At the end of July, it became abundantly clear that taking a break to recharge my batteries was greatly needed. I had been diligently toiling away, and the demands of speaking engagements, podcasting, looking after my grandbabies, and family issues had taken a toll on my energy. Yet, finding the time to take a break isn’t always a straightforward task. I mean, we can’t just hit the brakes, can we?
I distinctly remember a piece of advice I once gave myself as a young mother: “You can rest, but you can’t quit.” This simple yet profound mantra rescued my sanity on countless occasions. What I came to realize is that if I didn’t heed my body’s signals, I would risk burning out or, even worse, giving up altogether.
The same holds true for you, my friend. Our lives are incredibly busy, making it seem impossible to take a break. We mistakenly believe that everything will crumble if we stop. However, the opposite is true – neglecting to prioritize self-care and schedule breaks will ultimately lead to life falling apart.
When Taking a Break is Needed
Feeling the need to unplug and take a break is a common experience in today’s fast-paced, digitally connected world.
Here are some signs that indicate it might be time to step back and disconnect, as well as what you can do to recharge: that you need a break to unplug:
Constant Fatigue: If you’re feeling tired all the time, even after a full night’s sleep, it could be a sign that you need a break. Remember the body can only go for so long before it starts to break down.
Lack of Focus: When you find it challenging to concentrate on tasks, and your mind constantly wanders, it might be time to step away from screens. There is a reason why we struggle to focus sometimes.
Increased Stress: If stress and anxiety levels are consistently high, it’s a clear indication that you need to take a break.
Irritability: If you’re becoming easily irritable and finding it difficult to manage your emotions, it’s a sign that you might be overwhelmed.
Decreased Productivity: When your work or daily tasks start taking longer to complete, and your productivity declines, it’s time to recharge.
Neglecting Self-Care: If you’ve been neglecting self-care activities like exercise, a healthy diet, or spending time with loved ones, you need a break. Digital Addiction: If you can’t go more than a few minutes without checking your phone or other digital devices, it’s a sign you need to disconnect.
Enjoying a Break
Now that you have decided to take a break you want to focus on three things:
Nature and Physical Activity: Spend time in nature, go for a walk, hike, or engage in physical activities that allow you to unplug and clear your mind.
Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get enough quality sleep to restore your energy and cognitive function.
Digital Detox: Designate specific periods of time (e.g., a weekend or a vacation) for a complete digital detox, during which you avoid electronic devices as much as possible.
Before stepping back into your busy life, make sure you think about how you felt during your break. Simply paying attention to how you feel will motivate you to schedule more downtime.
Benefits of taking a break
During your break, pay attention, calm your mind, renew your interests, and schedule in-person connections.
A calm mind and reduced stress. When we spend time away from the noise and hectic pace our mind and soul have time to wonder and to what the Lord has for you and your family.
Renewed interest in hobbies. Time focused on interests and hobbies that you enjoy will help you stay balanced.
Personal connections: Time spent with friends and family in person, fostering meaningful connections that can provide emotional support.
Taking a break improves your mental outlook and emotional well-being
Always remember that taking breaks and disconnecting is like a gentle embrace for your soul, nurturing your mental and emotional well-being. It has the power to bring back your focus, ease your stress, and enrich the tapestry of your life. So, my dear friend, trust your instincts, be kind to yourself, and don’t shy away from those precious moments of recharging when they call your name. God will use that downtime to renew your mind.
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Are you looking for a speaker in 2024 or 2025? I have a few speaking dates open. If you would like to have me speak at your next event, please contact me at [email protected].
Parents, we can’t leave kids alone to figure it out or simply hope for the best. That isn’t good enough, not now. That’s why today’s show focuses on empowering parents to safeguard children online. I’ve invited Detective Richard Wistocki to join me and discuss who’s responsible, child privacy, and the Golden Ticket rule. There is something you can do to protect your children.
Do you know how strangers find your kids online? We are tackling this topic, and you will learn steps you can take to shield your kids from harm. Children are naive and trusting, which is good until someone takes advantage of them. Unfortunately, I’ve heard too many moms and teens come to me with stories that break my heart.
Parents Responsibilty
Most parents take their parenting responsibilities seriously. They want to protect their kids and keep them safe. But often, they don’t know what to do when it comes to online issues. They try to block sites, and they ask their kids if they are doing anything they shouldn’t be doing. While that’s a great start, that’s not enough these days. Why?
Did you know parents are responsible for their child’s devices? Your child doesn’t own the phone. You do!
Did you know your child can also be held accountable for what your child posts, even if a stranger screenshots something and uses it against them in a harmful way?
Did you know law enforcement can charge you and your child for what your child posts online?
What can we do to get our kids to understand that having a phone comes with certain responsibilities? We have to establish digital ground rules.
