Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
"How can you make your kid become more grateful?"

In this episode, Vanessa shares practical, thoughtful strategies for teaching children the value of gratitude. From simple ways to introduce the concept to creating daily gratitude routines, she highlights tips that help kids recognize and appreciate the positives in their lives. Vanessa also discusses how limiting overindulgence and modeling gratitude can encourage lifelong habits of thankfulness.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• How to introduce the concept of gratitude to children in simple, relatable ways
• Why creating gratitude routines or rituals can help make gratitude second nature
• The importance of limiting overindulgence to teach children to value what they have
• Ways to foster appreciation for non-material aspects of life
• How modeling gratitude in your daily actions encourages your child to develop the same habit

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
By practicing gratitude together, setting boundaries around overindulgence, and modeling thankfulness in your own life, you can help your child develop a deeper sense of gratitude, positively shaping their outlook on life and their relationships with others.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

Send us a text

CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus

STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Have you seen the viral TikTok trend showcasing “What a privilege it is…”? This trend flips the script on life’s everyday inconveniences, helping us reframe challenges as opportunities for gratitude. In this episode, we dive into how this viral trend aligns with the spirit of National Gratitude Month, explore the different ways to practice thankfulness, and discuss how gratitude can positively transform our emotional and physical wellbeing.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:
- How the TikTok trend helps us view life’s stressors through a lens of gratitude
- The science-backed benefits of practicing gratitude for mental health
- Eight practical types of gratitude to integrate into your daily life
- Tips for cultivating thankfulness, even during challenging times
- How gratitude fosters deeper connections with yourself and others


TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Life’s challenges are often blessings in disguise. By reframing stress and focusing on gratitude, we can find joy, strength, and connection in the everyday. Remember, gratitude is a practice that can shape our perspective and bring light to our lives. Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful!

Send us a text

CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus

STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Episode Description:
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions to help you find balance, reduce worry, and live mindfully with your children.

Today’s Question:
"We’re seeing family for Thanksgiving who are very touchy-feely and like to kiss and hug. My child does not like this. Should I force her to say hello?"

In this episode, Vanessa tackles a question that many parents, especially those in culturally affectionate families, might grapple with during the holidays. She explores the importance of respecting your child’s boundaries while maintaining cultural traditions and family connections. Vanessa offers practical, culturally sensitive tips to handle these situations while empowering your child to feel confident in their personal space and interactions.

Tune in to learn:

• Why respecting your child’s comfort level around physical affection is crucial for building self-respect and confidence
• How to teach polite alternatives like high-fives or fist bumps while maintaining warmth and respect
• Strategies for communicating with family in advance to set expectations and avoid awkward moments
• Tips for modeling polite behavior and gratitude, even without physical affection
• How to balance cultural traditions with your child’s need for autonomy

Vanessa shares relatable anecdotes and culturally sensitive advice, offering a roadmap for parents navigating holiday gatherings with mindfulness and care.

Takeaway Message:
Balancing family traditions and your child’s boundaries can be tricky, but finding a middle ground fosters respect and connection. By modeling polite, respectful alternatives, you empower your child to assert their autonomy while honoring the values of your family.

Listen in, and remember… you’re always free to be mindful!

Send us a text

CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus

STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.