Parenting Intuitives

“Whose Stuff is This?” – interview with Caron Goode

2011-03-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

“Whose Stuff is This?” – interview with Caron Goode

New Page Books: An Interview with Caron Goode

2010-11-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

New Page Books: An Interview with Caron Goode: "Caron Goode is a frequent guest contributor to our blog. Caron’s continuous education, experience in psychology and professional writing ..."

Intuitive Intelligence

2010-02-09T06:47:00.001-08:00

We have all heard the terms used to describe sensitive children. Everything from indigo, crystal, rainbow, to ADHD, autistic, or children having sensory processing issues. I felt a post on Today's Intuitive Children (a group on facebook) yesterday, was a beautiful interpretation of how we need to stay away from labels, because of the long term impact it has on our children and their self- esteem. In our book- Raising Intuitive Children, we take a different approach to describe our sensitive children by giving them knowledge of their intelligence. Something we term- Intuitive Intelligence.

In the traditional psychological model the child is described as having one of the following attributes (or a combination of such)- physical, mental, emotional, intuitive or spiritual. In our book, we pair the traditional intelligence with an intuitive intelligence. Below in the chart, you will see the description of the natural intelligence when paired with an intuitive intelligence. What this chart does and what this discovery directs us toward, is the natural/ intuitive gifts our children possess. When acknowledged by a parent or caregiver, this can guide children to know what their gifts are and trust the development of them.
For a larger image, click here!

Here I will give a few examples of how you may see the natural intelligence paired together with an intuitive intelligence.

In the chart we pair the natural intelligence of being "physical" with a child's intuitive awareness of their body in relation to their space or activity, and now we give the overactive (or energetic) child who may be referred to as having ADHD, an intuitive intelligence. When we become aware of this as an intuitive gift vs. a problem, we find ways to help the child effectively manage their influx of energy. In the book, I refer to my oldest son as being a physical intuitive. He is a gifted athlete and at an early age, we taught him to channel his energy by becoming involved in sports, Tae Kwon Do, and yoga. You might also see this show up for a child in school by their lack of focus or ability to sit still; this is due to their heightened flow of energy. Encourage your child to hold onto something or give them something to squeeze during the times they need to focus the most. This will help ground them by giving them something to be aware of in relation to their body.

Next we pair the mental with creative and we have the Creative, Inspired intuitive intelligence. These are our children who exhibit strong interest in the arts. Children we might refer to as drama queens or being overly dramatic. They love the arts, music, dance, singing...etc. They often daydream, have trouble staying focused and mostly learn through experimentation. Creative intuitives need firm boundaries put in place or they are likely to run the class or household. Finding the source of their passion is a great way to channel their creative energy. If they love to dance or sing, give them their own radio; find a musical instrument they can drum away on; engage them in watching people who do the things they are interested in. There is a lot of controversy over whether children should watch T.V, but for the creative child, it sometimes gives them the ability to connect or identify with the gifts inside them.

How many times have you seen a celebrity interviewed and the one thing they attribute their success to is seeing that one star who inspired them to become an actor?

My oldest daughter is a creative intuitive. From the age of 7 months she had rhythm; something I had not seen in such a young child. She actually loved Baby Einstein, but for her she identified with the music, the movement, the rhythm. She is an avid singer, dancer, performer; all around musically inclined. Today she loves to sit down with us and watch American Idol and tells us every week- "when I get bigger I am going to be on Idol." Who knows, but what better way for her to discover her passion than to be able to identify with someone else doing it?

The key to understanding our children and their gifts is to acknowledge and become aware of their natural intelligence paired with their intuitive intelligence. As the chart demonstrates, we can pair any one of the five natural intelligences with what we have discovered today are our intuitive intelligences. All children have an intuitive knowing; its up to us as parents to help them trust and develop it. This can also take us out of the mind set of using labels- the ones that seem special like indigo, rainbow and crystal; as well as the ones that follow a child through life like ADHD, autistic and sensory integration, which can make a child feel like there is something wrong with them.

For more detailed information about the intuitive intelligences and how they impact today's sensitive children, you can purchase your copy of Raising Intuitive Children here!

Labels and Your Intuition About Your Kids

2010-02-03T09:01:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of discussion these days about our children being labeled with learning disabilities and whether its appropriate given what we know about our children's sensitivities. For a long time, it has angered me to know that institutions, who don't directly relate to many of our children, could be in a position to tell us there is something wrong with them. Labels for everything from sensory processing, auditory processing, aspergers, autism to ADD or ADHD (whichever term they are using in this moment). Sounds to me like the only people NOT being labeled are the child prodigy's (and we know how few and far between they are).

As the mom of four kids ranging in age from a teenager to an infant, I feel equipped through experience, to share my feelings and perception about this topic. My oldest son Adam, is one of those kids who fits in well with the traditional school model. He understands the material easily; he tests well; he's outgoing, athletic; a kid who will succeed no matter what is thrown his way. He is also naturally intuitive which gives him the ability to read his surroundings and other people, but in a way that doesn't affect his personal energetic space.

Conclusion: Not a child one would think would be labeled with anything.

However, in kindergarten there was one teacher who gently commented that we may want to watch him for ADD. Given my intuitive knowing as a parent I strongly disagreed and found other ways to help him channel his energy. We put him in Tae Kwon Do and took him to yoga. What I came to understand about him, was that his natural intuitive gifts are demonstrated through his physical being. He is a gifted athlete and as long as he's moving the abundance of energy he has been blessed with, he functions perfectly well.

*In Raising Intuitive Children Adam is an example of the Physical Intuitive intelligence.

My younger son on the other hand is the complete opposite. He is emotionally sensitive, something I was aware of about him, at a very early age. He connects with the earth energies- water, crystals, animals; is compassionate; a humitarian; feels the emotions of the people around him; began seeing colors at the age of 3 and started having clairvoyant experiences at the age of 4; he struggles with reading and comprehending what he's read, but he is excellent in math and strategic games like chess; and he's drawn to art and music. Caden is a visual/ kinesthetic learner and doesn't process things the way a left- brained linear thinker does.

Conclusion: The schools wants to test him for auditory processing disorder and his teacher said they may lean toward ADHD too.

Now I am not against techniques that will help him function more easily in school, like the ones they would use to test his auditory skills, because what I have observed is that his confidence and self- esteem are compromised when he feels like he's not as smart as the other kids. I do however, have a problem with this being done because he isn't reading at the level they expect him to be. As far as ADHD is concerned, he absolutely does not exhibit characteristics of this label. Yes his mind moves faster and requires tricks to slow him down, but he is running at an incredibly high vibration, something we are not accepting of (or even aware of) in our world at this time.

Techniques I use to slow his mind down are things he can relate to energetically. As I said, he is intune with the earth energies. He takes a crystal to school with him and can either feel it through his pocket or hold it in his hand. This reminds him to stay grounded. I make sure he has a water bottle with him and he is encouraged to sip from it frequently. From a very early age, Caden used water as a natural way to ground himself (he would swim, take a bath, soak in the hot tub) so by drinking water, it has a similar affect and calms him. He is blessed to have a teacher who is also a meditation instructor, so we have discussed her walking by and touching his shoulder from time to time, so he feels connected which helps him remain centered.

*In Raising Intuitive Children, Caden is an example of the Empathic Intuitive and Psychic intelligence.

Although it can be daunting to know what the answers are for your kids or how to fight a system that appears broken, my best advice is to trust your intuition. If someone tells you something you don't feel right about, question it. Pay attention to what your kids may energetically be telling you as well. Often times, our kids will lead us toward what is best for them if we take the time to pay attention. I had every intention of homeschooling Caden this year. The fact that he is a psychically, empathic child made school difficult for him at times and we agreed third grade would be the time to change our method of schooling. We moved back home to upstate NY from VA, right before school started and Caden requested to go to school. We even discussed him staying back in second grade so he could have another year to build his confidence and registered him in second only to find out they placed him in third. It all made sense when I found out his teacher is also a meditation instructor and certified in Reiki 1 and 2. I have also been told he would work with autistic children someday and what better way to understand their sensitivities than to experience some of what they experience.

