In this episode of Lessons from the Middle, Ashley Osinski explores the concept of nervous system regulation, emphasizing the importance of understanding emotional regulation in parenting. She discusses the connection between behavior and the nervous system, highlighting the difference between connection and protection modes. The episode also addresses the often-overlooked forms of dysregulation, such as freeze and fawn responses, and offers practical strategies for parents to support their children in navigating these challenges with empathy and understanding.

Keywordsnervous system regulation, emotional regulation, parenting strategies, connection mode, protection mode, dysregulation, empathy in parenting, child behavior, mental health, parenting tips

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Lessons from the Middle, Ashley Osinski discusses the concept of sensitivity in children, particularly focusing on how it affects their behavior and emotional regulation. She shares personal anecdotes about her experiences with her children in various activities and emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique temperament. The conversation explores environmental sensitivity, strategies for supporting sensitive kids, and the significance of building resilience through understanding and accommodations.

Keywords
sensitivity, children, parenting, resilience, temperament, nervous system, environmental sensitivity, support strategies, emotional regulation, coaching

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this conversation, Ashley Osinski discusses the complexities of parenting, particularly when dealing with children of varying temperaments. She shares personal experiences with her own children, highlighting the differences in their emotional responses and behaviors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding temperament as a combination of genetics and environmental influences, and introduces the categories of dandelions, tulips, and orchids to describe different temperamental traits. The conversation concludes with a focus on creating supportive environments for children to thrive based on their unique needs.

Keywords
parenting, temperament, child behavior, sensitivity, parenting strategies, emotional regulation, child development, parenting challenges, dandelions, orchids

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this episode of Lessons from the Middle, Ashley Osinski discusses the challenges of parenting, especially during the transition back to school after winter break. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's behavior through the lens of skill-building rather than punishment. By adopting the perspective that 'children do well if they can,' parents can better support their children in developing the necessary skills to navigate their emotions and behaviors. The episode also introduces the concepts of lucky and unlucky behaviors, encouraging parents to look deeper into the root causes of their children's actions.

Want to see how to apply this to your unique family or dig deeper into the information? Schedule a Power Parent Session! 

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

Follow along here: New Year, More Balance Worksheet (link at the end to share your goals with me!) 

In this episode, Ashley Osinski discusses the concept of balance, particularly for mothers, emphasizing that balance is not about achieving a perfect 50-50 split between work and life. Instead, it is about aligning time and energy with personal values and priorities. She introduces a simple exercise to assess current time allocation, identify gaps, and set small, meaningful goals to achieve a more fulfilling life. The conversation highlights the importance of self-care, mental health, and the power of small changes in creating a balanced life.

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this episode, Ashley Osinski discusses how to navigate the holiday season with less stress and more joy, particularly for moms. She emphasizes the importance of embracing high standards with low expectations, setting boundaries, practicing gratitude, and prioritizing self-care. The conversation highlights the challenges of holiday perfectionism and offers practical strategies to create meaningful family experiences while maintaining personal well-being.

Keywords holiday stress, mom tips, self-care, gratitude, boundaries, family traditions, digital detox, holiday joy, parenting advice, holiday planning

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this episode,I discuss how to navigate the holiday season with children by rethinking traditional narratives around Santa and the elf, empowering kids through body boundaries, and shifting perspectives on behavior and rewards. I emphasize the importance of creating a joyful and safe environment for children during the holidays, encouraging parents to focus on connection and emotional well-being rather than behavior-based threats.

Takeaways

• Rethink the traditional narrative of Santa and the elf.
• Empower children to trust their body boundaries.
• Behavior is a form of communication, not a moral judgment.
• Create a safe and joyful holiday environment for kids.
• Offer children choices to reinforce their agency.
• Focus on connection and emotional regulation during the holidays.
• Remove behavior-based threats associated with Santa.
• Encourage small, meaningful family traditions.
• Recognize that holidays can be overwhelming for sensitive children.
• Start small with new approaches to holiday traditions.

KeywordsSanta, holidays, parenting, emotional regulation, body boundaries, behavior management, family traditions, child development, holiday joy, connection

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this final episode of the 3-part tech series, Ashley discusses the significant impact of gender on technology use among children, particularly focusing on the differences between girls and boys. She highlights the decline in confidence among girls as they enter adolescence, the correlation between social media use and mental health issues, and the unique challenges boys face with technology, including video games and pornography. The conversation emphasizes the need for parents to be mindful of their children's tech use and to implement strategies that support their mental health.

Keywords
gender, technology, mental health, social media, boys, girls, anxiety, depression, parenting, tech use

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this conversation, Ashley Osinski discusses the importance of setting boundaries around technology use for children. She emphasizes the need for age-appropriate access to devices, the impact of social media on mental health, and the significance of creating safe spaces for tech use. The conversation also highlights the importance of intentional tech use and planning for future considerations as children grow.

Keywordstechnology, boundaries, parenting, social media, mental health, kids, screen time, age-appropriate, tech access, family dynamics

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]

In this first episode of a 3 part series, Ashley Osinski discusses the significant impact of technology on mental health, particularly for children. She shares insights from her experience working with middle school students and offers practical tips for families to navigate technology use. The conversation covers the importance of screen size, the three Cs of technology interaction, the need for transparency in tech use, and the establishment of routines and rituals to foster healthy tech habits. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the importance of family influence over screens and the need for meaningful connections with children in a tech-driven world.

Keywords technology, mental health, family tech tips, screen time, parenting, kids, tech boundaries, digital wellness, technology use, family connection

Let's Connect!

Substack (ashleyosinski.substack.com)

Email: [email protected]