Parenting Paused

I found in my parenting journey that there's a delicate balance between caring for our children and unintentionally taking over. What might this balance look like? As a mama, I find my love knows no bounds. Even though, when my daughter was young, I wanted to shield her from pain, guide her through challenges, and see her thrive I found it challenging to separate out my desires from hers. I discovered that caring involved offering support, encouragement, and coming along side her when she stumbled instead of trying to fix the situation. It was about creating an environment that supported confidence and independence, nurturing her growth rather than overshadowing it. Truthfully, out of my own need to be a "good" mama, I unintentionally took over. It happened when my love, concern, and desire to protect her veered into taking care of her so she didn't have to experience any pain. What it came down to was I was offering her what I didn't receive when I was young. Even though it was well-intentioned, taking care

Finding the sweet spot between power and influence is the dance of parenthood. It's about knowing when to step in and hold our personal boundary and when to step back, supporting our children in taking the space to explore, learn, and develop their own sense of self. Let's celebrate the power of awareness and influence—a force that lasts long after the rules are laid down. Here's to fostering connections, and guiding our children not just to follow our lead but with a love that shapes their journey. Listen, now.

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself reflecting on the beautiful dance between giving and receiving. This time of year isn't just about the twinkling lights and festive decorations; it's a celebration of the connections we share and the love we have to offer. There's something incredibly heartwarming about selecting that perfect gift, wrapping it with care, and witnessing the joy it brings to someone's face. Whether it's a thoughtful gesture, a homemade treat, or a simple act of kindness, the spirit of giving creates a ripple of warmth and joy that extends far beyond the physical gift itself. On the flip side, receiving graciously is equally as special. It's about embracing the love, thoughtfulness, and effort that went into someone choosing that special gift for you. Sometimes, the most precious presents come in the form of time spent together, laughter shared, and memories created. This year, let's challenge ourselves to be present in both giving and receiving. Let's appreciate the unique joy tha

Disappointment has been on my mind lately, and I imagine you can relate. There are some really great things that come along with parenting and yet it also has its share of disappointments. I often found myself wrestling with the weight of expectations. It's not easy admitting that the source of disappointment isn't external, rather it comes from within – from the expectations I set on myself as a mother and therefore for my child to fulfill those expectations so I felt good about myself. We all have dreams and aspirations for our children, hoping they'll flourish in certain areas, follow a certain path. But here's the kicker – kids are their own unique individuals, with their own strengths and passions. Sometimes, they don't align with the script we had in mind. And that can be tough to swallow. It's a lesson in humility, a reminder that my child is not an extension of me, but a beautifully independent soul on their own journey. Of course, at times you'll feel disappointed, and it's also important to go to yo

Tag, You're it!Do you recall those words? The exhilarating start of the game tag! Everyone dashes, laughter echoing, as the chase begins. Let the adventure commence! The art of zigzagging, ducking, and weaving through the playground. Mastering the moves to avoid being tagged is an art form! The anticipation and anxiety! Spotting that safe base, your heart races as you make a beeline for it, dodging pursuers along the way. Finally you reach the safe base, pure bliss! The moment of victory, knowing you've outsmarted your chaser and secured a moment of respite. In Purejoy we believe that parenting can feel very much like this child-hood game. That's why I created the SafeSeat. Think of it as your "safe-base" when the stress of parenting becomes overwhelming. Listen on for how you can utilize this tool and bring back those blissful moments.  

Hey lovies! The holiday season is upon us, and that means family gatherings. Ever found yourself at odds with more traditional family values while consciously parenting? I've been there. I used to get defensive about my parenting style, convinced it was the only right way. But here's the shift – realizing it's okay to have different values. When heading to family events, I'd prep my daughter on their expectations, like manners, which were a big deal for them. Instead of fighting against it, I framed it as an act of love for my family. Just like prepping her for school rules, it wasn't about right or wrong; it was about understanding the 'lay of the land.' If you're heading home this year, imagine how it would feel to embrace your family's values instead of needing them to change. Take a new approach by supporting your kids in understanding the practical expectations without making it an emotional issue. Listen, now.  