We may not always understand why things happen a certain way, but what I have found is that if we trust the natural flow; trust ourselves enough to know we have the answers; and listen to what our children may not be saying to us verbally, but may be saying to us energetically; things always work out for the best!

Copyright 2010, Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved

Global Tragedy in Haiti

2010-01-15T08:00:00.001-08:00

I received a link to a web site in my inbox today and like most things it was an article about the tragedy in Haiti. The most disturbing part of this piece were the things Pat Robertson, of all people, was saying. The article further went on to ask whether this catastrophe was karma (you can read the article here)?

It is my turn to be deeply saddened by people who could believe something like this is just a karmic boomerang. Really? Would God, the grand illusion, your higher self/ soul, or whatever you choose to believe in, take out vengeance on people who barely have enough to survive as it is? I choose not to believe something "out there" punished people, who aren't even aware of anything different, just for the mere fun of their circumstance. Would you hold a bowl of food in your hand in front of a child who hasn't eaten in two days just for fun? I mean essentially, that's what we are saying God has done to Haiti if we agree with these kinds of views- be it the devil or karma.

Why don't we look at this global catastrophe in a new light. Perhaps these things happen to people who are less fortunate in an effort to wake up those of us who have been living a life of splendor. My family has fallen on hard times, as I have shared before, like a lot of working families in this country, but we still have far more than people in countries like Haiti. I don't see this event in their life as karma nor do I see it as the people of Haiti projecting something out into the world. This was a natural disaster and one most likely caused by countries like ours.

I received an email yesterday asking whether I wanted to "buy" an item off of someone to give as a gift for a birthday which is THREE months away! Are you kidding me? We just suffered a natural disaster of epic proportions and someone is concerned about gifts for a birthday in April. In my mind, uncontientable!

This is the mentality of the people who have been in control of our world and it's time we make the changes necessary to move forward in love. Forget karma, judgement, opinions, or explanation. Start changing the stories you create and the outcome will begin to look different too! This life isn't about what we have; how much we've given; whether innocent people are being punished or whether its karma! The reality is we have witnessed yet again human tragedy and the only question that needs to be asked is- what do we plan to do about it?

God Bless the people in Haiti. You did not deserve this; you did not bring this on yourself; and there are people who deeply care about you and the human condition. May you rise up from the ashes and ascend into the light of humanity's love!

Today's Morning Blessing from Reverend Angela Peregoff

2010-01-08T08:36:00.001-08:00

I thought this was a nice follow up to what I posted yesterday about being a parent. Must be a theme this year :o)

Making the decision to have a child is momentous.
It is to decide forever to have your heart
go walking around outside your body.- Elizabeth Stone

There comes a time in each child's life when they are faced with critical decisions and we, as parents, must sit back in silent witness and observe their choices. We hang intently on the outer edges of their judgment-making processes hoping to get a glimpse of the honesty, empathy, kindness, compassion, respect and responsibility we modeled for them. Children naturally adopt behaviors they observe in us -- we are the example of what they will be in the world. The curiosity of what they will choose often has us questioning our own values and character. Did who we really are speak loudly enough for them to hear? Can they find the same fire within to stand in integrity and light when life is creating a challenging adventure for them? Have our own accomplishments as parents passed the legacy of Wisdom on to our greatest channeling of joy?

Lately I have had a number of conversations with parents that have revolved around this very subject. The moms and dads find themselves having to trust the journey and the heart wisdom of their most precious creation. There is distress and concern that a son or daughter won't have the courage or conscience to make the right choice. I have urged them to remember the depth of commitment they have given to parenting, and while children usually choose the lesser standard of behavior first they eventually come back to the framework they were raised in.

We all learn about what we value through trial and error, so why would it be any different for our children? If you have any doubts about the confidence and truth your child possesses I beg you to get up right now, walk up to your child and stare into his or her eyes. The reflection you see is the Intelligence of the adult they will become. Sure, it may take a while to mature but I guarantee if you blazed a trail of authenticity and were a living example of what you want to see in your children it will show up. It can't not!

Never lose sight of the energy, thoughtfulness and love that is sometimes hidden within a blanket of chaos and denial my friends.

The time will come when your children will clean up their acts and meet their challenges with the allowance of values you have embodied in them.

Remember, our children are the messages we are sending into
a future we may never see, Reverend Angela Peregoff

Parenting Never Ends

2010-01-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

I have given a lot of thought to this post, because its necessary to be centered in a neutral space when sharing feelings or beliefs about anything, especially our views on parenting. We know everyone has a different lense for how we view the world and our role in it so let me be the first to say, this is through my own personal lense as an experienced and loving parent.

"Struggle" has been the name of the game for many people over the past few years. For my family personally, we have struggled since 2005 when the housing market was in its beginning stages of a major decline. My husband's business was dependent on people remodeling or adding on to their homes as he owned his own carpentry business. His work and ability to find it was coming to a rapid halt beginning in late 2005 only to hit bottom, as we have all witnessed has been the case for many over the past couple of years. We surrendered our home; bankrupted; moved twice; and have spent many sleepless nights wondering how to put food on the table for our children, much less concern ourselves with how to pay bills or least of all health insurance. Somehow we have remained intact, although it hasn't been easy.

As if that doesn't seem like the worst of it, my husband may be facing a health issue and is still desperately searching for work. We have 4 kids to provide for and he has bounced from four different jobs since November because of lack of work or lay offs due to pending projects. I am not slated to work again until late February or March. I lay awake at night or have thoughts constantly flowing through my head, that beg for the ability to take care of our children. As a parent I think we all worry about how to meet our children's needs especially in today's declining and uncertain economy. It really is scary what we may be facing and yes, I pray to God everyday to deliver us from the fear and concern that our needs won't be met.

So the bigger question I have been contemplating for the last several days, months and years, is what causes a parent(s) to think they have ever done enough to help their children when every other course of action has been followed through with? Again mind you, this is coming through my lense of being a conscious parent/ human being, who looks through the heart when responding to those in need.

Two years ago, I took on the most difficult task that could have been asked of me which was to take in my mother to live with us. My father passed suddenly at the age of 52 and my mom was left with her world turned upside down. After attempts by my siblings to care for her (and one prior attempt by me), in the end I had the compassion and strength to take on the responsibility. This was not an easy decision to make and to this day is almost a challenge daily, but we aren't asked only to do what's easy, but rather asked to do what God would do.

Would God ever turn to one of us and say- I've done all I can do; you're on your own now kid? Hopefully, this is a rhetorical question....

As a parent, I would go to the ends of the earth for my children. I would give them the shirt off of my back and if they were struggling in the world, because of unfortunate circumstances and I had the means to do something about it, I most definitely would. Heck I would do it for a stranger, but definitely my children first and foremost, if they were in need. Many of us would give a kidney, our blood or our life for our children.

I recognize that for some the idea of living through the heart is a foreign concept. Hell, for decades people have been living in the shadows of their true selves to conform to social norms. So many people in my parent's generation were raised to be disconnected. Disconnected from themselves, each other, God... I see emotional pain at war inside some people and they can't even see they're fighting themself. One side wants to be the person that reaches out and helps lift someone else from their heart, while the other side is conditioned by past thinking and the old energy of- you have to work hard and struggle the way we did; nothing was ever handed to us. The sad truth is that we are watching people struggle and suffer from stress induced illness and all for what? There is no lesson here to be learned folks. We are supposed to give the shirt off of our back and our cloak too. Of course some of us want to believe that because we attend church and go to bible study we are living "the word." If you can't see you have only been given that which you have, to offer as a way to give others a hand up, you haven't been paying attention to the sermon.

