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Heart to Heart Parents: Mindful Tools for Raising Spiritual and Conscious Kids

Carrie Lingenfelter, CCC-SLP
82 episodes   Last Updated: May 02, 25

Welcome to the Heart to Heart Parenting Podcast with Carrie! Dive deep into the world of parenting gifted, spirited, and highly sensitive children, including those who are neurodiverse. With a background in education, early intervention, and speech therapy, along with personal experience parenting two highly sensitive children, Carrie brings a wealth of research and heartfelt knowledge to each episode. Carrie is on a mission to help conscious parents find tools to raise their children mindfully. Let’s help our conscious children remain conscious into their adulthood by staying connected to their hearts. Let’s teach them tools to find the positive mindsets in everything they do. Let’s connect changemakers raising changemakers. 

Join us as we connect heart to heart with our children, partners, and fellow parents. Discover that you are not alone in this journey. Together, we are a community of parents raising the next generation of deep thinkers and changemakers. Embrace the unique joys and challenges of parenting neurodiverse, gifted, spirited, and highly sensitive children, and learn practical strategies to nurture their gifts and support their needs.

Tune in to the Heart to Heart Parenting Podcast, where we inspire each other to create meaningful connections and foster a brighter future for our extraordinary children. Come along on this parenting journey with us.

Episodes

Spiritual parenting transcends traditional approaches by recognizing the profound energetic connection between parent and child. This episode dives deep into how our energy directly influences our children's behavior—illustrated through a tooth-brushing standoff where parental frustration was perfectly mirrored by the child, creating a cycle that only broke when calm energy entered the equation.I share my journey of discovering how mindfulness practices, peaceful parenting techniques, and energy work combine to create a foundation for raising conscious, emotionally intelligent children. We explore the difference between guided and unguided meditation, encouraging parents to try sitting with their thoughts independently—even if just for five minutes in a bathroom or parked car—to develop meditation muscles that guided apps don't always build.Boundaries remain essential in spiritual parenting, but they're established from connection rather than control. When we maintain strong bonds with our children, we can introduce necessary limits with phrases like "I'm here to support you" and "Part of my job is challenging you to reach the next level of yourself." This approach acknowledges growth often requires discomfort while assuring children they won't face challenges alone. The episode also provides practical energy tools for children—visualizing protective light, grounding through imaginary roots, and using simple mantras like "positive energy only"—that help them navigate social situations and emotional challenges. These spiritual practices don't replace conventional parenting wisdom but enhance it by addressing the energetic dimension of parent-child relationships that's often overlooked.Ready to transform your parenting through energy awareness? Visit our new website at hearttoheartlife.com and share your experiences with these practices—we'd love to hear how they're working in your family!Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
Parenting from a place of spiritual awareness brings unique challenges and profound opportunities. In this illuminating conversation with author and energy healer Kara Goodwin, we explore the delicate dance of nurturing both our children's spirits and our own.Kara's spiritual journey began through tragedy - the sudden loss of her sister-in-law followed by multiple family health crises within weeks. Living abroad with young children during this tumultuous time, she discovered meditation as her lifeline. What starts as a deeply personal story opens into universal wisdom about the pitfalls of forcing spiritual practices on our children.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss how cosmic events like solar flares directly impact our highly sensitive children. Those unexplained meltdowns, headaches, or sudden bursts of intuition? They might be connected to energetic shifts happening at a planetary level. Kara offers practical grounding techniques - from barefoot walking to tree-touching - that help both parents and children navigate these intense energetic periods.Perhaps most poignant is Kara's insight into maintaining spiritual connection with teenagers who reject overt spiritual practices. When her daughter faced serious health challenges, Kara had to reconcile her preference for alternative healing with her daughter's desire for surgical intervention. This honest exploration of parental ego versus child autonomy offers profound lessons for any parent navigating health decisions.Whether you're raising elementary-aged children who still eagerly join your meditation practice or teenagers who roll their eyes at the mention of spirituality, this conversation offers both practical tools and heart-centered wisdom. How might your parenting transform if you could connect with your children energetically, beyond words and actions? Listen in and discover the powerful intersection where parenthood meets spiritual awakening.Connect with Kara Goodwin: *Website: https://www.karagoodwin.com/*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_goodwin_meditation*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@soulelevationpodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/karagoodwinmeditationSend us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
