Talking about mental health is essential. It is impacted by the emotions we experience.
We often don’t realize how much emotions impact mental health.
Our experiences might look different, but we’ve all felt anger, sadness, worry, frustration, disappointment, and overwhelm.
And still, when someone asks, “How are you doing?” many of us reply, “I’m fine.”
Not because it’s true, but because letting others know how you feel can sometimes bring guilt, shame, or the fear of being a burden.
Asking for support takes courage and strength. You don’t have to do this alone.
These powerful messages are displayed in my son’s room – reminders I also see every day:
It’s okay to feel.
It’s okay to ask for help.
It’s okay to not have it all figured out.
This is what I know: Your emotions matter. Your mental health matters. You matter.
Until next time…
11 Dec 2025
Mindset Phrases for Kids That Work
We all want our kids to feel confident and capable.
Sometimes we tell them things like believe in yourself,try harder, or be more determined and they’re left thinking, OK… but how do I actually do that? That’s where mindset phrases for kids come in – simple, usable words that help strengthen their inner voice when they need it most.
Anytime – before school, during homework, in the car, or when emotions start to take over – have them pick one phrase to say:
I can do hard things.
I’ve got this.
I am determined.
I will find a way.
I am calm and focused.
Think of these as mindset mini-workouts. Quick, simple, powerful. Each time they say one, their inner voice grows stronger.
Make it playful – robot voice, superhero voice, opera singer voice or even a silly family chant. The more fun I make it, the more my son actually dives in and repeats the very mindset phrases for kids I want him to use.
This is what I know: You’re not just cheering them on – you’re giving them a mindset tool that helps them rise through any moment.
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Until next time…
26 Nov 2025
Naming ‘the elephant’ Builds Connection
Last week, I walked into my presentation with a bandage on my forehead. Before I started, I told the students what happened: I had tripped, hit my forehead, and ended up with a small cut.
Why did I start there? Because otherwise it would have been the elephant in the room and kids always notice ‘the elephant’. If we don’t explain, they fill in the gaps with their own guesses, worries, or assumptions.
Sharing what’s happening shows kids that it’s okay to notice, ask questions and share how they feel – the keys to building connection with kids in everyday interactions.
Ways to Connect 1. Name it: Tell them what’s happening when they notice something. 2. Keep it simple: A short, honest explanation is enough. 3. Invite conversation: Encourage questions and let them share their feelings.
When you do this, you are showing children that they can trust their observations and their feelings.
This is what I know: They will learn they are not alone, that feelings matter, and that mistakes are part of life – all essential for building connection with kids and helping them grow into compassionate, confident, and resilient people.
Until next time…
12 Nov 2025
‘It wasn’t me – it was them.’
We’ve all heard those words.
Taking responsibility isn’t always easy for kids. It can stir up uncomfortable emotions — shame, frustration, embarrassment, sadness, and sometimes even pride.
It’s much easier for kids to point the finger somewhere else.
Here’s the truth: When kids take responsibility, they also take back their power — the power to grow, to shift, and to become their best selves.
It’s about owning what they can control — their choices. That’s where change happens. That’s where confidence is built.
Here’s something I use with my son when he says, “It wasn’t me.” I pause and calmly ask, “What emotion is making it hard to accept responsibility?”
Here’s the bigger picture: when kids take responsibility for their feelings and choices, they stop being victims of their circumstances. They become the authors of their own story — a story where accountability builds character, confidence, and self-respect.
This is what I know: Yes, it’s a process. And yes, it will take time. But every step toward ownership is a step toward confidence, resilience, and understanding themselves a little better.
Until next time…
30 Oct 2025
Gratitude in the Unexpected
When you choose to only focus on what you expected to achieve or what you wanted to occur, a mindset shift for gratitude helps you notice the learning and opportunities that can come from life’s detours.
When I was travelling to BC, I expected that my holiday would be stress free – a time to relax and have fun.
Then the detour happened…my purse with all my ID was stolen. I was sad, angry, disappointed and overwhelmed.
Awhile later my mum suggested I write 3 things I could be grateful for from this disheartening incident.
I was shocked. What could I possibly appreciate?
I decided to give it a try.
I took pen to paper and wrote:
1. The kindness and generosity of the people around me who wanted to replace the items in my purse.
2. My brother-in-law (a police officer) immediately started to find ways to get me new identification so I could board the plane home.
3. A fun shopping trip with my mum to replace my purse.
When I chose to focus on what I appreciated rather than what I expected, a mindset shift for gratitude made it easier to let go of the tough emotions I was experiencing, and I was able to bounce back much quicker than I normally would.
Next time your child is facing a challenging time or a tough emotion, ask them to write or tell you 3 things they are grateful for to help them bounce back to move forward.
This is what I know: A mindset shift for gratitude works – not only for kids but also adults!
Until next time…
15 Oct 2025
More Than Just Trophies
In my last newsletter, I wrote about celebrating small wins for adults – those little moments that make life feel lighter, more meaningful, and remind us we’re making progress.
I began to wonder how kids see wins in their own lives, so I asked my son about small wins. He looked at me and said, “I don’t know what you mean.”
I decided to try a different question: “What’s a big win?”
At first, he said, “Winning a hockey tournament.” Then, after a pause, he changed his answer: “Having fun.”
