Jodie Maddox

Volume 16 February 3, 2024

Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant

I PARTNER with parents and schools.

I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.

I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.

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Contact Me Today!!!!

Website - jodiemaddoxicoach.com

Email jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

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Unlocking the Possibilities!!!

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Dear Friends,

Happy February! This month we celebrate Black History Month and of course Valentine's Day. You can't celebrate love without embracing the scary emotion of vulnerability. Just like our favorite football team the KC Chiefs, this week we will be tackling this big emotion head-on! Being vulnerable is one of the hardest emotions we can learn to manage as humans. Once we learn to calm our fears and our need to control everything, endless possibilities are naturally opened to us.

My favorite vulnerable and lovable character is Shrek. Not only was this Pixar movie mega-hit an instant family favorite, but the big green, oh-so-grumpy, adorable character taught us a lot about the importance of being vulnerable. In the 2001 movie Shrek, the relatable main character discovered the importance of being vulnerable throughout his journey to save Princess Fiona. Initially, Shrek, an ogre, values his solitude and independence. However, as he navigates challenges and confronts his vulnerabilities, he forms unlikely friendships with Donkey and Princess Fiona. Through their support, Shrek learns that vulnerability isn't a weakness but a pathway to connection and growth. He discovers the transformative power of authentic relationships, realizing that true strength comes from vulnerability and interdependence.

Admitting we are struggling and might need guidance takes real courage. As adults, we easily forget that vulnerability has no age limits. Vulnerability involves the willingness to risk rejection, hurt, or disappointment. Depending on their age and life experience, most children and teenagers are not developmentally ready to identify or verbalize where they are struggling. Being vulnerable requires a certain emotional maturity, courage, and strength. This is easy to forget as a parent when you are dealing with an unmotivated teenager or maybe a sassy preteen girl.

This week we are pushing past our defenses, feelings of weakness, and all of our insecurities to look deep into the beautiful emotion of vulnerability.

Congratulations to our Chiefs! Bring on the Super Bowl!!!!

With A Grateful Heart,

Jodie Maddox Parent Coach and Education Consultant

Skills For Success

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Vulnerability

When I am working with parents or teachers who are knee-deep in big snarky behaviors, I often hear comments like “All they need to do is ask, they know I am here to help, but I want them to advocate for themselves.” Or maybe the parent is exhausted from dealing with their child’s lagging executive functioning skills. I sometimes hear comments like “My child is so stubborn they won't let me help them do anything.” During the emotional roller coaster of parenting, it is important to remember that asking for help or knowing how to identify stress is a learned behavior. It takes a certain level of maturity and courage to admit you are struggling and need guidance.

The good news is most children have an amazing support system in their lives. However, they may not have the emotional IQ to know how to verbalize the stress they may be experiencing. If we want our children, especially our teenagers, to learn vulnerability and advocacy skills, sometimes we need to slow down and reflect on our own behaviors. Are we modeling vulnerability? How easy is it to admit when you are struggling? We can’t control someone else, but we can control ourselves. Here are a few questions to ask ourselves when we are evaluating our own willingness to be vulnerable.

1. Am I comfortable expressing my emotions, including both positive and negative feelings, to others?

2. Do I willingly share my personal experiences, thoughts, and fears with trusted individuals?

3. How do I respond to criticism or feedback from others? Am I open to constructive criticism, or do I become defensive?

4. Do I actively seek out opportunities to connect with others on a deeper emotional level?

5. Am I willing to take risks and be authentic in my interactions, even if it means potentially experiencing rejection or disappointment?

6. How do I handle situations where I feel exposed or out of my comfort zone?

7. Do I prioritize building trust and closeness in my relationships, even if it requires being vulnerable?

8. How do I cope with uncertainty and ambiguity in my life? Am I open to embracing the unknown?

9. Do I view vulnerability as a strength and an essential component of meaningful connections and personal growth?

10. When was the last time my child saw me being vulnerable?

Taking time to reflect on a few of these questions can provide insights into your own willingness to be vulnerable and open in your relationships and interactions with others. Modeling these important skills for your children will help them build self-awareness, and most importantly, help them recognize the importance of being vulnerable and how to access the strong support system they have in their own life……. just like Shrek recognized the same thing in his dedicated friends, Donkey and Princess Fiona.

Health and Wellness Corner

Dr. Ross - Flourishbound

Nutrition for Sleep Disorders

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Elements of the 5 R Programs

Integrative medicine, which combines conventional medical approaches with complementary therapies, provides a comprehensive method for addressing sleep disorders in children. Here are several examples of integrative medicine approaches for sleep disorders:

**Nutrition for Sleep Disorders:**

Maintaining a well-balanced diet that includes a diverse range of macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for optimal sleep. A study investigating the impact of a Mediterranean diet on sleep-related issues in pediatric patients revealed that adherence to dietary guidelines led to improved sleep and fewer disturbances. The Mediterranean diet focuses on whole-food nutrition, emphasizing seasonal fruits and vegetables, minimally processed items, healthy fats like olive oil, high-quality lean protein, and moderate consumption of dairy foods.

**Supplements and Herbs for Sleep Disorders:**

1. **Melatonin:**

This hormone plays a pivotal role in regulating sleep by inducing a state of sleepiness and influencing various areas of the brain. Children with disturbances in their sleep-wake patterns may benefit from melatonin supplementation. A safe and effective dosage ranges from 1 to 5 mg. It is advisable to start with a low dose and consult with complementary and Integrative Medicine Approaches for Sleep in Children.

2. **Vitamin D:**

Research has identified a correlation between sleep disorders and vitamin D deficiency. Children with insufficient vitamin D status may experience less restorative sleep. Supplementation with 600-1000 IU daily is recommended for therapeutic dosing in children older than one year, but monitoring and individual adjustments are essential.

3. **Iron Supplementation:**

Iron deficiency can significantly impact sleep rhythms, potentially triggering sleep disorders. A complete iron panel can provide a comprehensive understanding of the child's condition. Incorporating iron-rich foods, such as liver, red meat, oysters, chicken, and green leafy vegetables, is one approach, with recommended supplementation doses based on age and lab results. Never supplement iron without appropriate lab testing.

4. **Chamomile:**

Also known as German Chamomile, this herb has traditionally been used for its calming properties to promote relaxation. A meta-analysis and systematic review showed significant improvements in sleep quality in individuals taking Chamomile. When introducing Chamomile to children, it is best consumed as a tea, which can also serve as a soothing bedtime ritual.

The impact of sleep disorders extends beyond mere sleep disruptions, affecting a child's holistic health and well-being. To restore your child's sleep patterns, addressing the issue through thorough testing and implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions is crucial. Email info@flourishbound.com if your child is struggling with sleep and if you want to explore a personalized approach tailored to your child’s unique needs!

Parent Corner

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Feeling alone? Overwhelmed with the amount of decisions you need to make for yourself, your family, and your job? Ready for change but you don't know where to start? I am here to help! I partner with parents and schools to help them create space for strategic change. Together in 10 short weeks, we will discover, dream, design, and make a plan that supports and empowers you!

Contact me today for your free consultation jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com