Discover the gentle power of mindfulness for your butterfly-minded children with mindfulness expert Natasha Iregbu, founder of Butterfly Minds. Unlike the often-referenced "monkey mind," Natasha's butterfly metaphor beautifully captures both the fluttering thoughts and the potential for transformation that mindfulness offers our kids.This episode delivers practical, accessible techniques specifically designed for children's developing minds. Learn hand breathing exercises that provide visual and tactile grounding, discover how to teach diaphragmic breathing in child-friendly ways, and explore mindfulness activities that don't require sitting still – perfect for your active little ones. Beyond techniques, Natasha shares profound insights about teaching children self-compassion. Many kids, especially sensitive or neurodiverse children, develop strong inner critics at young ages. The powerful practice of teaching children to speak to themselves as they would speak to a friend creates a foundation for lifelong emotional resilience. As Natasha wisely notes, "Train your mind to talk to yourself how you would respond to someone you love."For busy families, the most liberating mindfulness message is that practice doesn't require lengthy dedicated sessions. Discover how to integrate mindfulness into everyday moments – washing dishes, walking to school, or during family meals. These small moments of presence accumulate into significant wellbeing benefits for the entire family.The episode also touches on the fascinating intersection between mindfulness practices and occupational therapy techniques, offering special relevance for parents of sensitive or neurodiverse children. Ready to transform your family's relationship with stress and bring more peaceful moments into your daily life? Listen now and discover gentle, effective mindfulness practices your children will actually enjoy.Connect with Natasha Iregbu: *Website: https://www.butterfly-minds.co.uk/*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butterfly_minds_/*Substack: https://butterflyminds.substack.com/ *Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Butterfly-Minds/61561529844436/Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
The journey of motherhood often awakens dormant spiritual gifts and sensitivities that transform how we parent. Maria Adlam, host of the Soulful Mamas podcast, shares her remarkable evolution from seeing unexplained lights as a child to becoming a Reiki practitioner after her children's health challenges guided her toward energy healing.Maria introduces us to the powerful concept of the "sacred pause" – a simple breath practice that helps parents respond from heartfelt presence rather than reactive thinking. This pause creates space for intuition to emerge before we interact with our children during challenging moments. The seemingly simple act of conscious breathing allows parents to regulate themselves first, creating a container of calm that naturally supports children's emotional needs without unnecessary questioning or fixing.For today's highly sensitive children, whom Maria describes as "coming in awake," these spiritual practices provide essential tools. The conversation explores how children naturally absorb and integrate spiritual concepts when presented as normal aspects of family life – from Maria finding her children spontaneously giving each other Reiki treatments to teaching them visualization techniques for energy protection.Perhaps most valuable is Maria's insight into teaching children discernment through what she calls "sacred yes" and "sacred no" decisions. By helping sensitive children tune into their authentic inner knowing, parents empower them to honor their boundaries while remaining kind and true to themselves. These simple yet profound spiritual tools become resources children can carry throughout their lives, helping them navigate an increasingly complex world with confidence and clarity.Try these practices with your family this week and notice how the simple act of pausing and breathing together can transform challenging moments into opportunities for deeper connection. What spiritual techniques have you found most helpful in your parenting journey?Connect with Maria Adlam: *Parenting with Soul Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/27OGCEYByykV7XAi1J7FkS?si=3jQHjbpbS1-BxLaRXPpW-g&nd=1&dlsi=b7241f1c7e1a4529*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parenting_with_soul/*Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/934624827805325/Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
What does it mean to truly feel alive? In this illuminating conversation with author Pearl Howie, we dive into the transformative power of staying connected to our authentic selves—and helping our children do the same.Pearl shares her concept of "active meditation," revealing how activities like skiing, hiking, and dancing can create a state of flow where we become fully present. Unlike traditional meditation, these embodied practices harness natural movement patterns that resonate deeply with both children and adults. "It doesn't matter what you're doing," Pearl explains, "when you're 100% present with what you're doing, it becomes a meditation."We explore the delicate balance between protecting our children and allowing them the freedom to make mistakes. Pearl offers practical wisdom on empowering kids to take ownership of their responsibilities, even when it means facing natural consequences. This approach builds resilience and helps prevent the fear of success that plagues many adults who've been sheltered from failure.The conversation takes a fascinating turn as we discuss neurodiversity and how different brains thrive in different environments. Pearl's experience with Zumba illustrates how structured, pattern-based activities can create spaces where neurodiverse individuals excel, challenging conventional notions about fitness and social engagement. "My brain is perfect," Pearl asserts, reminding us that our unique wiring enables our unique gifts.Perhaps most powerfully, Pearl encourages treating our bodies as temples and speaking to ourselves with the same kindness we'd offer a dear friend. This practice of self-compassion becomes a model for our children, showing them what authentic self-acceptance looks like.Ready to reconnect with your true self? Visit pearlhowie.com to explore her virtual retreat space "Roshanara" and discover workshops on finding your authentic success.Connect with Pearl Howie: *Website: https://pearlhowie.com/*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pearlescapes/?hl=en*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChxr3Q0L5cygvIsAcyaoR4A*LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pearl-howie-42bb1b120/Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