That made me realize – this is exactly why the benefits of play for kids are so important.
For kids, it’s freedom, curiosity, and connection. It’s laughter with friends, trying new skills, and discovering what excites them. It’s the courage to stumble, get back up, and try again without fear of failure. These moments help them manage their emotions and take a break from life’s pressures, giving them space to recharge.
When children are fully engaged in what they love, they experience the benefits of play for kids firsthand – building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. Joy, curiosity, and playfulness shape their character, friendships, and how they see the world.
This is what I know: Next time you see kids laughing, playing, or absorbed in what they love, remember – these aren’t just playtime moments. They’re opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. These are the big wins that don’t come with trophies.
Until next time…
1 Oct 2025
Power of Small Wins – Why You’re Winning Without Realizing It
You most likely notice the big wins, but are you seeing the small ones?
The big wins are easy to spot…finishing a challenging project, hitting a professional goal, or successfully navigating a tough situation. Exciting, yes. But it’s the small wins – the everyday choices to stay patient, focused, and calm under pressure that shapes who you are. This is the true power of small wins.
These choices contribute to your personal growth and build your resilience over time.
Try This: End your day by reflecting on one small win. It’s a simple step toward self-improvement and noticing everyday victories.
It could be something as simple as:
Taking a deep breath instead of reacting in frustration
Following through on a task even when motivation is low
Listening fully, even when you’re tired
Encouraging a child or student who’s struggling
Celebrating these small wins is about honouring your everyday efforts and noticing the moments that matter – a practice that strengthens your mindset and shows why mindset matters.
Sometimes a quiet acknowledgment to yourself, like ‘I handled that well,’ can be more powerful than any applause.
This is what I know: These small, often unnoticed moments may seem ordinary, but every effort, every patient response, every deliberate choice, all add up. That’s the power of small wins in action – helping you keep going and growing.
Until next time…
17 Sep 2025
Unlock Your Child’s Confidence in Seconds
A lot of kids tell me they’re nervous to read out loud or speak in front of their class. Many feel scared, anxious, or embarrassed. You might be wondering how to help your child build confidence in these moments. One student’s experience after my presentation is a perfect example of how small actions can make a big impact.
After the presentation, a young girl confided that she had to give a speech to her classmates next period – but didn’t feel confident enough to do it.
I shared a simple strategy: ‘Stand tall, shoulders back, head high.’
She promised to give it a try.
A little while later, she excitedly told me, “It worked! It made so much difference.”
That moment reminded me – the way we carry ourselves doesn’t just change how others see us. It also changes how we feel about ourselves.
Standing tall sends the brain a powerful message: ‘I’m ready. I can do this.’
It’s a small act that helps kids step into courage in moments that feel overwhelming
Here’s how you can help your child build confidence:
Pause & Focus – Before a test, game, or presentation, guide them to repeat the phrase: ‘Stand tall, shoulders back, head high.’
Boost Their Courage – Ask them to repeat the above phrase until it becomes their mindset.
Practice Together – Stand tall side by side and notice the energy shift together.
This is what I know: Confidence often begins with the impact of one simple choice — how we choose to stand.
Until next time…
4 Sep 2025
Why Kids Need Space after School?
It doesn’t matter if your child is usually a chatterbox or more reserved—sometimes, getting them to open up after school can be tough, at least for me. 😊
Your child arrives home, and you can’t wait to hear every detail. You ask, “How was your day?”
And you get… “Good.” (That’s my son’s go-to response)
Or maybe you get, “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Or nothing at all.
Sound familiar?
School days are long. They require a lot of emotional energy: paying attention, learning new things, navigating friendships, following rules, and being ‘on’ from start to finish.
It’s not about shutting you out — it’s that kids need space to unwind before they can talk. Instead of pressing for details right away, try giving them a calm, welcoming space. Offer a snack, suggest a quiet activity, or simply let them settle in.
When kids feel they have permission to decompress, they’re more likely to open up on their own. Sometimes the conversation comes minutes later, sometimes at bedtime, or even the next day — and that’s completely normal.
I know for my son bedtime is when he opens up – that’s when I get information I thought would happen as soon as he walked in the door.
This is what I know: Respecting that kids need space helps them feel supported and more willing to share when they’re ready.
Until next time…
26 Jun 2025
Why Cheering Matters: Kids Notice More Than You Think
This summer, the sidelines will be full.
From soccer fields to baseball diamonds, basketball courts to swim meets—everywhere you look, kids will be running, jumping, skating, throwing, kicking, dancing, and giving it their all.
And behind the action? Parents. Sitting. Standing. Watching.
Some fully present—clapping, smiling, cheering. Others half-scrolling, half-listening, missing the moments their kids will remember.
Here’s why cheering matters: our kids notice.
They see who’s paying attention. They hear who’s cheering. And when they do, they feel something powerful—supported, encouraged, seen, valued.
I asked my son and his friends if they like hearing people cheer. Their answer was a resounding: “YES.”
What they don’t want to hear are negative comments or criticism—shouting at referees, over-celebrating every move, or yelling about mistakes. It can leave them feeling discouraged or self-conscious, which takes away the fun.
This is what I know: When you cheer, you’re not just supporting a game—you’re supporting their growth, their confidence, and their joy. You’re supporting your connection to them. It’s a powerful reminder why cheering matters.
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