Your Zen Friend

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Are you ready for more harmony at home with your tweens and teens? This episode provides strategies to help you get more cooperation from your kids while fostering connectedness between the two of you. I'll share my tried-and-tested parenting technique that has not only worked wonders with my clients, but also with my own children.

We'll dive deep into effective communication strategies that balance validation of your child's feelings with meeting your expectations. From the challenge of kids locking themselves in their room all day to issue of getting up late each morning for school, we'll examine concrete examples and discuss how to apply these techniques in real-life scenarios. The goal is to cultivate a  cooperation while also maintaining health limits and boundaries - a balance that’s often challenging to achieve.

We'll also touch on the issue of punishment and its  impacts on our children. We'll explore alternatives that can help avoid resentment and retaliation. By encouraging constructive problem-solving discussions with our kids, we'll find that sweet spot between our needs as parents and their development needs as growing individuals. Don’t miss out on this dialogue – join our Facebook group and share your own parenting experiences in this supportive community. Let's embark on this enriching parenting journey together!

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you sit with difficult feelings and validate yourself with love and compassion. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode I am beyond thrilled to have and interview with Ann Coleman from the Podcast, Speaking of Teens!  Ann tells us about her journey as a mom of a son who struggled with ADHD, multiple mental health disorders and behavioral issues during his teen years. She shares some of the mistakes she made with her son, including what she wishes she had done differently.

As a result of the challenges her son experienced, Ann left her job as a lawyer to become a parent educator. She now uses her own experience and education to support parents who are currently raising teens. Ann knows first hand how parents can make conflict worse when they are desperately trying to make it better. Ann shares what parents can do to effectively reduce conflict and improve connection with their teen.

Ann gives some great concrete strategies for improving connection with teens and why it is important to maintain a strong connection. This includes teens being more likely to  make good decisions when it comes to risky behavior.

 We have many mic drop moments in this episode!  Ann's suggestions for parents are simple strategies that you can begin implementing with your teen today. I am confident these tips will make a positive difference for you both.

Ann's Bio: Ann Coleman spent the better part of two years trying to help her teenage son who was struggling with anxiety, depression, and ADHD, which had led to drug misuse, trouble at school and with law enforcement. She later figured out that it was her reaction to his behavior that had exacerbated the situation. In the 4 years since figuring out how to help him and repair their relationship, she’s used her skills as an attorney to study adolescence from every angle and teach other parents how to avoid the mistakes she made, through her podcast, Speaking of Teens, parenting guides, and online courses.

Where to Find Ann:  
Speaking of Teens podcast (https://speakingofteens.com)
Website (https://neurogility.com)
Instagram (@neurogility)
Facebook Group (https://urlgeni.us/facebook/teen)
Free Parenting Guides (https://neurogility.com/herewego)

I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where to connect with me:

• Email me at: [email protected]
• Find me on instagram @YourZenFriendPod
• Please join our private Facebook group where we connect throughout the week by going to: : www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

For more information on Lauren's group counseling services check out: www.LaurenCounseling.com

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you connect with what you have been enjoying about the summer and identify what you want to do to fill your cup before the summer ends. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this week's episode I will talk about what I am experiencing as the days of summer come to an end. This includes a mix of emotions as my kids get ready to return to school. I'll also share what I hear as a Licensed Professional Counselor at this time of year, which includes siblings arguing and fighting after spending  a lot of time together.  Kids are also having more meltdowns and acting out in irritability because of the anxiety they feel as they get ready to transition into a brand new school year.

I'll also talk about the importance of making time for ourselves to do the things we love. I'll tell you how I plan to savor these last dog days of summer. And I'll tell you why you should take time for yourself even if it feels like it's impossible to do. I'll give you some ideas for how you can do this, even if you're a parent of young children.

On this episode I mention the book Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach https://a.co/d/ee0rYcr

I love to connect with listeners! Here's how you can reach me:

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short meditation designed to help you feel safe and loved. This is a great mediation to do throughout the day. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

I get personal on this episode, and tell you about some magic moments from my life. Moments when things happened that feel like they had deeper meaning than what was on the surface. Maybe you believe in signs or believe that some relationships or events in your life were meant to be. This episode celebrates those moments. I will tell you about two significant events from my life and how they have guided me.

