HAS Parent Outreach Program
October 2024
October: Raising Good Humans - What is Mindful Parenting?
Welcome to the Family Wellness Spotlight, a recurring series where we’ll explore key insights from various sources on parenting best practices! Currently, we are reading the book Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields. Over the coming months, we’ll dive into practical strategies from the book to help cultivate mindful parenting, strengthen family relationships, and raise kind, confident children. Join us as we unpack these lessons and apply them to everyday life!
In this edition of our spotlight, we explore the mindful approach to parenting described by Hunter Clarke-Fields in Raising Good Humans. The quote, “My greatest wins as a mom stem from moments of failure,” frames this conversation perfectly. Clarke-Fields explains how her actions at times damaged her relationship with her daughter, but through mindfulness, compassionate communication, and conflict mediation, she found ways to become calmer and more skillful in her responses. It’s a powerful reminder that even in our toughest moments as parents, there are opportunities for growth and learning.
Parenting often brings us face to face with our own triggers and reactions, especially in stressful moments. As Clarke-Fields points out, “Most parenting books don’t tell you that all their good advice goes out the window when your stress response kicks in.” The key, she suggests, is learning to take care of our triggers so that we can respond to our children thoughtfully rather than reactively. It’s about modeling the behavior we want to see in our kids—practicing kindness, patience, and respect, even when it’s hard.
Ultimately, Clarke-Fields encourages us to embrace the challenges of parenting as teachers, rather than obstacles. She asks, “What do you want from your kids?” and follows with the bigger question, “Are you practicing these things in your own life?” This is the heart of mindful parenting—creating the patterns in ourselves that we want to see in our children.
Next month we will dive into breaking the cycle of reactivity and keeping your cool in challenging moments.
You can learn more about Raising Good Humans and Hunter Clarke-Fields in the links below.
Care Solace
In an effort to ease the burden of finding the mental health and substance use services you need, Holly Area Schools has formed a new partnership with Care Solace, your central hub of care.
With a network of over 350,000 providers and services, Care Solace will help you find the right help at the right time, 24/7/365, at no cost to you. They will connect you with providers accepting all medical insurances, including Medicaid, Medicare, and sliding scale options for those without insurance.
You can access Care Solace services in three ways:
- Call 888-515-0595 to connect with a Care Companion who will guide you through the process
- Search anonymously to get matched with an extensive list of care providers here
- Contact your school counselor or social worker and they will submit a referral on your behalf
Please reach out to Cheryl Price with any questions: 248-328-3230, cheryl.price@hask12.org
October: Self Care Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Embrace the Changing Seasons
With fall upon us, take the opportunity to reflect on the natural cycles of change. Just as nature shifts, so can we:
Ground Yourself in Nature: Take a walk outside, enjoy the crisp air, and appreciate the changing colors of the leaves. Nature can be a powerful mental health booster.
Practice Mindfulness: Spend time noticing the smells, sounds, and colors of the season. It can help you stay present and reduce anxiety.
Prioritize Rest and Sleep
With shorter days and cooler nights, it’s natural to feel a bit more sluggish.
Create a Cozy Sleep Environment: Now is a great time to adjust your bedroom for cooler weather. Warm lighting, soft blankets, and calming scents can improve your quality of sleep.
Set Boundaries with Your Time: October can be a busy month with holidays approaching. Be mindful of over-scheduling and ensure you carve out time for rest.
Nurture Your Mind with Reflection
Autumn is often associated with introspection and letting go of what no longer serves us.
Journaling: Try journaling about what this year has meant for you so far. What have you learned? What are you ready to let go of?
Focus on Gratitude: Make a list of things you're grateful for as the year begins to wind down. Gratitude practices can boost mental resilience and positivity.
Engage in Seasonal Activities
Enjoying seasonal activities can bring joy and provide a sense of connection.
Pumpkin Carving or Painting: A creative and fun way to relax and unwind.
Try New Fall Recipes: Experimenting with comforting seasonal ingredients like pumpkin, apples, and spices can be nourishing for both the body and mind.
Stay Connected
As the days get shorter and colder, it can be tempting to isolate.
Schedule Regular Social Time: Even if it’s just a virtual coffee or a phone call, staying connected with friends or family can prevent feelings of loneliness.
Join a Fall Group Activity: Whether it’s a book club, crafting group, or outdoor fitness class, staying engaged with a community helps maintain emotional well-being.
Prepare for the Upcoming Holiday Stress
The holiday season can be stressful, so start preparing your mental health now.
Set Realistic Expectations: If holidays tend to overwhelm you, begin by setting clear boundaries and managing expectations.
Practice Saying ‘No’: Don’t feel obligated to commit to every event or request. It’s okay to say no to preserve your energy and well-being.
Check-in with Yourself Regularly
October can be a good time for self-evaluation and resetting mental health goals.
Do a Mental Health Check-in: Ask yourself, how am I really feeling? Do I need more rest, connection, or creativity?
