by Jenny Cates, PCC | Jan 25, 2026 | family, parenting, schools, Uncategorized, youth
Snow days often arrive like a quiet gift. The world slows, routines pause, and there’s an invitation—sometimes unspoken—to soften our pace. While they’re often framed as “missed productivity,” snow days actually offer powerful benefits for mental health, nervous...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Dec 27, 2025 | family, forest schooled, mindfulness, parenting, Uncategorized, youth
Winter can feel cozy at first — gingerbread smells, family time, and holiday lights — but once the festive buzz fades, many kids (and grown-ups!) can notice a shift in mood. Shorter days, colder weather, and the return to school routines can affect emotions in ways...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Dec 19, 2025 | family, holiday, mindfulness, parenting, Uncategorized, youth
The holidays can be magical — and overwhelming. Bright lights, new experiences, family gatherings, and disrupted routines can stir up huge emotions in kids of all ages. When expectations run high and schedules shift, children sometimes struggle to make sense...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Oct 7, 2025 | parenting, Uncategorized, youth
There are moments as a parent when the hardest conversations come from the simplest questions. Recently, my daughter asked me something that stopped me in my tracks:“If someone doesn’t like another person because of their race, do you hate them for it?” I paused....
by Jenny Cates, PCC | May 20, 2025 | Uncategorized
As the Sun moves into Gemini, so does your child’s energy. You may notice more questions, more movement, more chatter—and possibly, more difficulty focusing or settling. Gemini season can be both exciting and overwhelming for kids, especially those who are sensitive,...
by Jenny Cates, PCC | Apr 25, 2025 | mindfulness, parenting, Uncategorized, youth
With spring here, the earth is warming up, breathing life back into everything around us. The trees are budding, the rivers are flowing with a little more sparkle, and even the air feels full of possibility. It’s the perfect time to step outside, stretch, and awaken...