To the parents out there who feel they've done enough and would rather watch their children suffer than to be burdened with their child's issues, in the end the greater travesty is that the grandchildren are the one's who will suffer the most. They will be the one's who remember there was no food in the cupboards or no money to pay for music or art classes; no gloves for the cold or heat to warm the house; no gas to put in the car or health care to correct a serious health issue.

We have many good friends, all with kids, who have been hit as hard or harder than we have. What amazes me the most is it appears our generation has been the fallout for the mismanagement of values from the prior one and some have family members who stand in the very same mindset of- we've helped you enough. We also have friends whose parents have given them half of what little amount of money they had in the bank (one person's parents had $400 and gave them $200 and would have given it all, but needed it for something).

Family members who own multiple homes and yet every one of their children are struggling in some way (emotionally, spiritually, financially). I don't know about you, but I couldn't in good conscience go to sleep at night knowing I have excess while my children are without. Believe me, you can rationalize anything I'm saying by quickly judging why someone else has been put in the situation they're in, making excuses for why you feel justified with your stance or criticizing the choices people have made, but in the end the only thing that truly matters is what choice did you make when faced with the option of making the right one?

If this hits a nerve, perhaps it was intended to raise your awareness. If you agree, you are probably like me and give from the heart without judgement. If you don't care, this wasn't intended for you.

I know that each and every day I make choices that will be best for my children and family. If you don't believe our children chose to be here, then you chose to have them and need to take responsibilty for what you've taught them or are teaching them. If you are of the belief our children chose to come to their parents then view them as the mirror of your experience and allow them to help you grow more fully into the light.

In the end, you have nothing if you don't have an open heart. You will never be given the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven if you are kind to strangers, but turn your back on your family. You will never be able to face a higher power and justify why you didn't do more. You were told to do whatever was asked of you... believe me, its not easy. I live it on a daily basis!

©2010 by Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved

So Should You Get the Flu Vaccination?

2009-10-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of hype and hysteria around this year's H1N1 flu virus. Parents are definitely divided on the issue of whether to have their kids vaccinated or not. Half are in a panic to receive flu shots for themselves and their kids and half are saying "no way!"

I have never been an advocate for the flu shot in and of itself; I am definitely not a supporter of the H1N1 vaccination either. A lot of people are not aware of the fact that this particular shot contains a preservative known as Thimersol or better known to most as mercury. Mercury in shots has been declared illegal in CA and many others have followed suit in eliminating thimersol from their vaccines.

Why then do most of the H1N1 vaccines contain this dangerous metal known to be toxic to children's bodies and our own? What concerns me the most is not only that they have added thimersol to this shot (which has been eliminated from most childhood vaccinations), but this particular vaccination hasn't even been tested for a length of time to prove its effectiveness!

In the past week, I have received interesting feedback with regard to this controversy. One friend posted a link on facebook that stated people who have compromised immune systems are most at risk to get the swine flu.

One of my girlfriends said to me earlier this week that she refused to give her kids the shot. She said "people look at me like I have three heads, but it just doesn't feel right. Something about it isn't right."

Another friend took his son to the pediatrician and emailed me today to say "I'm not pleased with this H1N1 vaccine! Apparently I'm supposed to believe that thimersol, which had been outlawed in every other vaccine is ok in this one application?!....At what point would any reasonable person expect me to just step aside and say yep, this proven toxic metal's ok in this case. Am I mad????"

Yesterday I received a response to my previous post titled- Freedom or Vaccinations and she wrote- "Thanks for this post. I had a conversation with my father who is a medical doctor this morning about whether we should vaccinate our 2 children under 5 years old. My dad lives in Austraila where they are not allowing children under 10 to have the vaccination. He also just went through the Australian winter and said this flu is so mild it is much milder than the usual flu. So, no, my little ones are not going to be getting the vaccine (as we are being recommended to do here where we live in Sweden. By the way, 40% of the staff working in the health profession here in Sweden are refusing the vaccine!)"

Really?? Then why are we having a fear based meltdown in this country? I can only imagine if we follow the trail of money we would have our answer. Why thimersol when we know its dangerous? Sounds to me like they were quick to see who could get the first vaccine on the market...hmmm. I am sure it would take a lot longer to produce the quantity necessary without the preservative..although don't quote me because I don't know that to be a fact.

Okay so then what are some practical things you can do to protect your family if you choose not to have your family vaccinated?

There are several things from keeping your hands clean and sanitized to taking some preventative measures. I use a product called Sovereign Silver which is a spray you can find in the health food section of your store and is safe for everyone, including infants. Several spritzes a day is a good way to build the body's immune system.

Another product is a nasal spray with xylitol. Xylitol is a 5 carbon sugar which eats bacteria; sprayed in the nasal passage it eats bacteria that enters the nose. A great brand is Spry and can be found at stores like the Vitamin Shoppe or online at Amazon.com.

Find a cold and flu spray with Echinacea. If used at the onset of cold or flu symptoms it will prevent the symptoms from becoming worse.

You can also add a teaspoon of Bragg organic cider vinegar with the Mother to 4- 6oz. of water. The important ingredient is that it contains "the mother." This cleans out yeast, molds and bacteria from the body to inhibit any growth that can lead to illness.

These are just a few practical options if you choose to decline the H1N1 vaccine. At the very least, make sure it DOES NOT contain thimersol!!!

Award-Winner in the parenting category of the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News

2009-10-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

My co-author entered our book- Raising Intuitive Children into the National Best Books 2009 Awards, sponsored by USA Book News and we won in the parenting category!

LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE NATIONAL “BEST BOOKS” 2009 AWARDS (NBBA) on October 20, 2009. Over 500 winners and finalists were announced in over 140 categories covering print and audio books. Awards were presented for titles published in 2009 and late 2008.

Jeff Keen, President and CEO of USABookNews.com, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries, which were then narrowed down to over 500 winners and finalists.

Award highlights include the following:

Raising Intuitive Children: Guide Your Children to Know and Trust Their Gifts by Caron B. Goode, Ed.D. and Tara Paterson (New Page Books) won first place in the General Parenting/Family category!!!

Way to go!!!

Busy Families Media Tour

2009-09-25T14:59:00.000-07:00

Off on another whirlwind media tour beginning Sunday Sept. 27th. I am headed to:

Week 1:
9/28- Phoenix, AZ. ABC Channel 15; Sonoran Living Live.
9/29- San Antonio, TX. FOX Channel 29.
9/30- Albuquerque, NM. NBC- Good Day New Mexico.
10/1- Miami, FL. NBC Channel 6; South Florida Today.

Week 2:
10/5- Nashville, TN. FOX Channel 17; Tennessee Mornings.
10/6- St. Louis, MO. CBS Channel 4; Great Day St. Louis.
10/7- Milwaukee, WI. NBC Channel 4; The Morning Blend.
10/8- Grand Rapids, MI. FOX Morning Show.

Week 3: Tentative
San Diego and Dallas.

Will be back online again in three weeks!

Freedom or Vaccinations?

2009-09-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

I had intended to write a post about how to encourage your kids to do their homework this week (for themselves and not for the parent), but in reading so many things lately about this H1N1 vaccine, I felt frustrated enough to voice my opinions about this first.

To start, I have NEVER been an advocate for the flu vaccine. I will not allow myself or my children to have it (nor does my husband). I had the shot one time many years ago and I became ill. By the way, I don't get the flu to begin with.