Hey amazing parents! Leslie Potter here with a heartfelt pause for gratitude on this Thanksgiving week. Whether you're a regular listener or joining us for the first time, THANK YOU for being part of the Parenting Paused community. Parenting is a wild ride, and kudos to all of you for taking a less traditional path! This week, let's dive into the transformative power of GRATITUDE. I used to struggle with gratitude – it felt forced. But I realized it's a practice, a conscious choice to find appreciation even in challenging moments. This week, I invite you to join me. What moments evoke gratitude? Share below and let's inspire each other. And here's a Purejoy challenge: What is it like to offer thanks to yourself? Parenting is tough, but you're here, seeking growth. Practice dropping the self-criticism just for this week and acknowledge the incredible parent you are.   Happy Thanksgiving!

​​If you've been with me, you know we're all about embracing a different way to parent – one that honors each child's unique spirit. This week, let's dive into PRESSURE. Where does it come from? Have you ever felt the weight of external expectations making you question your parenting choices? I sure have! In the quest for conscious parenting, I realized much of the pressure was linked to external influences. Ever been there? It can be overwhelming! But here's the twist – what if the key is shifting your focus? Instead of telling your little ones what they can't do, what if you ask, "What's going on inside them that doesn't feel okay?" Take a pause this week, break free from external pressures, and understand your children's behavior through empathy. Ever noticed your child expressing stress through their actions?  Listen, here.

Hey there, Purejoy Parents! How do you find ways to navigate your own emotional triggers when your child's intense feelings strike a chord within you? In this week's podcast, dive deep into the world of childhood emotions and their powerful energetic impact. Discover how to unravel the intricacies of emotional attunement and how it shapes our little ones' behaviors. Let's explore how understanding and managing these energetic charges can nurture a stronger bond with our kids. Tune in now for some heartfelt insights!  

Parenting is a journey filled with love, learning, and sometimes apprehension about the future. What do you notice in your parenting and energetics when you find yourself worrying about the future rather than parenting from the reality of right now? Do you parent the child in front of you or an invented future version of them? As you reflect back on the unexpected and sometimes difficult experiences you've had in the past, you'll see that you met the challenge as it happened. Here's to parenting with open hearts, free from the weight of future fears, and trusting that whatever comes "you've got it".

This week let's talk about something that's been on my mind lately - the idea of children being "behind." It's easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially in today's fast-paced world. You see other kids hitting milestones, excelling in various areas, and you sometimes wonder if your own child is "keeping up." But here's the thing - every child is on their own path. They bloom at their own pace, like beautiful flowers in a garden. Some may walk early, while others take their time, but it doesn't determine their worth or potential. So, if you ever find yourself wondering if your child is "behind," take a deep breath and remember that all children are unique and they're exactly where they need to be. By coming along side your child and supporting their wisdom you will be able to support the incredible individuals they already are.

Parenting is a journey of love, growth, and discovery. It's a constant learning process, and one lesson that's been on my mind lately is being mindful of our own expectations when it comes to our children. It's only natural to have dreams and hopes for our kids. We want them to thrive, to find their own happiness, and to lead fulfilling lives. However, it's important to pause and reflect on whether these hopes align with our child's true desires. It's essential that we give them the space and support to explore these without imposing our own aspirations onto them. Let's all take a moment to reflect on our own expectations and ensure we're providing a space for our children to blossom into their authentic selves. Together, we can raise a generation of strong, confident, and uniquely beautiful individuals.

Finding the right level of self-control in parenting is like being the captain of a ship, guiding it through both calm waters and occasional storms. It's important to create a safe and nurturing environment internally which supports growth and independence outside. On this week's podcast you will discover how the feeling of powerlessness leads to over-compensating, giving you the illusion of control, and how to relax back and open to a greater knowing.