The universe operates on a principle of energy magnetism — what you put out inevitably comes back to you. Through this mini-episode, we explore how consciously directing our energy toward positivity transforms not only our own experience but our entire parenting journey, especially with highly sensitive children.Parenting presents countless opportunities to fall into negative thought patterns. When our children struggle with flexibility or experience overwhelming emotions, we often become trapped in spirals of worry and frustration. But what if we could train ourselves to approach these moments differently? I share practical mindset shifts that help us see challenges as opportunities for growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. This isn't about denying difficulties — it's about refusing to let them disconnect us from our intuition and our children.The heart of this episode revolves around powerful meditation practices, affirmations, and mantras designed specifically for parents navigating intense emotional landscapes with their children. From the simple yet profound breathing exercise of "inhaling patience, exhaling impulsivity" to the grounding parental affirmation "I am confident about my parenting and our amazing future, no matter what is occurring at this moment," these tools provide immediate relief during challenging situations. The culminating mantra — "I am open to good in my life, now and always, and so it is" — offers both parents and children a touchstone for cultivating receptivity to positive experiences. Try sharing these with your sensitive children before school or during transitions to help them feel empowered amidst overstimulation.Ready to transform how you respond to parenting challenges? Start with just one affirmation practiced consistently throughout your day. Notice how your energy shifts, how your connections deepen, and how your perspective broadens to welcome more of what you truly want into your family life. Share your experiences with us or ask questions at info@hearttoheart.life, and don't forget to leave a review if these practices resonate with you!Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
Perfectionism isn't really about being perfect—it's a shield we create to protect our wounded hearts. When we obsessively clean our homes or micromanage our children's lives, we're not striving for excellence; we're desperately trying to avoid the discomfort of judgment, criticism, and vulnerability.In this soul-stirring conversation between host Carrie and Reverend Rachel Harrison, we journey through the complex landscape of conscious parenting, spiritual growth, and what Rachel calls "soul recovery." As a metaphysical minister who raised two neurodiverse sons through addiction and recovery, Rachel offers profound insights that transcend typical parenting advice."Our children are not ours," Rachel reminds us. "They come through us to have their own experience." This simple truth revolutionizes how we approach parenting, especially when raising highly sensitive or neurodiverse children. When we stop seeing our children as extensions of ourselves—as projects to perfect—we create space for their authentic souls to flourish.The conversation weaves through Rachel's personal journey of alcoholism and recovery, revealing how her own healing transformed her family. Her now-adult sons have emerged from challenging childhoods with remarkable self-awareness, demonstrating that our parenting "mistakes" often serve deeper purposes in our children's development. As Rachel's son told her: "If I hadn't had all that stuff when I was younger, I wouldn't have the mindset to know how lucky I am."For parents currently in the trenches with young children, this episode offers liberation from the crushing weight of perfectionism. You don't need to control everything. You're not responsible for everyone's happiness. And most importantly—give yourself a break. There is no perfect way to parent, only the beautiful, messy journey of souls growing together.Ready to recover your soul from the grip of perfectionism and codependence? Listen now, and discover how releasing control might be the greatest gift you give yourself and your children.Connect with Rachel Harrison: *Website: https://www.recoveryoursoul.net/podcast*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/recoveryoursoulpodcast/*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/recoveryoursoul.net/Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