This morning on facebook, I saw this post by a friend- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C89dvM897yc, They are talking about potentially requiring the flu vaccination become mandatory in Massachusetts (or forcing; there really isn't a choice if you require someone to do something which in my mind becomes force). Are you kidding me? Do we live in a free country or closer to the fascist state talked about by many (including Mary in the book- Choosing Honor)? Since when have we given the government or better yet pharmaceutical companies control of our bodies and when will this be stopped? After they have injected our children with poison that will most surely affect the wellbeing of several children's lives forever???

Wake up people. Basically what these bureaucrats are telling you is that you're too stupid to make the decision for yourself and your child about what goes into your body. We aren't talking about government bozos spying on us or questioning us in airport security lines. We aren't talking about phone taps and profiling. We are talking about control of our body being given to the people who control the MONEY in this country (the world essentially). This is misuse and abuse of power on so many levels, if we don't stand up against this and fight these potential laws being put into practice we are failing both ourselves and our children.

We just recently moved back to our home state of NY. The first thing I did was begin researching the rules for vaccinations here. Talk about bureaucracy. In Virginia, a doctor's note is satisfactory to decline an immunization. Last year I declined my oldest son's DTP shot before school began, b/c his previous one was still good. My feeling was simple- why give him another shot for something that was still within the period of time the vaccine is good for? Here's the kicker. If I hadn't taken a stand and declined the vaccine last year, NY state's laws would have forced me to have the shot administered again, b/c they require the shot be within one year upon entering the state! I attempted to submit a letter from the doctor again, declining the shot (because remember he is still within the 10 year period; 6 to be exact, of the shot's effectiveness), but the school rejected it. The reason has to be in alignment with what the CDC has declared is acceptable for declining an immunization; not the fact that the one in his system is still effective. Next time I will declare religious exemption!

So to sum things up, had I been forced to give Adam the DTP shot last year combined with the mandatory force that he have it this year, he would have had the same shot 3 times in 6 years. As his parent, I don't have the right to say no thank you, because apparently I am too stupid to know what is and isn't good for my children.

Some may wonder why I didn't pursue the issue more forcefully given the way I feel. If it were any of my other children, I would have fought harder. Adam however, is both an athlete and physically strong which is a contrast to my other children who are more sensitive. Because he attends an athletic facility and is active all of the time, this shot is the one I feel okay with him having; that was the intuitive reason. He would not have been allowed to attend school (by the way the school would have been fined $2000 per day until his shot was up to date; who says the money isn't controlling this issue!); that was my practical reason. I will not back down however, with my younger children.

To date, my infant daughter has had no vaccinations. Our doctor feels very strongly that children under the age of 2 do not need immunizations. We have the shared knowing that when something has been irradicated, there is no need to vaccinate for it. If there were to be an outbreak we would need those vaccinations. With things like flu shots there is no exact match for the strain. Why then, would we inject our bodies with something that may or may not be effective? With the H1N1, have they had an adequate amount of time to test its effectiveness? Hello, I would say NO! Our bodies were designed (by a power higher than our government) to fight off illnesses by the strength of our immune system. When you inject your body with these things, you are not giving your body a chance to build a defense mechanism to combat these illnesses. Take chicken pox for example. We all had it as a childhood illness. We all survived and our immune system is better for it.

People need to pay attention to what's going on. We need to fight for the right to control what goes into our bodies. It's one thing to give up some privacy under the guise of "security;" it's one thing to be willing to pay more for things because the wealthy want to continue to line their pockets at the expense of the majority (ie. oil prices which has lead to higher gas prices); it's entirely another thing to give up the right to say no to something being injected into our bodies. We need to stop this from happening and we need to do it now!

This is where intuition becomes a vital part of our survival. I have said this before, but I will not ever claim to be an expert. If I claim to be an expert, I am asking you to give away your power to know the answers for yourself, to me. We can all seek guidance from others to support what we already feel intuitively, but in the end each of us has to find the answers for ourselves by listening to what feels right. How many people blindly accept vaccinations for their children, because their doctor says so? How many people actually do the research to find out why their kids shouldn't have a shot or even what the side effects may be? I won't claim to have done all of the research about what is contained in every immunization, but my inner voice has been very adamant about what I should allow, what I should avoid and which of my kids should and shouldn't have vaccinations. Doctors have admitted there is a small percentage of children who can develop disabilities (autism) from certain vaccines. Do you want that to be your child? I sure as heck don't.

Pay attention and ask questions. Now is the time to unite to change the rules before we have lost all of our power to do so. Take a stand!

Intuitive Thought for the Week

2009-09-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

Do not take your child's responses or actions personally; it has nothing to do with you! Children need to be free to express their feelings so they don't hold them in and store it as baggage which will later come up in other situations. Children are people and need to be allowed to communicate what they're feeling regardless of what the parent (or adult) thinks.

If it bothers you, it's most likely your issue!

No New Intuitive Updates?

2009-09-17T06:30:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted an article to my blog. SO much has happened and yet the intuitive nudges have seemed dull.. I guess that's what we all think until we've moved beyond them.

In early June, I discovered I had lost interest in doing much that involved my time outside of my home. At the end of July, I went on another one of my whirlwind media tours and traveled all over the place for the better part of 4 weeks. Amidst my travels, my husband and I made a huge decision that would forever alter the future of our lives. We decided to move back home! We had been living in Virginia for over 8 years; raised our boys there for most of their lives (Adam spent 2/3's of his life there and Caden all but 7 weeks), and had our two girls in Virginia. What were we thinking?

So many things had to be figured out and I was gone most of the month leading up to the big move! The decision was made whether consciously or not. Things were lining up effortlessly and all of our needs to support the transition were falling into place. I couldn't believe that after all of these years we were going to be crazy enough to move back to NY. It doesn't help that I hate cold weather, A LOT!

The funny thing about the whole decision was that it was done entirely through intuition. For many years I have been aware that as the shifts in energy intensified, we would be moved where we would need to be. Early in the spring, I could feel the edges of our world slowly being uprooted. I fought the idea b/c even considering a move, would disrupt our oldest son Adam's world of baseball. For three years he had been playing on a wonderful travel team and had shown so much progress with both talent and ability; the thought of disrupting him (not to mention he is an adolescent in middle school) was not something I would even consider doing. I shared this with a woman at a convention in May and she told me "as soon as your husband makes a decision to allow the shift, your son will follow suit." And the longing I had to go home, wasn't leaving either.

Mid July, we came back for my cousin's high school graduation. My aunt and uncle, who were visiting from Florida (whom I hadn't seen since my dad passed nearly four years ago), were here and all of our relatives. The longing continued. I knew this would be the make it or break it trip. Its one thing to want to go home from a distance, but another thing when it sticks with you after a visit. Leaving NY, I had tears, b/c I truly wanted to move my kids back to a life we grew up with; one where you spend your weekends at the lake, play flashlight tag at night, attend every Varsity football game during the season, enjoy great burgers and ice cream (let's not forget pizza...mmmm).. the list goes on and I felt my kids weren't experiencing those same things.

I slowly began to share my feelings about the move with Chris. At first he was indignant- "I am not moving back to NY." Each night on our walk, I would remind him that all of our friends and family lived there; we would have a great support system and I recalled a friend of a friend whose son played on a travel baseball team (although I wasn't sure of his age). I also brought up our friend who is suffering from a fatal illness, but who would be traveling to India for stem cell transplants and how his wife and kids would need extra support. I felt we needed to be there to offer it. He was slowly beginning to see my point, but I think the real clincher was Derek leaving for India and their need for support. Chris confirmed the cookout we had with all of our friends before we left NY was what really tugged at his heart strings. It just so happens the cookout was at Shelly and Derek's house and when I added our being there to help when he left for India, that somewhat locked in the decision. From that point on he was on board and over board...LOL.

Julie was right that when Chris made the decision, Adam would be on board, b/c when we asked him if he wanted to move back home, there was no hesitation. And if you're wondering what Caden's response was, "I want to move back mom because that's where grandpa lived."