I'll also talk about what I do to open myself up to connecting with the wonder that I believe is all around us. And good news, they are things you can easily do too!

Have you had magic moments in your life? I'd love to hear about them! Here's how you can connect with me:

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode of a Drop of Zen, I will guide you through a short breathing meditation designed to help you calm your nervous system and feel more peaceful and grounded. This is a great mediation to do anytime, including right before bed. 

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode, I will give tips and strategies for how to enjoy your next vacation more. And this includes vacationing with children. Maybe you’ve had a disappointing vacation in the past or even worse.. a vacation disaster. Or maybe you’re about to go on a vacation you’ve been looking forward to for a long time and want it to be a positive experience. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to focus in on what you can control on vacations, how to let go of what you can’t control and how to manage your expectations so that you have more fun and return home feeling more satisfied.

Going on vacation is a luxury that unfortunately not everyone can afford. And if you are able to afford a vacation and take time off, expectations are often high. Sadly, expectations are OFTEN not fully met with anything, vacationing included. Stay tuned and I’ll tell you how to focus in on what you can control on vacations, how to let go of what you can’t and how to manage your expectations so that you have more fun and return home feeling more satisfied.

I'd love to connect with you! Here's where you can find me:
 
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health. 

Send Lauren a text!

On this episode I have a super fun interview with Vinnie Stergin! Vinnie is a musician, teacher and creator of the Mindful Ukulele Method.  Vinnie talks about growing up with the influence of music and what lead to creating the Mindful Ukulele Method.  We also talk about the benefits of having a regular creativity practice and how you can start one of your own.

Here's a free course on THE MINDFUL UKULELE METHOD that Vinnie is offering to Your Zen Friend listeners:
LINK to free course (especially for your listeners):
https://yzf.mindfulukulelemethod.com

How to connect with Vinnie:
WEB: www.stergin.com
INSTA: @sterginmusic
FACEBOOK: @vinzenzstergin
TIKTOK: @stergin

And check out Vinnie's music video with his band, "Shiny Brain Crayons:"    https://youtu.be/RoFhHznaULA

Vinnie's Bio: Vinnie Stergin is a musician, artist & educator. He grew up in the Austrian mountains, where his parents kicked him down a ski slope when he was just 3 years old - that’s when he had to learn to stay on track.

He won some prestigious awards, wrote many compositions for eg. Tokyo Olympia 2020, was signed to indie and major labels, has been supported by corporate world giants such as Red Bull & Polaroid & his work has also been recognised by the Arts Council UK & Help Musicians UK (Do It Differently Award). His recent project ‘12 Photos 12 Tracks’ saw him sending a camera around the world, then turning the returning photos into a music album, live show & exhibition. Currently he writes and tours with his band Shiny Brain Crayons.

He studied music education at the world famous Mozarteum Salzburg, worked for human rights organisations in Amsterdam and Los Angeles before moving to London where he resides now.

Over the past 20 years he taught, coached & inspired hundreds of students from all walks of life to explore their creativity and experience the transformative power of music. He also worked in a prison in SE London teaching music to young offenders.

Through his own mental health journey and discovering mindfulness & meditation he developed a very unique way of teaching which ultimately formed ‘The Mindful Ukulele Method’.

“I’ve always been very curious about people, nature and life and love to experiment, explore. I’m a constant work in progress, and love that.”

 I'd love to hear from YOU!! Here's where to connect with me:

Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/yourzenfriend

Email me at: [email protected]

Find me on instagram https://www.instagram.com/yourzenfriendpod/

If you would like to learn more about Lauren's counseling services you can view her website here:
https://www.laurencounseling.com/

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and not intended to be a replacement for diagnosis, mental health therapy or psychological treatment of any kind. Please consult with your doctor or mental health provider in order to care for your physical or mental health.