Establish Digital Ground Rules
As the parent who is responsible for your children, it is up to you to establish when, where, and for how long your child can be online. Because life is busy, we can forget to check on our kid’s online activity. So, we must remind ourselves that our kids need us to be diligent.
I’ve said many times that it’s not what you expect your child to do; it is what you inspect. That starts with having conversations and installing monitoring devices like Life360 or Family Link. It also means not allowing devices in the bedroom at night. I know kids always want their phones with them, but that is when they are the most vulnerable.
Remove Fear from Sharing with Parents
Kids have told me when they get into trouble, they are afraid to go to their parents. They are afraid their parents will take away their phones – and rightly so. But when parents tell their children if something happens, they will not immediately take away their phones, kids feel a sense of relief. They are more likely to come to you because they trust you. You said it, and they believe it.
(Now, if the child continues to ignore or disobey the ground rules you’ve established together, then parents have to take a different course of action.)
Safeguarding Kids is the Goal
Empowering parents to safeguard children online begins and ends with being a shield. A shield protects someone from incoming danger. You are that shield. I know it’s hard and time-consuming, but when your children are more mature and able to understand you did this for their good, they will appreciate your efforts.
Like every season of parenting, there are ups and downs. Sometimes, your child lacks sound judgment. Your faithfulness, love, and willingness to listen go a long way in protecting your child.
About Richard Wistocki
Child crime expert Detective Richard Wistocki has dedicated his career to helping children by tirelessly pursuing, apprehending, and prosecuting child predators. As an active Cyber Crimes Detective, he educates Law Enforcement using cutting-edge investigative techniques and Parents and Students on responsible digital activity.
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Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Do you have questions about the show? Are you looking for a speaker for your next event? Contact Connie here.
Dealing with changes in life can be difficult. Whether we like it or not, dealing with changes is essential to our personal, spiritual, and professional growth. We learn how to navigate situations by dealing with changes healthily.
Instead of trying to avoid changes, we should learn to trust the Lord and embrace them. In this episode, we will address the common reasons that make change seem daunting and learn some ways you can navigate whatever change comes your way.
Why Dealing with Changes is Challenging
While there are many reasons we try to resist change, I want to cover the most common ones and provide ways to help you address them so you can move forward.
Fear of the Unknown
Habits and Behavior
Lack of Motivation
Past Failures or Trauma
Fear of the Unknown
Fear of the unknown can be paralyzing. It’s the idea that if you don’t know something, you’re missing out on some important knowledge or experience. Rather than feel paralyzed by this fear, use it as a motivator to learn more and become more comfortable with uncertainty. The uncertainty and predictability of change can be intimidating. And fear of failure can stop us from making changes.
What can we do? Face the fear. Ask yourself questions like: What do I need to know? How can I get the answers? We often resist changes because we fear what we don’t know. So we can educate ourselves and list the pros and cons of a decision. Start by gathering information, then set realistic expectations, and ask for help from friends and family members. Part of dealing with changes is removing fear, not avoiding it.
Lack of Motivation
Most of us know change requires effort and can be uncomfortable. Indeed, we can’t predict an outcome or be in control, but that should not be used as an excuse to change. But if we lack motivation to change, we may struggle to try something new or continue making changes once we start.
What can we do? Identify a compelling reason or purpose for the change. Understand the benefits it can bring to your life, and set clear, achievable goals. Breaking the change into smaller, manageable steps can also make it feel less overwhelming, increasing motivation.
Habits and Behaviors
People tend to stick to familiar routines and habits, even if they know they don’t serve them well. It’s common, but it is something we can change. With the right help and guidance, it can be easier to break away from old habits and create positive new ones.
What to do: Start by identifying the habits that need to change and work on gradually replacing them with new, healthier ones. Consistency and repetition are key to forming new habits. It can be helpful to create reminders, set specific triggers, or enlist the support of friends or professionals to hold you accountable.
Past Failures or Trauma
Previous experiences of failure or trauma related to change can create resistance to trying again. It is important to recognize that change can be scary, and provide ways for people to work through their fears before attempting something new. This could include encouraging them to talk about their traumatic experiences and helping them explore how those experiences have shaped their view of change, especially as it relates to trying new things.
What can you do? Talk with a family member or trusted friend. If you don’t get positive results, consider talking to a mental health professional. Mental health professionals such as counselors, social workers, psychologists or psychiatrists can provide talk therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you work through your problems and learn new coping skills.
Dealing with Changes Builds Confidence
It’s important to recognize that these reasons for avoiding change are natural human responses and can be valid in certain contexts. However, addressing and finding ways to manage these concerns is essential for personal growth and will help you gain confidence to embrace new circumstances. It’s also worth noting that while change can be challenging, it often brings new opportunities, personal development, and positive outcomes.
If you find this podcast helpful, would you kindly subscribe and leave a review? It’s a great way to support the show and only takes a few seconds. I appreicate you!
Have a Question or Want to Book Connie to Speak?
Want to contact Connie with a question? Want Connie to speak at your event? Contact Connie here.
Parents often ask me if family devotions strengthen relationships, and the answer is yes. Family devotions cause us to focus as a family on our relationship with the Lord and each other. They draw us to one another because we become aware of God’s love for us and our love for one another. Family devotions connect us. Today, Karen Whiting joins me to talk about Family Devotions and how you can make them work for your family.
Family Devotions Strengthen Relationships
How Can Family Devotions Strengthen Relationships
Family devotion strengthens family relationships in three ways: makes every family member learn about God’s love for them, creates an opportunity for children to share their hopes, fears, and dreams, and establishes and safe place to connect.
Family Devotions Strengthen Relationships when a Parent is Absent
Doing family devotions can be an important way to stay connected even when one parent is out of town or absent from the home. Families will strengthen relationships between grandparents, parents, and children when they aside time each day to pray together, share Bible verses, and discuss spiritual topics.
Making Family Devotions Fun
We can change how our family devotions by adding crafts, stories, and even when we gather together. Depending on the ages of your kids, you can let your children even plan when, where, and how to get them more involved. You can make family devotions fun and meaningful for everyone.
About Karen Whiting
Karen Whiting is an international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of over thirty books. She has written over one thousand articles for more than sixty publications and loves letting creativity splash over the pages of what she writes. bio
How to parent a passive child requires thoughtful and purposeful guidance. Whether it’s their birth order or individual temperament, passive children often require extra support in developing decision-making skills and finding their voice.
While it may initially seem uncomplicated to raise a passive child, it is crucial not to overlook the emotions brewing within them. In this episode, “How to Parent a Passive Child,” we will explore key elements to nurture their growth and empower them to navigate the world confidently.
Parenting a Passive Child
Encouraging independence helps passive children find their voice.
Recognizing efforts and improvements boosts a passive child’s confidence.
Creating a safe space for expression means providing opportunities for your child to express their thoughts without judgment.
Giving passive kids the okay to speak up and voice their feelings without fear of getting in trouble can help them feel valued.
In today’s rapidly changing world, where technology and social dynamics are constantly changing, it’s no secret that many find themselves wondering why teens don’t talk to their parents. The age-old challenge of getting teens to talk to their parents about struggles and challenges has taken on a new dimension in the digital age. If you’re a parent seeking answers, you’re not alone.
If you have a teen who doesn’t say much to you you aren’t alone. Jackie Brewton joins me on the podcast to discuss why teens don’t talk to their parents. Their answers might surprise you. We unpack their responses and examine simple things parents can do to break teenage silence and discover effective strategies to get our teens to have open, honest, and enriching conversations.
Top Two Reasons Why Teens Don’t Talk to Their Parents
~Parents interrupt without fully listening.
~Parents are always trying to fix their problems.
Admit Our Mistakes and Treat Kids as Individuals
No one likes to admit they are wrong or imperfect, but we are. The good news is our kids learn how to admit their faults when they see it modeled. Teens don’t expect their parent to be perfect but they would appreciate it when their parents admits when they make a mistake. I’ve had many parents express concerns about saying they did something wrong. The truth is, your kids will respect you more for being humble and honest. And that makes them feel closer to their parent. Remember, kids want to be treated like people, not just children.
Want Teens to Talk More? Spend Quality Time and Validate Emotions
Teens don’t need lavish vacations or expensive dinner dates with you. Their needs are rather simple, do activities together: go camping, play games, go for bike rides, etc. And don’t discount your family traditions. Your teen might not appreciate them at the time, but when they are older, they will become the stories shared with others.
Avoid downplaying kids’ feelings and emotions. Everyone wants validation, and your teen is no different. Teens will turn away when they don’t feel seen or heard by their parents.
Teens consistently mention their need to be affirmed. Marginalizing their thoughts and feelings can do more to push a child away, which is the opposite of what we want. We should look for ways to validate a teen when we are together.
Asking the Right Questions and Observing Behavior
Asking kids if they are okay and showing interest in their friends. A well-timed question helps the child know you care about them and their friends. Though they might not act like it, it does make teens feel loved.
Parents need to observe their children for signs of distress. Body language is a powerful communicator. It shows teens know they are noticed.
Stop Wondering Why Teens Don’t Talk to Their Parents
I know it can be hard to get teens to talk, but may I encourage you to ask the Lord to help reach their hearts by how you love them. Ask your child to help you learn to be a better listener, and try to wait to be asked before trying to fix every problem. Getting your teen to open up might take some time, but the fruit of your efforts will be worth it.
About Jackie Brewton
Jackie Brewton left a thriving corporate career over 20 years ago to follow a higher calling. For over two decades, Jackie has been on a mission to empower teens and equip parents with the essential knowledge and guidance they need on the topics of love, sex, and relationships.