Everything began to line up. We found the perfect house in the school district we wanted; we found Adam a travel team he made on his first tryout; everything was proving effortless (with the exception of how long it took to actually move!).

When I began this I said my intuition had felt dull, but in retrospect my intuition lead us to all of the changes we've made in less than three months. Although it took us a few weeks to adjust to being back from pure exhaustion, the kids are thriving in school and we are back home. The connection is so much deeper, even though we have been gone, than it ever was the 8 plus years we spent in Northern VA. Although I loved every moment of living in VA, I now believe we are headed back to the strongest connection we have to the planet as things continue to change and shift. The feeling is one of safety and security; the place we chose to make our entrance into the world. It's almost as though we never left and even Adam feels a stronger connection to being here.

I asked him one day if any of the kids liked the Redskins and he said "I don't know." I said well its your team b/c you're from there and he said- "no mom, I am from NY." Another good friend of mine once told me (when we were discussing what a move like this would be like for a middle schooler)her daughter had said to her at one point later in life she wished her mom had moved her into another school when she was about this age. We sometimes think we are making the right decision because of the perception we have about a situation, but what I noticed for my son is he didn't really feel as comfortable in his skin as I knew he should be. I'm glad we made the change and I followed my intuition.

All is well...

Interview about Raising Intuitive Children with Alysin Camerota

2009-07-29T14:53:00.000-07:00

This past May, I had the privilege of being interviewed by Fox & Friends anchor- Alysin Camerota about my book Raising Intuitive Children. To see the video, click here!

Be back soon with more posts!

Back To School Media Tour

2009-07-26T09:12:00.000-07:00

I am starting my "Back to School Essentials" media tour today. My schedule will be:

Week 1:
7/27- Phoenix, AZ- Sonoran Living Live (ABC affiliate).
7/28- Albuquerque, NM- Good Day New Mexico (NBC affiliate).
7/30- Nashville, TN- Tennessee Mornings (Fox affiliate).

Week 2:
8/4- St. Louis, MO- Great Day St. Louis (CBS affiliate).
8/5- Richmond, VA- Virginia This Morning (CBS affiliate).
8/6- Milwaukee, WI
8/7- Grand Rapids, MI- Morning Show (Fox affiliate).

Week 3:
8/10- Atlanta, GA- Family Net (cable)
8/11- Wash. D.C.- Let's Talk Live (ABC affiliate).

Week 4:
8/17- Hartford, CT- Fox 61 Morning Show

More blog posts when I return!

Intuitive Thought of the Day

2009-07-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

•Pay attention to your child’s behavior when they are around certain people. Children feel the energy of other people and if you ask them what it feels like to be around someone, they may share with you that someone made them feel light or heavy.

Intuitive Thought for the Day

2009-07-15T13:47:00.000-07:00

•Enjoy meals together several times a week. With most people’s hectic schedules, there isn’t always time to hear the details of a child’s day immediately after work. Sharing a meal together allows children the space to talk about what went on in their day after they’ve had some down time and you have too.

Intuitive Thought for the Day

2009-07-06T06:32:00.000-07:00

by Mary Goulet

It's easy to trust our instincts when not much is at stake, but when we have too much time to make a decision and we have an emotional attachment to its outcome we spin ourselves into a tizzy and freeze.

Self-doubt is the genesis of fear and making a decision from a place of fear will always result in consequence and regret.
--------------------

from Go With Your Gut.

Does Your Child Have an Imaginary Friend? Mason Does!

2009-07-03T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Imaginary Lizard

None of our children has ever had imaginary friends...until now. Mason (age 3) has suddenly acquired a pet that nobody else can see.

Last week, Mason came into our room, with his tiny hand outstretched, and said, "See my lizard?"

I looked, eyes wide, and said, "Oh! He's so cute! Can I pet him?"

Mason shook his head and I reached out my finger and gently petted the air about a half inch above his palm.

A few minutes later, Mason ran back into our room, and frantically asked, "Where my lizard? Where's my lizard!?" I thought he was kidding but he was getting increasingly upset. I was trying to figure out how to find an invisible lizard, wondering in the back of my mind how badly Mason would be scarred emotionally if we never found the lizard.

I figured the best way would be to help Mason spot his own lizard. I mean, if I said, "Oh, here he is!"...and he wasn't really there, what would Mason think about me? About himself??

So, asked Mason, "Is he behind the chair?"

Mason looked, turned around with his arms raised, palms to the ceiling, and howled, "No!"

I knew tears were imminent. I said, "Okay, is he under the bed?" Mason looked, and then again cried, "No!"

I was starting to panic, and quickly listed off other locations. "Under Daddy's desk?", "In Max's room?", "Next to the TV?", ACK!!!!

Just as I was about to think that I'd have to give Mason the old "your-lizard-went-to-Heaven" talk, I got an idea. I smiled, and said, "Is he on your head?!"

Mason smiled back at me, reached up on top of his head, and grabbed something I couldn't see. He then pulled it down, opened his palm, and shouted, "Here he is!" He then walked happily back to the playroom.

Shwew! Permanent psychological scarring avoided!

Lizard has gotten lost a few dozen times since then and he always seems to be hiding somewhere on Mason...so I think I'm getting the hang of this imaginary friend stuff.

On Monday, Mason ran in our room, crawled on our bed as fast as he could, pointed at Max's room, and said, "Mouse! Mouse!"

Our cat, Mittens, is an avid hunter and, unfortunately, we find mice, chipmunks, and body parts of both in and around the yard and, yes, occasionally in the house as well. Nothing ruins my appetite for coffee more than stumbling over a tiny piece of intestines in the kitchen first thing in the morning. Anyway, when Mason yelled "Mouse!" the entire house mobilized. After a thorough search, no mouse turned up. A few minutes later, Mason was sitting on Max's bed, where I'd moved him during the hunt. He was looking toward the playroom, and he yelled again, "Mouse! Mouse!!" Well, at least we had him cornered now! There's only one way out of the playroom. Problem is, there are all kinds of toy tubs in there for the little creature to hide in.

After several minutes of looking over and under everything, we gave up once again.

Then, Mason was hollering again, "Mouse! Mouse!!"

Richard yelled for Frank to get Mittens. I was starting to have visions of that mouse crawling on me in my sleep (violent shudder!!!).

Mittens didn't find anything, either. After a few more minutes passed, we all felt a bit foolish when we realized what had been going on. Mason climbed down from Max's bed, came in our room, and calmly announced, "Mouse go downstairs and outside. Mouse go bye-bye." He then, smiled, held out his hand, and said, "See my lizard?"

My new job this week is to babysit Lizard while I'm working. Mason brings him to me and says, "You hold it, okay?" Lizard sits on my shoulder and...well, he's watching me type about him right now. At least "Mouse" hasn't returned. I'm not sure how Mason would react if Mittens ate him.

Angela Hoy is the co-owner of WritersWeekly.com and BookLocker. WritersWeekly.com is the free marketing emag for writers that features new paying markets and freelance job listings every Wednesday. According to attorney Mark Levine, author of The Fine Print, BookLocker is one of the top-rated POD publishers in the industry.

Thought for the 4th of July

2009-07-03T06:01:00.000-07:00

From the Morning Blessing by Reverand Angela Peregoff:

I accept my unique preciousness, loving myself unconditionally
N ewness awaits me in every area of my life
D oubt evaporates as faith surfaces
E ach day brings promises of spiritual surprises
P eople in my life are messengers of God
E very moment is a gift from God
N ever depend on any person for your well being
D on't just spend time - invest it by planting positive seeds
E njoy your day/week/month/year/life
N ever say 'never' - with God everything is possible
C hange your 'thinking' - change your Life
E very demonstration happens in time and on time

D elays are temporary - be patient
A lways maintain an attitude of gratitude
Y our first success comes after your last failure

10 Ways to Tell Your Child You Love Them Without Using Words

2009-07-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

•When your child communicates with you, stop what you’re doing and really listen to what they have to say. When your child knows and feels you care about what they are saying, they will feel good about themselves.

