When my son was young, I felt like joy just wasn't part of our story. (Wow, that was emotional to write.)

School was hard. Morning were hard. Bedtimes were hard. The grocery store was hard. Family meals were hard. More than 5 minutes in the car was hard. Handling my kid's big emotions and big behaviors was hard. Handling my own emotions about all of it was incredibly hard.

So many times I found myself saying out loud, "I can't do this anymore."

Then one day several years in, I followed it with "I have to make a change."

I can't do this anymore. I have to make a change.

The specific change? I had no idea. But I started by researching happiness studies and listening to podcasts on the subject. I learned two powerful things almost immediately:

1. We all have the ability to experience joy. It's not just that some people are wired for it or have better circumstances.
2. Everything that happens is neutral. We attach meaning and tell ourselves a story about it. I was telling myself that since joy didn't come easier to me, it must not be part of my story.

Those two mindset shifts helped me move out of victim mentality into survivor mentality. I began purposefully creating room for joy and it changed EVERYTHING. I felt better. And everyone around me felt better.

And, guess what? That created even more room for joy.

Transformational is a massive understatement. (That's why it's the very first module in our Survival to Success program.)

This week on the podcast, I sat down with Kira Willey, children's mindfulness and yoga expert, author, and kids' recording artist, to discuss how to raise joyful kids. There are many fabulous ideas for kids of all ages, so I hope you'll listen.

With so much heart,

362: The Science and Soul Behind Raising Joyful Kids with Kira Willey Joy is not a luxury, it’s a nervous system need for adults and kids alike. When we talk about raising joyful kids, we 'e not talking about giving them everything they want or making sure they are happy every minute of the day. We are talking about creating the conditions where they feel safe, connected, and regulated enough to actually experience joy. That is something we can actively nurture. In this episode, I am joined by Kira Willey, author of "The Joyful Child." We talk about what a joyful child actually looks like and how self-awareness is the real foundation of regulation. Kira shares her "connect, then direct" mantra for navigating the hardest moments of the day, why rhythm is one of the most powerful tools we have, and how music can quite literally change the emotional state in your home in minutes. Kira shares practical ideas for teens and tweens too. ▶ LISTEN NOW

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