o from TF to GoodF

As the holiday spirit fills our homes, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of festive preparations, particularly when our attention tends to center on creating magical moments for our kids. However, amid the merry mayhem, it's the perfect time to add activities that not only nurture family connection, but also cultivate gratitude.

Can we find happiness by looking within and choosing ourselves first? I share my experience of how focusing on gratitude helped me notice the good and how I use my Parenting with Gratitude™ formula to inspire my daily gratitude practice. 

The cultural expectations of parenting and the impact of Intensive Parenting on Parents' Mental Health — plus a practice to help you get through!

What if I told you that your toddler’s crusty nose could be a great source of happiness and well-being? You would probably say gross, Stef.

Learn how to parent with gratitude by following the simple equation of Intention + Attention + Action + Repetition = Results. Start with setting a GoodAF Mom Intention, such as being a happier and kinder person.

Recently I decided to ask the ChatGPT AI machine the question: How does Gratitude Improve Parenting? I know from personal experience that gratitude has improved my relationship with my kids, self, and partner — but I wanted to hear what the research AI had to say.

A fresh take on motherhood can follow these steps reflecting, remembering, and reorientating, which will lead to new growth.

I love it. It’s such a simple formula — but of course, instead of a Hot Girl Walk, I go on Hot Mom Walks. My Hot Mom Walks are filled with gratitude, and also self-confidence boosting hip swings, but also I like to reflect on my goals for my self-growth…

According to psychologists, burnout is a physiological and psychological state we can reach when the following things go off the rails: Sleep, Healthy Choices (whatever that means to you), Resources, and Support. A state means it’s temporary - which is a good thing, right? That’s our first step out of the tunnel. Perspective to see that even though everything is a mess and so heavy and demanding, it is temporary can help.

Inside each one of these blog posts, I do hope you find something that resonates with you and helps you to feel like a GoodAF mom - because you are! Let’s get into parenting with gratitude.

These are the building blocks of what I call ‘Parenting with Gratitude’. We don’t need to clean the slate, only amplify what is already here and true, rescue our minds from habitual thoughts and reactions and connect with the humans around us.

It’s when we look outside ourselves for affirmation or confirmation that’s when we get into trouble. What can we do to quiet the comparing mind?

Sure, sometimes you’re just not grateful. Let’s be honest, we have all been on the receiving end of a gift we weren’t totally excited about. Maybe one that is a little bit ridiculous, like a complicated puzzle for a 2-year-old, but we want to be nice, so we fawn gratefulness - but are we grateful?

Not everyone is going to agree on what is optimal for how often to practice gratitude (even the scientists are split) but I have a clear reason why every day should be your goal.

This will sound weird, but Beyoncé helped me deal with my resentment. Specifically, the resentment around my partner not helping - after we had our first baby, sure, but even later once we had two, and they were much older. The resentment and indignation had built up - and bitterness had taken over my mind and thoughts.

You won’t want to miss this post because it will explain why gratitude is going to change your relationship with motherhood.

I am obsessed with gratitude because it has changed how I view the world. I grew up in New England, so I celebrated the negative. But that all changed…

Your intention to parent differently stems from a deep well of courage. Did you know that?

Let’s train your brain to notice the good with a free Gratitude Mantra every week - download the wallpaper to your phone, no email address required.

Betting on a mindset shift to combat family trauma can feel like “not enough” but if you have faith you can use your intention to parent differently as the catalyst for so much change.

The negativity bias gets in the way of parenting differently, but gratitude can help with that!

We do not know when it will end or how, so while we are here, we must cherish the moments that enrich and fulfill and do everything we can to protect those we love.

Yes, we can have the intention to be better parents, but if that means we are unhappy parents then maybe it’s time for a system breakdown.

Parenting with gratitude is a practice. Use these activities to stay on track and train that brain!

What is holding you back from starting a gratitude practice?

Feeling resistant to a gratitude practice? Go outside every day and it will come to you more naturally.