•Spend quality time each day with your child. When a child has the undivided attention of their parent, they feel important and cared for.

•Tune into your child’s needs. Respond to what your child may need before they ask; this shows your child you really are paying attention to them.

• Show your child affection without being asked. When you offer a hug to your child without being prompted, they will truly feel your love for them.

•When your child wants to show you something or needs something in that moment, stop what you’re doing and follow their lead. Sometimes they just want to know they are more important than your work.

•Enjoy meals together several times a week. With most people’s hectic schedules, there isn’t always time to hear the details of a child’s day immediately after work. Sharing a meal together allows children the space to talk about what went on in their day after they’ve had some down time and you have too.

•If your child comes home from school or an outing and immediately starts to talk about a sensitive topic, stop and listen to what they’re saying; it is most likely bothering them.

•Intently watch your child. Simply gazing at your child will send energetic vibrations of love their way and they will receive the warm feelings into their being.

•Make eye contact with your child. Sharing a deep gaze with your child sends messages of love through the eyes. The eyes are the gateway to one’s soul and a child knows this.

•Do things for your child. Consciously making their bed and washing their favorite shirt let’s them know you thought about them during your day.

© 2009 by Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved

Intuitive Thought for the Day

2009-06-30T07:49:00.000-07:00

•When your child is upset or feels pain, whether you think he should feel the way he does or not, acknowledge his true feelings and explore the feeling with him. What your child feels at any moment is very real and by telling a child they shouldn’t feel that way, causes them to go inside and question whether they are allowed to feel what they are experiencing.

Intuitive Thought for Today

2009-06-26T11:16:00.000-07:00

•Give yourself time to nurture your own needs. It is only when you allow yourself time to be in touch with your own spirit that you become aware of what’s going on inside of and around you.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Interview with Intuitive Children's Author- Rosemary Serluca- Foster

2009-06-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

I recently had the honor and privilege of not only interviewing Rosemary, but also had the pleasure of meeting her in NYC at Book Expo America this past May. Rosemary is the author of Genevieve’s Gift: A Child’s Joyful Tale of Connecting with her Intuitive Heart.

This connection was special for me for two reasons. During my last pregnancy with my 4th child (2nd daughter) I considered naming her Genevieve. And the other special reason is that my work is intuitive parenting and working with intuitive children through heart centered connections. As you can tell, Rosemary's book is aligned directly with those principles.

Rosemary's company is Rosedove Productions, LLC located in Nyack, NY and she is married to her wonderful husband Doug Foster. She has four godchildren whom she adores: Lauren, Chelsea, Antonia and Ian and feels that all the children and adults she works with on a deep level become part of her extended family. I asked Rosemary some questions about her book and here's what she had to say.

Tara: What was the inspiration for your book?

Rosemary: I began to observe children around me who were losing their intuitive and creative spark as they got older through peer pressure and unconscious parenting, and felt moved to create something specifically for children that they could relate to; something to help them keep in touch with that deeply present, and intuitive part of themselves.

Tara: Rosemary, I couldn't agree with you more. My book Raising Intuitive Children is aligned specifically with the need to educate parents about what it means to raise intuitive children. What I have found through the feedback about the book, is that parents themselves are beginning to recover their own intuitive knowing and memories.

Did you have an aha moment; was it inspired by something you were doing or someplace you were visiting; a person in your life?

Rosemary: Oh yes! I was on a meditation retreat, sitting next to an idyllic pond. I began journaling and wrote the sentence—“teach children about intuition.” It felt like someone had commanded me. So I followed the order, so to speak, and created my children’s workshop called Kids-R-Intuitive, which is comprised of exercises, visualizations, crafts and games to help children tap into their inner and creative voice, and then wrote the book, Genevieve’s Gift.

Tara: How wonderful. So many of us are being called to re-ignite this sense for our children.

When did you first come up with your idea?

Rosemary: After that meditation retreat, I felt something important was about to be born through me. Being that I am a writer, it felt natural to create a book. I constantly relied on my own intuition to bring this project to life. I was in fact, living the journey of connecting with and following that small still voice inside, just like the main character does. And it was through the same heart connection meditation that I teach children in my workshops, that I first got a glimpse of what Genevieve looked like, who is very similar to my sweet, intuitive goddaughter Antonia.

Tara: Who is your greatest source of support; why?

Rosemary: Without a doubt my husband Doug. He is, and has always been very supportive of my creativity and writing, not to mention he is a very kind and steady, and reminds me to take a step back and look at the big picture, especially when things “appear” not to be falling into place.

Tara: We have the "supportive husband" blessing in common. Someone told me it's the divine masculine we are beginning to see in men. Whatever it is, I am grateful to have one :o)

If you could offer one piece of advice to someone who is thinking of venturing into this line of work, what would it be?

Rosemary: Listen to your intuition every step of the way. I cannot stress enough how important this is. The journey of how this book came to be is a story in and of itself, and the common thread throughout that journey is the synchronistic events that kept me moving forward. That’s not to say it wasn’t challenging, for it definitely was at times. But that’s part of the growth experience that none of us can, or should avoid. My job was to listen and follow. You’ll feel so much better after you've tried something you're dreaming about doing.

Tara: Absolutely so true! If you don't listen to that inner voice, you miss the blessings that are waiting for all of us on this journey we call life.

What are your future plans; what’s next for you as a writer?

Rosemary: I am continually writing and working on other projects that include: content for websites, magazine articles, ghostwriting and editing books, and TV scripts. I would love to have a publisher acquire Genevieve’s Gift (any ideas or introductions are so very welcome!) and also create a whole series of Genevieve's Gift books, (I have many adventures in mind for our heroine.)

Tara: After conversing with Rosemary for some time, it is our hope and intention to work together to bring intuition to everyone.

Thank you Rosemary. I am so pleased to be in touch with the caliber of books, a book like yours brings to the world. Many blessings to you!! If you would like to know more about Rosemary and her work, visit- Rose Dove Productions.com.

KIDS WITH IMAGINARY FRIENDS HAVE BETTER SUCCESS SKILLS

2009-06-18T08:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a supportive study for intuitive children...surveys estimate that 65% of all children have imaginary friends during their first eight years of life. Surveys have also shown that these kids develop faster than others in communication skills and social skills. Imagine, then, what percentage of intuitive children have imaginary friends...it must be very high if two-thirds of the children in the general population have imaginary friends, which I don't believe are all that "imaginary."

Two researchers in psychology at the University of Manchester in England found that the children in their small research sample were more emotionally responsive, achievement-oriented, and more creative. In fact, heightened creativity was a marked feature of the children in this study.

Read more online at Cosmos online magazine:

http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/news/2816/why-kids-with-imaginary-friends-develop-faster?page=0%2C0

Learning Disability or Physical Disability?

2009-06-15T07:46:00.001-07:00

My younger son Caden has struggled with reading this year, which confirmed for us our knowing it was time to consider homeschooling him (something I wrote about in an earlier post I have known was going to happen). The outer distractions have become too overwhelming for him to manage while also trying to maintain his concentration at the same time. A few months ago however, I also received an intuitive nudge to have his eyes checked.

We were reading one night and I sensed he was having difficulty seeing the words. Has was squinting and slow to see some of the words I know he is familiar with. I asked him if he was having trouble seeing the words and he said yes. I began to realize some of his frustration and challenges could potentially be a result of his eyes and not a greater issue the school was beginning to lean toward. Not to mention, he is a visual-kinesthetic learner which means he processes much of his world through vision and feeling. Coincidentally, later that same week his reading teacher commented that perhaps he should have his eyes checked.

