyfulmudpuddles

Joyful Motherhood - daily devotional

Joyful Parenting - parent coaching

Link to Joyful Mud Puddles resources