Persevere Through Challenging Times 

Feeling overwhelmed and tired? YOU ARE NOT ALONE! While many of us are traveling and commuting far less, there seems to be so much work to complete - in our home lives, in our work lives, and in our childrens’ school lives. Have you asked yourself lately, what CAN my child do for himself? Then, ask yourself, what COULD my child do for himself? One of the most exhilarating components of Montessori theory and education is the focus on the process of learning and practicing specific skills with the goal of internalizing the concepts and thought processes practiced in order to be able to work through future challenges by utilizing previous knowledge - THE FOUNDATION! You see, much of the learning that occurs takes place when the child internalizes what they see: such as the behaviors, language, habits, and mannerisms they observe through their day. It is true, young children are like SPONGES, as they just soak up everything around them, then, interpret and internalize what they experience. Children learn through observation, modeling, and hands-on experiences. Let’s identify how we can work to give kids more hands-on experiences and help them create pathways towards building their independence and improving their self-reliance. In these interactions, the POWER becomes THE CHOICES we provide and the refusal to cooperate should decline. Parents get power by providing appropriate choices. Kids get power by selecting one of the choices provided. It’s definitely a WIN-WIN! 

 

Establish Expectations

When you establish the expectations, you actually shape the experience! When the kids were going to school every day, we would discuss the dinner options and determine a plan in the car, prior to arriving home. As the adult, provide two options (that you approve of and are physically readily available). Do you want broccoli or carrot slices? Do you want apple slices or strawberries? Do you want pasta with butter or cheese? After eating dinner, the same routine is followed to pack school lunch for the next day. The children expect this activity to take place Sunday through Thursday. There were many months where the kids were not in school. During those times, the days that were “the easiest” lunch times were the ones where the kids had their lunches pre-packed the night prior. If you find yourself in a similar situation, consider making this simple shift to free up your “lunch break” for time to eat for a few minutes and connect; when possible. Want more information on appropriate power for kids? Check out this article: Power in Choice  

Over the course of the last 6 months or so, I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to get to know and work closely with Jean Thorpe-Williams, DNP, CRNP, CCRN, CCM, Nurse Practitioner and Health & Wellness Coach. She’s an incredible resource, dedicated professional, and determined. momma. I’m excited to share this interview of Jean with all of you!

 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

“Hello, my name is Jean and I am a nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and health and wellness consultant for busy professional women/moms/entrepreneurs. I am passionate about teaching women to take control of their health, so that they can become healthy, fit, strong, and happier for themselves, as well as their families. My goal is to help women develop and incorporate strategies that will help them to eat healthier and find the time for fitness activities. I am committed to working with clients and providing them with tools, so that they can take responsibility for their own health. Additionally, I strive to support clients in managing chronic illnesses, as they work towards lowering their cholesterol and blood sugar, losing weight, and improving their overall health.”

 

NOW AVAILABLE: Encouraging Healthy Eating in Challenging Times, Zoom Seminar and resources featuring Jean Thorpe-Williams, DNP, CRNP, CCRN, CCM, Nurse Practitioner and Health & Wellness Coach in collaboration with Azizi Davis, LCSW, MS. Ed., Special Education Teacher and Clinical Social Worker and Stacey Band, MPA, Montessori Educator, Parent Coach, and Founder of Home Day Hero.

Purchase the Replay: Encouraging Healthy Eating in Challenging Times 

What drew you to Nursing, Health and Wellness work?

 “I have always been fascinated by medicine and healthcare. I obtained a bachelor’s degree in Biology and worked in a medical lab in the hospital one point. Working in the hospital gave me an up-close view of nursing. I was able to see nurses in the full spectrum of their roles and was inspired by the levels of expertise and skills that they provided to the patients. I decided to pursue the Bachelors in Nursing and went on to further my education with a Masters in Adult Nurse Practitioner and recently completed the Doctorate of Nursing Practice in which was in May 2020. I have working in the hospital for many years. As much as I love working in the hospital with patients, I found that I was limited in reaching patients at the preventative stage. In the hospital, I was predominantly taking care of patients who were in acutely ill and who required inpatient care. I decided then that I could be most effective in helping clients with their health and wellness journey by teaching them preventative health. Over the years, I have studied health and wellness extensively and I wanted to utilize the knowledge to help clients, who were predominantly busy professional moms who are tasked with taking care of themselves and their families.”

 

What are your favorite “go-to” snacks? And, what are the health benefits of each? 

Here are 7 Nutrient-Packed Suggestions:

1. Smoothies with combination of any variety of fruits and vegetables 

My favorite is Spinach/Kale, Berries, Apples, Ginger, and Hemp Seeds Smoothie.

Smoothies are quick and easy to make. You can get at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in one drink. 

 

2. Apple with Peanut Butter

This is a quick and a nutritious source of protein and carbohydrate. It is also easy on the stomach for a pre or post workout and can be easily pre-pack for adults as well as children. 

 

3. Homemade Trail Mix 

Mix may include items, such as: raw almonds, dried cranberries, home-made popcorn, sunflower seeds, pieces of dark chocolate.

This can be made in bulk and pre-packed for a quick snack or home or school. Healthy trail mix is nutritious and satisfies salt or sugar cravings without excess calories such as the amount found in chips and cookies. 

 

4. “Parfait” - Plain Greek yogurt with any variety of fruits and small amount of granola (for crunch) 

This can be home made to reduce the high sugar content found in store bought granola.

This is a great source of protein and carbohydrate combination. 

 

5. Sliced Seasonal Fruits

Fresh fruits are filling, packed with nutrients and fiber and can easily be pre-packed. This is a great way to introduce children to a variety of fruits.

 

6. Homemade Stove-Top Popcorn

This is easy to make, has lower calorie than potato chips and can be made in a big batch and pre-packed in bags.  

 

7. Baked Kale Chips

These are easy to make, low in calorie, and nutritious. Kale is loaded with powerful antioxidant and fiber which makes you feel full for a longer time.

 

Everyone is so busy these days. Making healthy eating choices may seem difficult. What tips and tricks do you have for meal prep? 

“Many women get overwhelmed by long days spent meal prepping or cooking every day. I also find that people who meal prep for the whole week often get tired of eating the same meal. Instead, I suggest meal planning. This means going through menus for the week and planning out quick meals to avoid the dilemma of ‘what’s for dinner’ which can often lead to eating out. Eating out is okay, but not if it’s done too often. With menu planning, you can make staple items in batches such as large servings of roasted vegetables, quinoa or a big salad. You can then add a different protein each day and basically mix and match meals. It is always best to eat natural ‘clean’ food while avoiding processed and packaged foods which has lots of artificial ingredients. It is important to incorporate a wide variety of colorful vegetables and fruits which are low in calories and contain many of the vitamins and antioxidants we need. Increasing fruits and vegetables in our diet is a great step that busy professional women can incorporate to improve their health, as well as the health of their families.”

Many thanks to Jean for her time and expertise!

 

We know, time is precious, limited in many ways by our schedules and the needs of others. Determine for yourself, what parts of your schedule are frustrating? How can these “sticky” parts of the schedule be helped? Need some support or guidance? Reach out to Jean by email  Or, if your challenges are related to your kiddos, reach out to Stacey by email. Want to encourage decision making and independence!? Home Day Hero has a FABULOUS free resource available by request through the website that will help you empower your kiddos and see some of the everyday stress! Home Day Hero

 

Need more information on appropriate power for kids? Check out this article: Power in Choice