parenting tips Archives - UPower Presentations - Sara Westbrook

Are you proud of yourself?

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 18:06:54 +0000

We often say to kids ‘good job’ or ‘I’m proud of you.’ Those words matter, but they can train kids to look outward for validation instead of inward for recognition. A simple question shifts that focus: ‘Are you proud of yourself?’ It sounds small, but it changes where the reflection happens. Instead of waiting for […]

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Resilience Isn’t What You Think

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 01:37:52 +0000

Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from what happened. It’s about bouncing back from how it made your child feel. When kids face challenges – a friend is unkind, a game is lost, or a mistake is made – the hardest part to manage is often their emotional reaction, not the event itself. If a […]

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Naming ‘the elephant’ Builds Connection

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 03:18:53 +0000

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 […]

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Why Kids Need Space after School?

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 03:00:31 +0000

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) […]

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Eye rolls, yelling, arguing…sound familiar?

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:51:09 +0000

Have you ever looked at your child in the middle of an emotional meltdown and thought, ‘This isn’t who you really are?’ We’ve all been there. Maybe they yelled at you in frustration, rolled their eyes and walked away. Maybe they started crying over something that seemed small to you but felt big to them, or argued […]

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The #1 Mindset that Helps Kids Win in Life

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 15:21:10 +0000

Winning brings success—so does learning. When kids embrace a win-or-learn mindset, they recognize that every experience has value. Whether they achieve their goal or gain new insight, both outcomes help them grow stronger, wiser and more confident. This perspective teaches them that success isn’t just about crossing the finish line—it’s also about the skills, knowledge […]

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The Truth About Parenting: What Every Parent Needs to Hear

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 22:57:57 +0000

When I speak with parents, I notice a common thread—a strong desire to support their children and help them thrive. They’re not chasing perfection – parenting through imperfections is something every parent experiences. They just want reassurance that they’re on the right path. And when they discover new strategies, they’re eager to learn and grow […]

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The Power of Showing Up for Your Kids

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:19:39 +0000

Ah, the joy of showing up for my child’s Christmas concert—an annual tradition filled with festive tunes, awkward choreography and priceless memories. When my son was little, he’d spot me in the crowd and wave like I was his VIP guest, sometimes mid-song. Now that he’s 12, the roles have reversed; I’m the one enthusiastically […]

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Guiding Children’s Choices

Linda Westbrook — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 19:10:52 +0000

Just like a GPS needs a destination to guide us, our brain also works best when it focuses on a specific end result. Similarly, having a clear destination can guide children’s choices, helping them navigate challenges with confidence and purpose. In life, a child’s ‘GPS destination’ needs to be rooted in their character. This gives […]

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How Powerful is Self-Talk in Shaping a Child’s Resilience?

Linda Westbrook — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 01:26:33 +0000

Recently, I had a conversation with my 11-year-old son about his self-talk during challenging moments—whether on the ice or in everyday life. I asked him, “What do you tell yourself when things don’t go as planned? How do you bounce back?” His response was simple yet powerful: “I tell myself, ‘I got this.’ And I […]

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