Parenthood is an incredible rollercoaster ride, filled with highs and lows that shape us into the parents we are today. One aspect we all encounter on this journey is regret. It's okay to admit that there are moments we wish we could redo or regret decisions we'd make differently. Let's not shy away from regret, but rather, face it head-on with compassion, exploration and an open heart. Could you discover both the benefits and drawbacks that come along with each regret? Discover how to Release Regret on this week's Parenting Paused Podcast.

Do you ever feel like you're trying to control your kids' behavior with strategies you learned from others, just to attain peace within yourself? Have you ever wondered if there's a better way to handle those moments of discomfort? In this episode, we'll explore these questions and more. Explore how to shift your focus from external control to inner peace through the foundational tool at Purejoy called "The SafeSeat". Discover how recognizing your internal disturbance leads to a more harmonious family life.  

Are you struggling to find moments of relaxation in the chaos of parenthood?  Do you constantly feel the need to keep up with the never-ending to-do list?  Do you ever wonder if you're truly present with your kids, or are you always chasing the next task?  This week on Parenting Paused, let's dive deep into the art of relaxation and being present. Are external voices and expectations drowning out your authentic parenting journey?  Join us as we explore slowing down, embracing the moment, and rediscovering your own rhythm in parenthood.  Let's shift from living someone else's life to fully experiencing your unique journey as a parent.  Listen, now.  

As a mom who's been on this wild parenting journey for 23 years now, I know the struggles and challenges we face in raising our kids. But here's the thing: I've realized that much of my early parenting was influenced by deep-seated conditioning and personal stories I carried with me.  In this week's episode of "Parenting Pause," I'm delving into the profound concept of consciousness and conditioning. How often have we taken things personally, only to realize that these reactions stem from our past experiences and learned beliefs?  I'll share my own journey of breaking free from the "I'm not important" narrative and how it impacted my relationship with my daughter.  Join me as we explore the doorways to a deeper level of consciousness, where we can embrace the wisdom of the present moment and truly understand our needs and our children's needs.  Tune in to this week's episode, and let's start rewriting our parenting narratives together.

Let's talk about those tricky behaviors our little ones might exhibit. Instead of labeling them as "acting out" or just normal behavior, it's time to see them for what they truly are: symptoms.   Think about it this way - when we focus solely on solving the symptom itself, we often forget to dig deeper and address the root cause behind it. It can be tempting to tame their negative actions because society tells us good behavior is everything... but let me tell you a secret.   Every hit or bite from your kiddo? Yep, that right there is simply a symptom – an expression of something bigger going on underneath the surface. So here's my challenge for all you amazing parents out there: instead of getting caught up in trying to control these symptoms externally, how about empowering yourselves with knowledge?   By understanding both why certain behaviors arise and focusing on strengthening that special parent-child bond even more (because who doesn't want one?), together we can create an environment where true growth

Your beautiful fairytale story begins every morning when the sun rises. You fill your basket up with all of the parenting techniques and knowledge you know. Then, set off into the day to parent gently and offer all the love and kindness you possess. An uncomfortable moment comes up for your child and you think, yes, the perfect time to pull out my validation technique. You've heard it works so well for other parents, you have SO much hope. Instead the situation turns into "The Big Bad Wolf" and you can't understand where things went wrong. On this week's podcast you'll discover how to instead use that basket of techniques on yourself. You'll learn how offering kindness and validation to yourself first is the secret sauce to achieving your fairytale ending. Listen, here.

Do you notice yourself being "judgy" when you perceive that you or your child makes a mistake? You are not alone! What is a mistake anyway? The definition of a mistake is as follows: An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. Is it wrong in your eyes or when listening in do you notice someone else's voice? On this week's Parenting Paused Podcast discover a different approach to inquire within to explore is it really a mistake?