I immediately called the eye doctor and explained the situation to her. She shared that one of the most common mistakes that are made with young children is that they are labeled with a learning disability when often the issue can be attributed to their vision. She went on to say she even had a patient's mom who was a teacher who missed the issue with her daughter's vision and had leaned toward it being a learning disability. I knew it, I thought to myself. Another instance where children are being labeled with a disability rather than all other options being investigated first.

So I scheduled Caden's eye appointment and took him in. Almost immediately upon him stepping up to the "eye machine" (something new since the last time my eyes were checked...) she could see he would need glasses. I was amazed that within seconds of examining his eyes she could see that there was a pretty significant issue with his visual cortex. A feeling of relief washed over me, because in that moment he and I both knew his challenges with reading had been a result of his eye sight, not a learning disability. He looked at me and said, "I told you I was going to need glasses." And of course he did.

His visual diagnosis is being farsighted along with a stigmatism in his left eye which is an even greater visual challenge and also a genetic defect (thank you grandma...LOL). He was fitted for glasses and his reading ability was tested with the new prescription. Based on how he read the card and his ability to easily identify his letters during the actual exam, she explained that for his specific issue his ability to see punctuation and small print was diminished by his inability to see up close. This had caused him to read without knowing when to pause or stop for grammatical purposes AND all of his focus and energy was going into seeing the words which has made it difficult for him to comprehend what he's reading.

She also explained it would take some time to help him adjust to the ability to see clearly and will take some "rehabilitation" if you will, to improve his reading comprehension. Basically, we will have to work on strengthening his understanding again, because he won't be compensating for his inability to see the words on the pages.

I recently had a conversation with one of the mom's at Caden's baseball game and shared what I discovered about Caden's vision. She was impressed I picked up on it so quickly and also believes people miss vision issues more frequently than we are aware of. She shared her own story about being almost 20 before she realized she had struggled with her vision; to her, it was normal. Her story made me feel strongly about writing this article. In fact, in Maryland it's now mandatory for children's sight to be tested before school begins. Perhaps all states should make this a requirement and we can begin easing up on everything being considered a "learning" disability. In some instances, it is simply a physical disability and with proper knowledge and resources, these issues can be addressed easily enough.

Intuition- Tweens and Teens Need to Trust It!

2009-06-10T08:33:00.000-07:00

Recently, we had a scary incident occur at school for our twelve year old son Adam, that merits sharing.

At the beginning of the school year, Adam's first year in middle school, he befriended a boy I wasn't completely comfortable with. This young boy (we'll call him Joe) has endured a lot of hardship from the death of his father (who was murdered)to a mother who didn't seem to pay much attention to him. Adam, a kid with a big heart who befriends just about everyone, genuinely liked Joe and hung out with him. I remained cautious, but allowed him to invite Joe over from time to time. I shared my concern and how I felt about Joe with Adam, but his response was "mom, he doesn't have a dad and needs to be around a family." Who can argue with that logic?

Months went by and we didn't see Joe. I asked Adam about it and he said he didn't feel comfortable around him anymore. I wasn't about to argue with him since I was uncomfortable around him as well, but felt better knowing Adam could sense something wasn't right.

Fast forward another few months and Adam wanted to hang out with him again. I asked what had changed and he said- "Joe did." With trepidation, I allowed him to come over to the house, but required they stay in the yard so I knew what they were doing. When Joe left, Adam was annoyed. I asked him what was wrong and he said "I am disappointed in you."

"Why?"

"You wouldn't let us go anywhere. What did you think we were going to do?"

"Adam" I said, "you are sending me mixed messages. One minute you want to be friends with Joe and then the next minute you tell me you don't feel comfortable around him anymore. What has changed?"

"He has changed."

"How?" I asked. "You know Adam, I am taking my cues from you. If you feel something isn't right, you need to trust that knowing. It's your intuition and it's always right."

That was the end of the conversation at that point. However, this week we received a call from the school and Joe had been expelled from school for the rest of this year and half of next year. Not only had he brought a knife into school, but he threatened several kids, including Adam.

I don't know how to impress upon not only my own children, but other parents as well, how important it is to trust their feelings. Adam's intuition alerted him to the feeling that something wasn't right, but like kids often do, they give people the benefit of the doubt. The scariest part about the whole experience was that Adam didn't come home and tell us about the incident. He was scared, didn't want to talk about it and was worried I would "freak out". He also convinced himself that Joe would never have hurt anybody because he's too shy.

Again, I used this situation as another way to impress on my son his need to trust himself above all else. By not telling anyone, it could have turned out a lot differently. I also reminded him about the Virginia Tech massacre and how the one person that sensed something was amiss with the young man who murdered all of those people, didn't tell anyone either (we live in Virginia and had a babysitter who was at Tech when this happened, so it was more personal for us).

In this case things turned out okay, but more than anything else, tweens and teens NEED to trust their intuition. It's the only guarantee they have to feel their way through situations when everything on the surface looks normal. The stronger their knowing, the less likely they will be to jump in a car with someone who's been drinking or going somewhere with someone they aren't sure about.

It is my hope that people will read this and follow their feelings. I sensed from the getgo something wasn't right, but I remained aware and in tune and fortunately (or unfortunately) my feelings were accurate.

©2009 by Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved

Parenting Well Using Your Intuition Teleclass Begins!

2009-06-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight, my "Parenting Well Using Your Intuition" class begins.

LIVE TELE-CLASS BEGINS- TONIGHT
4 Two hour classes being offered- 6/8, 6/15, 6/22 and 6/29
TIME: 7:00 – 9:00PM EST

What does it mean to parent using your intuition? What is intuition and how will you know when to use it? As parents, we are bombarded by too many resources outside of ourselves for guidance on how to parent. We look to the latest books, advice from experts, family, friends, church, community, web sites, media, etc. What about finding your own inner knowing about how to parent your child? It is my intention to empower you as a parent to trust your feelings and intuition when it comes to raising your child.

What if you could successfully:

· Trust your feelings about how to parent your child
· Feel emotional upset within yourself, acknowledge the emotion and shift the feeling before you interact with your child
· Encourage your child to make choices
· Honor your child’s feelings about a person or experience
· Enjoy each moment and allow the rest to come

In this interactive course, Certified Coach for Parents of Intuitives- Tara Paterson, will share the 10 Secrets that will have you interacting positively with your child while strengthening confidence in your ability to trust your own inner knowing about how to parent your child.

Register now for- Parenting Well Using Your Intuition

Also offering- Radical Parenting Using Intuition!

Check out this youTube video on what we are offering!

As a special added bonus for taking this teleclass, we are offering a $50 discount for the Radical Parenting Using Intuition webinar!

Register now for- Radical Parenting Webinar

How Beliefs Bury a Child's Intuition

2009-06-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this first paragraph from my daily Morning Blessing. I felt it spoke volumes for the way parents pass their beliefs onto their children without giving a thought to how it can bury their child's own intuitive knowing.

How do you train elephants? They are too powerful to put in cages, so you must start to control elephants when they are very young. First you put a six-foot chain around one of their legs and shackle them to a stake. Gradually, they learn to walk around and around that stake. They learn that the length of that chain is their boundary. Later, when they are strong and powerful, it never occurs to them that they can break that chain or pull up that stake.

This is a true story for how elephants are contained by humans. Parents do the same thing to their children. We assume because we have been taught a specific set of beliefs it's true for everyone, especially our children. In many families, if a child were to form a different opinion about something like- religion, right and wrong, career choices, likes and dislikes, acceptance of others; they would be told all of the reasons their feelings were not accurate. They would be sat down, talked to and coerced to believe what the parents wanted their child to believe. Sounds a lot like the story of the elephant.

Do we treat our children the way humans have been treating animals for centuries? I'll leave that up to you.

