The Uplift Kids Podcast

Prayer/Meditation: Finding What Works for Your Family Nov 15, 2024

Regardless of belief or disbelief, having regular time to express intentions, gratitude, and awe can deepen wellbeing. In this episode, Amanda, Michelle, and Jon explore different ways to approach prayer and meditation, including attuning to your wisest self, and how the essence of prayer can be helpful for spiritual health — again, regardless of belief or disbelief.

Growth Mindset: Cultivating a Sense of Abundance Nov 08, 2024

When we don’t place limits on our abilities, we’re able to grow through challenges. Hear how having a growth mindset can help kids learn at school.

See the lesson: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/growth-mindset

3-Day Parenting Workshop Nov 01, 2024

We recently held a 3-day parenting workshop in Scholls Valley, Oregon with 20 parents including ourselves. The experience was marvelous and transformative, so we'll be offering another workshop at the same place from Friday, Jan 31st to Sunday, Feb 2nd.

See details and apply: https://upliftkids.org/parenting

We'd love have you join!

(Note that we recorded this episode in person after the workshop, and we apologize for the subpar audio.)

Grandparents: Connecting With Family Oct 25, 2024

Connecting with grandparents can be good for the wellbeing of kids, parents, and grandparents alike — so long as that connection isn't centered around difference and judgment. This episode explores examples of relationships with grandparents that work well and why these relationships matter.

See the lesson for members, which contains questions and prompts that can help grandkids connect with their grandparents:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/grandparents/

Profanity: Discussing What's Appropriate Oct 18, 2024

What do you do if your kid doesn't have a clear sense for what does and doesn't count as appropriate language? In this podcast episode we talk about firsthand experiences with helping kids make sense of rules that can feel confusing.

Loneliness: Dealing With Lonely Feelings Oct 11, 2024

When we deal with lonely feelings and prioritize time with family, friends, and community we live happier and healthier lives.

This episode gives suggestions for grownups and kids alike when it comes to dealing with feelings of loneliness.

Consent: Learning to Say No Oct 04, 2024

When we know about proper boundaries, we feel safe and empowered. If we know our no, we can know our yes.

See the lesson (for members):

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/consent/

Conversations: How to Have a Good One Sep 27, 2024

"Conversational competence might be the single most overlooked skill we fail to teach," writes high school teacher Paul Barnwell. How do we help kids of all ages learn the art of conversation? In this episode, Amanda, Michelle, and Jon discuss a range of ideas.

See the lesson (for members):

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/conversations/

Personalities: Naming Traits Without Being Limited By Them Sep 20, 2024

It can be helpful to name our personality traits, as long as we don’t limit ourselves to them. In this episode, Amanda, Michelle, and Jon talk about different approaches to personality tests, including how to help kids not limit themselves to a set of perceptions and respect a range of differences.

Exploring personality types can be fun! Use our lesson (for members) to get started:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/personalities/

Social Skills: Practicing Good Manners Sep 13, 2024

How do you help your kids learn good manners? In this episode, Amanda Suarez (school psychologist) and Michelle Larson (marriage and family therapy associate) spell out ways to help kids and grownups alike learn and practice social skills.

See the full lesson for members:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/social-skills/

Puberty: Navigating Changes Wisely Sep 06, 2024

How do you help kids navigate puberty wisely? In this episode, Michelle (marriage and family therapy associate), Amanda (school psychologist), and Jon (curriculum creator) talk about how to talk about puberty with kids.

Education: School, Grades, and a Love for Learning Aug 30, 2024

“Education is not the filling of a pail," wrote the poet William Butler Yeats "but the lighting of a fire." How do you help kids find a love of learning that can serve them throughout their whole lives? How do you this while helping kids build the discipline they'll need to overcome difficult challenges with learning?

School psychologist Amanda Suarez and marriage family therapy associate Michelle Larsen give insights about these questions, interviewed by Jon Ogden, writer and curriculum creator.

See the full lesson for members:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/education/

Crushes: Help Kids Navigate and Normalize Crushes Aug 23, 2024

Crushes are part of growing up. With practice we can handle these feelings with kindness and respect for oneself and others.

Members can see the full lesson at:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/crushes

Hygiene: Taking Care of Your Body Aug 16, 2024

Caring for our bodies supports physical, mental, and spiritual health.

Get activities, curated videos, checklists, and more in our member lesson on hygiene:

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/hygiene/

Nature: Restore Wellbeing and Reconnect Aug 09, 2024

Nature is a powerful way to restore wellbeing and reconnect — to family and to something bigger than family. In this episode, the team at Uplift Kids discusses how to make nature practice a regular part of life with kids.

Psychology and Spirituality Aug 02, 2024

Today we're talking about the intersection of psychology and spirituality — sometimes known as transpersonal psychology. Hear direct insights from Amanda Suarez, school psychologist, and Michelle, a marriage and family therapy associate, about how spirituality informs their work in helping people find meaning, purpose, and awe.

