Hey there, and welcome back. I'm Julia Cartwright, and I'm so glad you're here. You know, December first is that strange threshold day, isn't it? The holidays are knocking on the door, the calendar's filling up faster than a toddler's sippy cup, and I'm willing to bet that if you're a parent right now, you're feeling that particular blend of excitement and overwhelm that comes with this season. Maybe your kids are already vibrating with anticipation. Maybe you're already thinking about all the things. So today, I want to share something that's genuinely helped countless parents I've worked with navigate these next few weeks with a little more ease and a lot more presence.

Let's start by just settling in right where you are. Feet on the ground if you can. Take a moment and notice what's around you. Not to judge it, just to notice. Now, let's breathe together. Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, and exhale through your mouth like you're fogging up a window. Do that again. In for four, out like you're gently steaming that glass. One more time. Beautiful.

Here's what I want to teach you today. It's called the Anchor Practice, and it's perfect for those moments when your kids are bouncing off the walls and you can feel your own nervous system ramping up right alongside theirs. When kids get dysregulated, they're like little tuning forks, picking up on our frequency immediately. So here's what we do. The next time you feel that internal pressure building, pause. Just pause. Notice three things you can actually see. Not analyze, just see. Maybe it's the way light hits the table. The color of your child's shirt. A plant in the corner. Really look. Then notice two things you can touch. Feel your feet. Feel your hands. Ground yourself physically. Then listen for one sound. Just one. A hum. Traffic. Silence itself.

This anchors you in the present moment. And here's the magic part: when you're anchored, your kids feel that steadiness. They pick up on it. You become a calm reference point for them. It literally rewires the dynamic in real time.

So here's your assignment for today and tomorrow and all the way through December. When you feel the holiday chaos starting to wind you up, do the anchor practice. Three sights, two touches, one sound. Teach it to your kids too, if they're old enough. Make it a game. You're not just calming yourself down; you're literally modeling regulation for the whole family.

Thank you so much for spending this time with me on Mindful Parenting: Daily Tips for Raising Calm Kids. Please subscribe so you never miss a practice. You've got this, and I'll be right here with you.

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This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI