Kirsten Russell – Mindful Motherhood Blog

When Can You Tell if Your Child is Spirited?

Kirsten Russell
November 2, 2023
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I get this question all the time, so I thought I would share our story and first “ah ha” moment we had when we realized our son had “more” personality. My craving to learn about spirited kids, kids who…

Child Development Resources Toddler Development

Creative Strategies to Foster Responsibility and Teamwork at Home

Kirsten Russell
October 27, 2023
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I’ve been parenting alone while Matthew is traveling all week for work. This week, I’ve had to ask my older two boys to step up and help me more. It hasn’t been going well…it almost felt foreign to them…

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How to Teach Your Child How to Ride a Pedal Bike

Kirsten Russell
June 28, 2023
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A few weeks ago, we took the day to teach our 4 year old how to ride a 2-wheeled bike. We crammed as much practice into one day to: Save our sanity, and backs (being hunched over while your wild…

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Traveling to Kauai with Kids

Kirsten Russell
April 18, 2023
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We have now traveled to every Hawaiian Island with kids! Many people have asked us what our favorite island is for family vacations and I can’t give an answer because each island is so breathtaking and different in so…

Child Development Toddler Development

Delaying Kindergarten: An educator and mom perspective

Kirsten Russell
January 25, 2023
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If you google “delaying kindergarten”, you will find polarized opinions as well as polarized research backing both sides. Some argue that an extra year is a “gift of time” and other argue that an extra year is a “theft of opportunity”.

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Quiet Time

Kirsten Russell
August 4, 2022
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If your child has dropped their nap, or is about to drop their nap, you might know the sinking panic that sets in once you realize your afternoon schedule is going to be very different. What if she becomes cranky…

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Sensory Tools We Love

Kirsten Russell
May 4, 2022
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Every child has a unique sensory profile, even us as adults do! This means that each of us have sensory inputs we need to feel regulated or sensory sensitivities that we try and avoid. Many children have a mixed sensory…

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Travel Tips WITH Kids

Kirsten Russell
April 4, 2022
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The most intimidating part of traveling with young kids is anticipating the unknown. How will we carry all of our luggage? Will they sleep in a pack and play in a hotel? Will they cry on the airplane? Will they…

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Bunk Bed Transition

Kirsten Russell
January 29, 2022
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Keep reading because this story doesn’t end as you would think! When we found out we were pregnant with our third baby, our boys were 3 years old and 5.5 years old. Immediately we started thinking of where we would…

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Our Staycation at The Independence Hotel in Oregon

Kirsten Russell
November 12, 2021
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Matthew and I were generously gifted two luxurious nights at The Independence Hotel in Independence, Oregon! If you enjoy wine tasting, hiking, kayaking, biking, or eating your way through vacations, this place is for you! We are so thankful to…