Singing: Songs That Inspire and Connect Jul 26, 2024

When we sing or chant together, we reduce stress and feel connected. In this discussion, Michelle, Amanda, and Jon talk about the benefits of singing together in the home and in community. See the full lesson: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/singing/

Uplift Family Camp 2024 Recap! Jul 19, 2024

Uplift Family Camp 2024 was a success! A fun and transformational mix of games, water play, activities (sound bath, crafts, storytelling), singing, and heartfelt discussions.

Here is some of what participants had to say:

"Beautifully planned and executed. So grateful for this new family tradition."
"Loved the circles and group sessions. Amazing food!"
"Loved this so much! Would love to come back."
“The first thing my kids said when they got in the car to head home was, ‘Can we do this again next year?'”

To get on the waitlist for next year, visit upliftkids.org/family-camp

*Our apologies — We recorded this episode in person right after camp ended and the audio isn't as clear as we hoped it would be.

Critical Thinking: Spotting Misinformation and Lies Jul 12, 2024

It can be difficult to help kids know what's true and what's not true — especially when it comes to information online. In this episode Amanda, Michelle, and Jon talk about how our personal attitude and disposition can make a big difference to finding the truth.

Digital Technology: Connection or Disconnection? Jul 05, 2024

Jonathan Haidt's The Anxious Generation has sparked an international conversation about screen time. In this episode, we talk about the topic as it relates to connection and disconnection, considering both aspects together. Listen to hear ideas about how to navigate this tricky topic.

What to Do With "I'm Bored!" Jun 28, 2024

What do you do when your kid says, "I'm bored!" — and how does boredom relate to spirituality? In this episode, the Uplift team explores the best ways to navigate feelings of boredom at home.

If you're a member, check out the full lesson at: UpliftKids.org/lessons/boredom

If you're not a member, start a free two-week trial: https://upliftkids.org/join/membership

Mornings: Create a Routine That Works Jun 21, 2024

Finding the balance between structure and flexibility in the morning routine helps everyone feel prepared for whatever comes their way. In this episode, Amanda, Jon, and Michelle share their own struggles to make mornings work as well as small ways they find connection.

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/mornings/

Wisdom Parenting: Balancing Polarities (Opposites) Jun 14, 2024

Wisdom is when we can discern what is the best way forward, especially as it relates to two good things. It's easy to tell your kid to be kind. But what about being kind *and* honest? Wisdom is when we can discern what's appropriate in any given moment.

Spiritual Parenting Practices to Implement at Home Jun 07, 2024

In this followup episode to last week's conversation about spiritual parenting, the Uplift team discusses specific ways to implement spiritual parenting at home.

See the guide at UpliftKids.org/Resources

A Simple Guide to Spiritual Parenting May 31, 2024

Spiritual parenting is the practice of helping your kids connect with awe, love, and purpose. This episode explores why it matters and how to implement it at home.

See the full guide here.

Neurodiversity: Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia May 24, 2024

We all benefit when we appreciate the beauty and complexity of our diverse minds. Hear about the direct experiences the Uplift team has had working with neurodiverse kids.

Anger: Hear What the Feeling Is Telling You May 17, 2024

By becoming calm enough to listen to your anger, you’ll hear what it’s trying to tell you. In this episode we explore practices to navigate angry feelings in a healthy and mature way — showing how at its core, dealing with anger can be a spiritual, transformative practice.

Depression: Definitions and Healthy Practices May 10, 2024

When we know what depression is, we can be better prepared if it surfaces.

See the lesson (for members).

See the article from Drew Hansen, Uplift Cofounder.

Emotions: Working With Your Feelings May 03, 2024

By learning to work with our feelings, we can better connected to life. (Note that this lesson is a followup to our lesson on naming emotions.)

Get our free Uplift emotions chart: https://upliftkids.org/emotions

Access our full lesson library here: https://upliftkids.org/join/membership

Emotions: Naming Your Feelings Apr 26, 2024

In this episode, Amanda Suarez (school psychologist and conscious parenting coach) and Michelle Larsen (marriage and family therapy associate) talk to Jon Ogden about how kids can learn to name and feel all emotions instead of pushing them away.

This episode is slightly longer and showcases a change in our approach. We'll be iterating even more in future episodes!

Here is our emotions chart: https://upliftkids.org/emotions

And here is the lesson: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/naming-emotions/

Living Simply: Freedom From Too Much Stuff Apr 19, 2024

Attachment to material possessions clutters our lives and distracts from what brings joy. In this episode, Amanda Suarez, school psychologist, and Michelle Larson, marriage and family therapy associate, talk about materialism, minimalism, and trends — and how spiritual health can help us live more fully.

