Session 1: In this session we discuss the interconnection between mental and physical health. We go into some detail about the basic nutrition, activity, and sleep needs for a growing child. We assess the benefits a child's mind and body will thrive from when enough sleep, proper nutrition and activity are achieved and conversely we look at detriments to their brain and body if any of these key elements are missing.
Session 2: Stress and Distress for a Growing Child. What do stress and distress mean and what do they look like? We will discuss how to determine if a child is experiencing mental health beyond stress or even distress. We will discuss the growing brain and the importance of coping techniques and increase awareness about why a child would turn to unhealthy coping techniques instead.
Session 3: We summarize the lessons previously learned. Parents and caregivers will leave with a clear understanding of what constitutes good nutrition and how to create a balanced exercise and sleep schedule. They will also walk out with a method to help their child revisit family values, redefine individual success and learn how to identify their child’s individual strengths and passions so they can engage in life to the best of their ability and tackle challenges that are appropriately rigorous but not overtaxing on a growing mind and body.
Here is a little about me....You can find out even more on my website: Flexableminds.com.
As a Health Professor for almost two decades at a local college, I watched this epidemic unroll in real time on real people. At the same time — I saw this happening in my own family and community! The stuff I was witnessing was
out of control. As I became more aware of the increased pressure on kids, I could see it was a contributing factor to the increased anxiety and depression in kids and damage to families. I was enlightened by my students’ comments indicating they lack HEALTHY coping techniques. I knew something had to change so I wrote a book called Tales from Swankville. This book caused such a stir I had Anderson Cooper begging me to come on his show!
For many years, I felt alone in my work. Too many people for too long didn’t want to address mental health in kids.
Takes from Swankville, created controversy, but also struck a nerve in people. More and more people saw they weren’t alone and started to seek me out for support.
I started to build a platform and organized panels and presentations for parents at schools and community events. I then went on to write a second book, which is a ten-step guidebook, Push Vs. Shove: A New Parenting Paradigm. The Flex-Able Minds coaching program is based on this book and the 10-step parenting paradigm.
Today, discussing emotional and mental health is a hot topic—finally. I saw the urgency and brought it to the forefront in my community and classrooms long before this epidemic.
My career spans over 30 years in the public health field with a breadth of experience educating very diverse populations on a vast array of health topics from chronic disease management and prevention to resilience and mental health coaching.
I have taught various health topics in hospitals, clinics, and classrooms from preschool to college and every grade between. There isn’t a health topic, situation, or personality that I have not come across.
This background contributes to my ability to be a passionate, empathetic, and experienced coach ready and capable of supporting you as we work toward a more peaceful parenting path for you and a joyful childhood journey for your child.