Joanna Calado, a fascinating "woo-woo scientist," joins us to bridge the gap between biomedical science and spiritual parenting practices. Drawing from her background as both a scientist and holistic coach, Joanna offers transformative strategies for parents navigating the complex emotional landscape of raising sensitive children.We dive deep into practical techniques that take mere seconds to implement yet create profound shifts in both children and parents. The "tense and release" exercise, which can be completed in just 30 seconds, helps teach our nervous systems that relaxation is possible and safe. Body scanning, mindful breathing, and even playful activities like "shaking it off" provide children with tools to process emotions and release accumulated stress from their day.For empathic parents constantly absorbing their children's emotional states, Joanna offers a refreshing perspective on self-compassion. Rather than just dealing with emotional outbursts after they happen, she emphasizes prevention through self-awareness and boundary-setting. The conversation turns particularly illuminating when discussing manifestation through the lens of conscious parenting. Children, especially those under seven, are natural manifesters because they connect deeply with their senses and haven't developed the limiting beliefs that often block adults. Joanna shares how parents can guide children to harness this natural ability by focusing on sensory experiences rather than just outcomes.Perhaps most powerful is her GPS analogy for trusting the manifestation process: we set the destination (the what) and purpose (the why), while trusting the universe to determine the route (the how) and arrival time (the when). This perspective invites parents to release control and practice faith—a valuable life skill to model for our watching children. Ready to transform your parenting journey into a pathway for spiritual growth? Listen now and discover how embracing childlike curiosity might be exactly what both you and your children need.Connect with Joana Calado: *Website: https://www.mindfulintrovert.com/*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewoowooscientist/*Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coachjoanacaladoSend us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
Every parent knows that moment—when you suddenly realize it's been weeks, maybe months, since you've pursued something just for yourself. Between managing household chaos, attending school events, nursing sick children, and preparing for family travel, your personal journey quietly slips to the background.This guided meditation episode creates a sanctuary for parents who've lost themselves in the beautiful but consuming journey of raising sensitive children. Through a gentle hand-on-heart practice, you'll reconnect with your innermost desires and remember that nurturing yourself isn't optional—it's essential. As you visualize your path through serene landscapes, you'll rediscover what truly calls to your spirit right now, whether it's learning, creating, connecting, or simply resting.We explore the profound question many parents avoid: what are you building for yourself when your children grow more independent? The meditation guides you to breathe in universal energy and exhale readiness for your next step, however small. This practice serves as a compassionate reminder that you're living a valuable, amazing human experience that extends beyond your parenting role.Give yourself the gift of this short meditation when parenting overwhelms, and remember: it's not selfish to create something for yourself in 2024 and beyond. Your journey matters too. If this resonates with you, please leave a five-star review and share your thoughts. Connect with us at our new website hearttoheartlife.com or check out our "Conscious Family Travels" YouTube channel for mindful travel tips with sensitive children.Send us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC
When was the last time you truly filled your cup? Not with a generic self-care ritual that Instagram told you to try, but with exactly what your unique system needed in that moment?Somatic practitioner Em Roberts joins us to explore a refreshing perspective on self-regulation that views each of us as a garden with different parts needing varied care. "It's not, oh, every day I love a bath with Epsom salt and music," Em explains. "Other days you might need to go sea swimming and boost your energy." This flexibility in our approach to self-care allows us to develop personalized tools that address our changing needs.For parents raising sensitive kids, quick regulation techniques can be lifesavers. Em shares several practical methods including breathing patterns that signal safety to your nervous system, ear pulling to stimulate the vagus nerve, and recognizing when movement needs to precede stillness. We discuss how dysregulation manifests in the body through tension, sleep disturbances, and behavioral changes, while exploring the power of co-regulation between parent and child.Perhaps most comforting is Em's reminder that perfect regulation isn't the goal. "You'll never be regulated all the time," she assures us. "It's normal to come out [of balance] and you just come back." This permission to be imperfect while having tools to return to center may be exactly what conscious parents need to hear.Check out our new website at hearttoheartlife.com and share your thoughts with us at info@hearttoheartlife.com. Don't forget to leave a five-star review if you've found value in our conversations!Connect with Em Roberts: *Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emrobertssomaticSend us a textNew! Conscious Family Travels Channel on YouTube with Carrie:https://www.youtube.com/@consciousfamilytravelsConnect with Carrie: *Website: https://hearttoheartlife.com/*Instagram: https://instagram.com/hearttoheartparentspodcast*YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HearttoHeartParentspodcast*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Think-Clearly-App/61554482625081/*Email: info@hearttoheartlife.com**Please remember that the information shared on this podcast is educational in nature and does not constitute licensed mental health advice. If you need such advice, you should speak with a licensed professional about your unique situation. Thanks so much happy listeners.© 2024 Heart to Heart Life LLC