Spirituality: A Direct Experience Apr 12, 2024

By making your home a place where discussions about spirituality feel safe, you open the possibility for more profound moments of connection.

Heroic Journeys: Growing Through Challenges Apr 05, 2024

Knowing the patterns of life can help us grow with grace. Hear how to help kids set out on an "adventure" of learning and growth and give them a deeper sense of inner confidence.

Growing Up: Awareness of More and More Mar 29, 2024

Remembering our past challenges can help us through our current ones.

Honesty: Telling the Truth Sets You Free Mar 22, 2024

We feel more free and whole when we’re consistently honest. In this episode, the Uplift Team discusses how to explore honesty together in a balanced (gentle and firm) way.

Mindfulness: Being Present to Whatever Is Here Mar 15, 2024

When we’re aware of what’s present, we make better choices about how we live our life. In this discussion, the Uplift Team discusses mindful strategies including the technique of see, hear, feel.

Curiosity: Asking Questions Without Judgment Mar 08, 2024

When we have true curiosity we are less judgmental of ourselves and others. In this episode we talk about how to curious alongside kids as well as how to be curious with ourselves — and how both approaches lead to love.

Compassion: Standing in Someone Else’s Shoes Mar 01, 2024

When we feel and alleviate the suffering of others, we find meaning and happiness in life. This lesson contains scenarios, activities, and curated videos that highlight the power of compassion.

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/compassion/

Mindful Eating: Making the Most of Meal Time Feb 23, 2024

Mindful eating is a wisdom practice that can help us be in tune with our bodies, enjoy meals more fully, and draw closer together.

Meditation: An Introduction to Mindful Breathing Feb 16, 2024

When we focus on our breath, we reduce stress and lay the foundation for additional meditation techniques. In this episode, we talk about ways to engage kids in meditative techniques — even without ever using the word "meditation." If you're interested in exploring a meditative practice of your own, we recommend the checking out the podcast Mindfulness+ by meditation teacher Thomas McConkie.

Wisdom Reading: Words That Awaken the Heart Feb 09, 2024

When we reflect deeply on wisdom, we awaken to a sense of fullness and wonder in life. In this episode we talk about wisdom texts from around the world as well as a wisdom approach to texts — a practice that might be thought of as devotional reading, wisdom reading, scripture study, sacred reading, or something else. The goal is to celebrate words that open the heart.

Focus: The Power of Concentration in a Distracting World Feb 02, 2024

When we’re free from distraction and able to focus, we learn more effectively and live more fully.

Practice: Finding Joy in Deliberate Improvement Jan 26, 2024

When we practice deliberately and achieve our heart’s desire, we experience deep joy. Explore how to improve our thoughts and behavior.

Grit: Doing Hard Things While Delighting in the Present Jan 19, 2024

When we stick with something we care about, even through difficulty or boredom, we develop grit.

Courage: Standing Up For Yourself and Others Jan 12, 2024

When we practice courage we learn how to stand up for ourselves and other people. We might still feel fear, but we can put our courage in front of that fear.

Strengths: Finding Your Individual Purpose Jan 05, 2024

Each of us has unique strengths. Before we can give them to the world, we must find and develop them.

Intentions: Knowing What You Want and Getting It Dec 29, 2023

By setting intentions and creating the right plans and systems, we can get what we want.

Hope: Overcoming Despair Dec 22, 2023

When we cultivate hope we can navigate hard times without despair. As Amanda Suarez says, "When I think about the way real deep transcendent hope shows up, it's a fundamental trust in life — that life will support us, that life will hold us through the ups and downs. So deep hope really has no object. There's no need for a certain outcome. There's no need to reach a certain place."

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/hope/

Kindness: Looking Out for Others Dec 15, 2023

Always treat others with dignity and kindness — especially those who are least fortunate. In this episode, Amanda, Michelle, and Jon talk about personal experiences with kindness and how kindness and achievement go hand in hand.

Purpose: Discovering What Makes You Feel Alive Right Now Dec 08, 2023

By reflecting on what makes us feel alive, we discover purpose in life and improve our well-being. This episode explores how to find many purposes depending on what makes you feel alive.

Giving: A Source of Connection and Love Dec 01, 2023

When we give, we feel closer to others and to our highest self.

Humility: The Way to Learn and Grow Nov 24, 2023

Humility is courageous. It opens the door to learning and growth. In this episode we explore ways to help kids see that humility is the opposite of self-loathing or self-boasting. It's the key to growth.

Gratitude: Appreciating What's Present Nov 17, 2023

In the daily grind of life, we can lose sight of what we have, not realizing the magic that each moment offers. Gratitude helps us love what's here.

Stillness and Contemplation: A Practice of Deep Listening Nov 10, 2023

As we carve out moments for stillness and contemplation, we get clarity about what matters most in life.

