Mary Alice Green, LMHC

11/15/2025

Friends — we’re launching something meaningful next week.

Beginning Monday, we’re inviting you into a simple, grounding, perspective-shifting experience we’re calling The 10-Day Gratitude Reset.

As we head into November and the holiday season, this is a chance to slow down, breathe a little deeper, and reconnect with what’s good… even in the middle of whatever life looks like right now.

For 10 days, you’ll receive:
✨ a short daily insight
✨ a simple, real-life challenge
✨ a micro-moment you can practice anywhere
✨ and a brief encouragement to anchor your day

It’s accessible.
It’s meaningful.
And it’s designed for tired people, busy people, hopeful people, hurting people — anyone who wants to live a little more grounded and a little more present.

We start Monday.
More details and sign-up info coming soon.

10/28/2025

Listen, I know how tempting it is to talk your child down when they’re melting down. Or to throw out a punishment just to get them to stop.

But here’s the truth. In that moment, their brain isn’t listening. They’re not trying to ignore you. They literally can’t think clearly. Their nervous system is on fire and logic is out the window.

So instead of reasoning or punishing, try a pattern interrupt. I call it a regulation anchor.

It’s something gentle, sensory, and surprising enough to get through the chaos.

You could knock softly on the floor.
You could whisper, “I see you’re having a big moment.”
You could offer your hand and say, “Want to squeeze this while your feelings catch up?”

These little moments send a powerful message.
You’re safe.
I’m with you.
You don’t have to do this alone.

And from there, their nervous system can begin to settle.

It’s not about getting control. It’s about offering connection.

Save this for the next hard moment. You don’t have to yell. You don’t have to fix it all. Just be the anchor. That’s enough. 💛

10/28/2025

When we look past the behaviour and see the need, everything changes.

Children don’t scream to give us a hard time — they scream because they’re having a hard time.
See them first. The calm will follow.

✨ From my book “Guidance from the Therapist Parent” — available at www.thetherapistparent.com and Amazon.

10/28/2025

Something to ponder for those who believe punishment is the only or best way to teach a child. ✨

10/22/2025

Children need us to see and validate their reality, not dismiss it. When we minimize or deny their experience, it creates disconnection with the very people they trust most.

True connection starts when we listen, honor their feelings, and let them know: “I hear you, I’m with you.”

👉 Deepen your connection here: https://genmindful.com/blogs/mindful-moments/tagged/connection-based-parenting

10/16/2025

When a child is smacked, their brain doesn’t learn — it defends.

Smacking triggers the brain’s alarm system, flooding it with stress hormones. The child shifts into survival mode — not reflection or learning. What they take away isn’t “I did something wrong”, but “I’m not safe.”

Brain-based parenting takes a different path. It understands that calm, connection and co-regulation are what truly shape behaviour. When a child feels safe, their thinking brain stays online — ready to learn, problem-solve and grow.

Safety teaches. Fear shuts down learning.

NOW AVAILABLE IN THE RESOURCE STORE - to accompany our series on social media.

The Child Brain Explained: How the Upstairs & Downstairs Brain Shape Behaviour, a Toolkit for Parents & Educators - available for only £3.75 until 3 November 2025

Electronic download available at https://thecontentedchild.co.uk/product/the-child-brain-explained-how-the-upstairs-downstairs-brain-shape-behaviour-a-toolkit-for-parents-educators/ or via our Linktree Shop in Bio.

10/16/2025

10/14/2025

Every conversation with your child — no matter how small — is a brick in the bridge that connects your hearts. When we replace silence with curiosity and judgment with understanding, we create a space where children feel safe to share, question, and grow. It’s not about having perfect answers, but about showing them that your love is a place where their voice matters. 💙

10/14/2025

Behavior is their language. When we respond with teaching and connection instead of punishment, children feel safe and can learn.

Discover how to turn misbehavior into teachable moments: https://genmindful.com/blogs/mindful-moments/5-reasons-kids-misbehave-and-how-to-respond

And for a personalized positive parenting plan, take our Emotional Intelligence Quiz 👉 https://bit.ly/Emotional-Intelligence-Quiz