Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

In this powerful episode, Melissa McIntosh—former Educational Assistant turned mindfulness mentor—shares her journey from burnout in the school system to building Mindful Kids Inc.

Her mission? Helping families reconnect through simple, effective mindfulness practices that truly support emotional regulation.

We explore why mindfulness isn’t just for kids, how parents can model regulation, and what it really means to build a calm home from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

• Mindfulness is a lifestyle, not a technique – It’s about consistent, bite-sized practices that shift the family dynamic over time.
• One size doesn't fit all – Each child has unique tools that work for them; helping them discover what fits is the magic.
• Academics aren't the foundation – Emotional awareness must come first for real learning and connection.
• You are the expert on your child – Trusting your intuition, even when it goes against the system, is critical.

Episode Highlights

[00:00] – Meet Melissa: Her transition from education to mindfulness, and why she followed her gut.

[03:45] – The moment she realized the system wasn’t working—for kids, for families, or for herself.

[06:30] – Why her husband’s calm energy opened the door to mindfulness—and how it changed everything at home.

[10:15] – The missing piece in schools: involving parents and seeing the whole child, not just academics.

[14:00] – Why mindfulness must start with parents before it can help their children.

[18:15] – How kids can learn to filter outside energy, like “Steve’s nosebleed,” through a calm lens.

[22:00] – The Mind Jar explained: how a simple tool helps kids settle their thoughts and feelings.

[26:00] – What it looks like when kids start teaching mindfulness at home—and why that’s the real win.

[30:00] – Mindfulness as a superpower that grows with your child over time.

[33:45] – What to do when kids are dysregulated and the tool doesn’t “work.”

[36:00] – The moment you realize: it’s working.

[38:00] – Why gratitude is part of mindfulness—and how it changes the emotional tone of a family.

Resources Mentioned

Mindful Kids Inc. – Melissa’s mindfulness-based programs for kids and families:

https://www.mindfulkidsinc.com

Follow Melissa on

• Instagram: @mindfulkidsinc
• Facebook:

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

What drives some kids to push themselves relentlessly while others seem to lack motivation altogether?

In this episode, Andi explores what’s underneath both ends of the spectrum—overachieving and underachieving—and what parents might be missing.

Whether your child is racing ahead with academic goals or struggling to get started, this episode will help you understand the hidden executive functioning struggles that shape their behavior and what to do about it.

Key Takeaways

• Overachievement can mask underlying executive functioning struggles, especially in social, emotional, or sleep areas.
• Underachievement isn’t laziness—it often stems from overwhelm, fear of failure, or difficulties with initiation and planning.
• Asking curious, compassionate questions helps kids reflect and create flexibility in their goals and timelines.
• The “gap vs. gain” mindset shift (from Dan Sullivan and Benjamin Hardy’s book) helps both parents and kids celebrate progress instead of chasing perfection.
• Progress looks different for every child—sometimes the slowest pace is the most meaningful.

Episode Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00] – Introduction: Why kids may be overly driven or totally disengaged

[01:40] – A real-life story: A teen pushing for an associate’s degree before high school graduation

[03:00] – The missed question: Have we stopped to celebrate progress?

[04:00] – How executive functioning struggles can hide behind academic success

[05:30] – Challenges like inhibition, switching tasks, and sleep issues in high achievers

[06:00] – The opposite end: Kids with no drive and what’s behind the shutdown

[07:00] – A deeper dive into executive functioning (initiation, flexibility, planning, etc.)

[08:30] – Explaining the Gap and the Gain framework to kids

[10:00] – Guiding kids through flexible thinking with curious questions

[12:00] – Using short-term scenarios (like Lego or ice cream) to build long-term skills

[13:00] – Helping high achievers reflect, rest, and regulate

[14:30] – Using tools like health trackers (Whoop, Oura) to validate rest

[15:45] – Supporting disengaged kids through tiny wins and drive-by praise

[17:30] – Honoring their pace and effort over outcome

[18:45] – Questions for parents: Where is your child thriving on the surface but struggling underneath?

[20:00] – Modeling balance and rest as a parent

[21:15] – Final thoughts: Both drive and disinterest can hide deeper needs

Resources Mentioned

The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan & Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Executive Functioning Podcast...

Website: 🌐 www.andiclark.com

Support Circle Membership: https://andiclark.thrivecart.com/support-circle/

Self Assessment form: https://subscribepage.io/big-emotions-self-assessment

Book a 30-Minute Call with Andi – Get your questions answered and explore next steps: Book here: https://tidycal.com/andi1/bookacall

In this episode, I sit down with my good friend Kristina Rajes—homeschooling mom of four and the creator behind Phoenix Gems and Buy Some Love.

We talk about how gemstones unexpectedly became a key support tool for our kids’ emotional regulation, creativity, and confidence.

From skeptical teens to intuitive empaths, Kristina shares how each of her children uses different stones in meaningful ways—and how this tool complements the deeper work we do with stress, sleep, and executive functioning.

Key Takeaways

• Gemstones can act as emotional support tools—especially for sensitive or empathic kids who absorb others’ energy.
• Each stone has unique energetic properties that can help with grounding, courage, creativity, focus, and calm.
• Kids often choose the stones they need without realizing it—color and instinct often guide them.
• Tools like bracelets and gemstone routines are not about “fixing” kids but supporting them alongside emotional regulation work.
• It's okay if a child isn’t ready—these tools work best when chosen, not forced.
• Parents can benefit too—especially those who feel emotionally drained after public or social interactions.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:00] Homeschooling with intention and personalization for each child

[00:03:30] How ChatGPT supports Kristina's multi-level homeschool planning

[00:05:00] Kristina’s unexpected shift from law to gemstone healing

[00:07:30] Why most of her business is in-person (and the importance of “feeling” a stone)

[00:09:00] How her empath daughter benefits from obsidian—and refuses all jewelry except that bracelet

[00:10:00] Kristina’s science-minded son and his surprising shift after wearing Carnelian

[00:13:00] The twin tiger’s eye story—two anxious kids conquering their fear of heights at rock climbing

[00:16:00] My own son’s struggles with creativity—and how his bracelet helped spark new ideas

[00:20:00] How to charge gemstone bracelets (easier than you think!)

[00:22:00] The bracelet stacks that changed my stress patterns—and what my health data shows

[00:26:00] What it means when a child “feels like a basketball is bouncing inside them”

[00:29:00] Which stones help with anxiety, courage, and creative thinking

[00:31:00] Customizing bracelets for fidget needs, essential oils, or comfort charms

[00:34:00] Why intention and resonance matter more than forcing a child to wear a stone

[00:35:00] How Kristina’s bracelet bar works at live shows—and the energy parents feel when choosing stones

[00:36:30] Right hand vs. left hand: giving vs. receiving energy through gemstones

[00:38:00] The evil eye charm and