Role Models: Building Your Creative Lineage Nov 03, 2023

When we’re intentional about our influences, we’re intentional about who we become. This lesson helps families build a creative lineage or wisdom council that can be a source of stability and guidance in life. See the lesson: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/role-models/

Lineage: Telling Family Stories Oct 27, 2023

Telling family stories gives us strength in hard times. This episode can help you spark conversations in the home about the stories that matter most to your family.

Timeless Wisdom: Stories from the Past Oct 20, 2023

Find insights from the world’s wisdom traditions, including Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Christianity, Stoicism, Sufism, and more.

Polarities: Exploring Moderation and the Middle Way Oct 13, 2023

Any virtue held too tightly becomes a vice. In this episode, we explore polarities: complementary opposites that rely on each other like the in-breath and the out-breath.

Forgiveness: An Act of Freedom and Love Oct 06, 2023

Forgiveness is a gift we can choose to give others and ourselves. In this episode, the Uplift Kids team talks about why forgiveness matters and how to keep boundaries in the process.

Fairness: Exploring What’s Fair at Home and Beyond Sep 29, 2023

When we embody fairness, we receive what we need while making sure there’s enough for others. Hear ways to respond when kids say, "That's not fair!"

Friendship: Finding Good Friends — and Being One Sep 22, 2023

When we recognize the qualities of a good friend we also learn how to be a good friend. See the full lesson for scripts and prompts to help kids learn how to find, keep, or (when appropriate) end a friendship.

https://upliftkids.org/lessons/friendship/

Respect: Seeing the Worth of Self and Others Sep 15, 2023

When we see ourselves and other people for who we truly are, we embody an attitude of respect.

Self-Advocacy: Knowing What You Need and Asking For It Sep 08, 2023

The skill of self-advocacy helps us to know what is important and communicate our needs with love and respect. Hear why this topic matters more than you might realize.

Bullying: Learning to Be Direct and Kind Sep 01, 2023

As we practice being direct and kind, we develop an empowered mindset and stand up for ourselves and others. See the full lesson for the chart referenced in this episode: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/bullying/

Activism: Acting on Your Inner Values Aug 25, 2023

This week, we're talking about activism. As we talk about it in this week's featured lesson, activism isn't tied inherently to any political party or ideology. It's just about how we can help kids act on their inner values to reduce suffering in the world.

Exercise: Keeping Your Body and Mind Happy Aug 18, 2023

Explore why exercise matters and how you can turn inside to figure out what type of movement works for you.

Play: Enjoying Life and Having Fun Together Aug 11, 2023

When we allow ourselves to fully enjoy life, we connect to an intrinsic joy.

Dance: A Timeless Way to Feel Alive Aug 04, 2023

Dance brings happiness to millions of people around the world, alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. In this episode, we explore the connection between dance and emotional and spiritual health.

Music: An Elevated, Universal Language Jul 28, 2023

When we immerse ourselves in music — particularly while in community — we open up the possibility of experiencing the transcendent.

Flow: The Joy of Effortless Action Jul 21, 2023

As we get “in the zone,” we experience the natural delights of life. See the lesson to spark a conversation about flow: https://upliftkids.org/lessons/flow/

Critical Thinking: Developing Healthy Skepticism Jul 14, 2023

When we develop the skill of critical thinking, we are more equipped to navigate life with integrity and humility. See our critical thinking lesson for an easy 20-minute family experience, and read our article "Healthy Spirituality Vs. Toxic Spirituality" for more.

Humor: Connecting Through Laughter Jul 07, 2023

Explore how good humor can bring people closer to each other and our inner voice.

Creativity: Saying "Yes... And" to Life Jun 30, 2023

By living with an attitude of creativity, we stay open to the joy of inspiration.

Sleep: Caring for Body and Soul Jun 23, 2023

Rest is restorative and essential to physical and spiritual health. See the full lesson for engaging ways to spark a conversation about sleep habits for all ages at home.

Conflict: Facing Each Other With Love Jun 16, 2023

When we address conflict directly and work through it, we strengthen our bonds to each other.

Digital Technology: Being Fully in Your Life Jun 09, 2023

Using digital technology wisely can help us be more fully in our life.

Chores: Caring for Our Space Together Jun 02, 2023

When we mindfully clean a shared space together, we feel like we belong.

Self-Compassion: Being a Friend to Yourself May 26, 2023

With self-compassion we recognize our own suffering and respond with kindness and care for others.

Anxiety: Finding Calm in the Chaos May 26, 2023

Whether through stillness or movement, we have resources (including our inner compass) to find calm in the chaos.

Journaling: An Approach to Inner Transformation May 26, 2023

**Note: The audio quality for this first episode isn't as optimized as our other episodes.

By sticking to a regular journal practice that we make our own, we can see how we change over time and experience inner transformation.

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