Children have a strong connection to their intuition from the time they are born. They have a totally different way of looking at the world around them and the people in it. They are void of judgments, opinions, and belief systems. Often, children are conditioned by negative beliefs that they hear repeatedly when they are young. When they hear the opinions of others, it becomes a seed planted and nurtured by the adults around them. If the child disagrees with the belief they are being told is real, a lack of trust begins to develop. This creates distrust in oneself and the people around them. Whatever beliefs are held become their reality.

Allow your children to have their own set of beliefs. Modeling for your child the values and morals you want them to have is the greatest way to teach them what you believe is appropriate or not. Hearing what they say and honoring their opinions gives them the inner confidence they will need to go out into the world and function successfully. The best thing a parent can do is teach their child to trust themself.

If you are concerned your child believes something you don't agree with, what scares you about that? Is it something you might believe, but are afraid to admit? Look at your own set of beliefs. Do they fit into today's world? Are you afraid to let go because it's unchartered territory?

Reflect on some of these thoughts. One can change their beliefs more easily than the lack of trust created between a child and their parent.

©2009 by Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved

Book Expo America was a Success!

2009-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

I couldn't be more pleased with how well Book Expo America went this past weekend in NYC. As the founder of the Mom's Choice Awards, I was there to interview several of our 2009 Mom's Choice Honorees, among them NY Times bestselling author Greg Mortenson (Three Cups of Tea) and Fox & Friends anchorwoman- Alisyn Camerota. As if that wasn't enough, Alisyn graciously interviewed me about Raising Intuitive Children.

I had two book signings scheduled and found I was ill prepared. I went through all of the books I brought to the Expo within 1/2 an hour of my first signing. When I came from behind the curtain to begin, there was a line of people waiting for a copy of the book. It was so very exciting.

I also had the opportunity to speak with several people about the importance and content of the book. It was an amazingly successful weekend.

Within the next few weeks, I will have the video of Alisyn and I discussing the book and watch for an interview on Fox & Friends. Details to come!!!

Parenting Book Reveals Importance of Full Spectrum of Human Intelligence

2009-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

by Karen Lawrence

I highly recommend Raising Intuitive Children as a must read for anyone who not only wants to understand intuition in themselves and their children, but who believes that nourishing the wholeness of who we are nourishes the whole world.

Thank goodness there is finally a comprehensive guidebook for recognizing and cultivating the special gifts of intuitive children that also understands the enormous social and cultural significance of parenting the whole child! In Raising Intuitive Children: Guide Your Children to Know and Trust Their Gifts, psychotherapist Caron Goode and parenting expert/coach Tara Paterson have pooled their impressive professional and personal experience to provide parents with practical and meaningful tools for raising children with intuitive intelligence. In a world that has long viewed heightened sensitivity, psychic perception, and spiritual awareness as either odd, a curse, or worse yet, a mental aberration, Goode and Paterson tap into a growing movement to understand and accept intuition as a natural and empowering part of the spectrum of human intelligence.

Having been through the difficulties of being raised by a reluctant intuitive, coming to my own intuition later in life, and pondering the best way to raise my own insightful child, I was thrilled to discover that Raising Intuitive Children helped me make sense of my own experiences. The book opened the door to my understanding that the fullness of human potential can be realized in meaningful parent-child interactions, and that these interactions contribute to a more aware collective consciousness. I urge all parents to read Raising Intuitive Children. It will become a well-worn reference as the kids grow!

~Karen Lawrence is a freelance administrative consultant and writer based in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia

Are You Raising the Next Bill Gates, a Creative Intuitive?

2009-05-29T11:39:00.000-07:00

What is the secret to raising a child like Bill Gates?

According to the book, Raising Intuitive Children, by Caron Goode and Tara Paterson, Bill Gates is one of six types of intuitive intelligences. On the chart, find the Creative Intuitive. In the book we discuss the intuitive learner likes Gates as being entrepreneurial when young. Even as a child, the ideas are flowing through...try this, experiement with that, write, create...test and try.... A creative child can no more turn off the faucet of inspiration or music playing in his head than Einstein could turn off the abstract universe. They don't hang out mentally on our radio station. If we want their attention and conversation, we have to dial their radio station.

If creative intuitive kids have their head in the clouds, they see potential and possibility.

The rest of us may just see clouds or fog.

William R Gates, father of Bill, wrote, "Perhaps there's a lesson in this for the parents of other curious children who, from the start, require the freedom to meet life on their own terms: It is that there is no statute of limitations on the dreams you have for your children."

Actually, there is no statute of limitations on their dreams either. Read an adaptation of the story of raising Bill Gates in a book by his father. http://money.cnn.com/2009/04/15/technology/gates_secrets.fortune/index.htm

The Changing Face of Homeschooling

2009-05-29T09:53:00.000-07:00

USA Today newspaper published an update yesterday (http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-05-28-homeschooling_N.htm) on the current profile of families who choose to home-school their children.

•3.9% of white families home-school, up from 2% in 1999.

•6.8% of college-educated parents home-school, up from 4.9% in 1999.

Reasons for homeschooling used to be to provide better character and moral development or better academic preparation and performance. However, now families also believe that their children thrive better socially by mixing with children of all ages and participating in social events through the home-schooling networks.

The increase of bullying in schools as well as more aggressive behavior from peer groups may influence why parents are home-schooling more girls. The current ratio of girls to boys in homeschooling is 58% to 42%.

Just this week, Tara Paterson, my coauthor for Raising Intuitive Children has chosen the homeschooling option for her empathic and psychic child, who feels deeply the emotions around him. By the time he gets home from a 7 or 8 hour school day, the swirling feelings inside of him spin too fast for words and a meltdown can happen. Tara observes that he can be “in a flurry.” These flurries day after day wear down her son and slowly grind down any enthusiasm for learning, paying attention, being with friends or achieving.

I admire parents with the intuition to know whether or not an academic setting like a school classroom is appropriate for their child. I admire their courage to champion their child’s physical and emotional well being. Sensitive children seem to easily go on overwhelm, and without changing the classroom environment for interactive sharing and creative discovery, parents need to find options.

For children with one of the six types of intuitive intelligence, a home schooling option can serve them well by providing a safety net to let their curiosity lead the way and fuel their expressive gifts.

Live Intuitive Training

2009-05-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

Dr. Goode and I are in Fort Worth, TX conducting a live intuitive training for coaches who want to work with parents who are intuitive or have children who are intuitive. Stay tuned for updates and information about future trainings and tele-seminars.

Food for thought
Which of these intuitive styles does your child exhibit qualities of having:

Physical Intuition

Creative Intuition

Emotional Intuition

Psychic Intuition

Spiritual Intuition

Endorsement for book, Raising Intuitive Children

2009-05-14T15:33:00.000-07:00

In Raising Intuitive Children, Dr. Caron Goode and Tara Paterson bring forth valuable insights on how intuition plays a key role in our families. Through their own personal stories, client reports and clinical research, this book provides an essential foundation and practical guidelines for nurturing our children's intuitive nature. This work is a powerful and engaging contribution to the field of intuitive study and a must have for parents!

Deb Snyder, PhD
www.heartglowparenting.com

Another Successful Story--Intuitive, Creative Photographer

2009-05-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

Only one in a million birds might find ribbon streams and create a boutique nest for its young. Likewise, only one eye in a million, like the one of amateur wildlife photographer, Susan Woodock, might spot and photograph this rare image while tramping through the Colorado countryside.

Susan's story shows what incredible strength and perseverance is required by a creative intuitive to survive family and peers and to follow her passion. When a child, Susan's sister called her, "Stupid Suzy," because she did not talk much. Susan believed she could communicate without speaking and was surprised when the other children laughed at her and didn't understand. She believed that the trees and rocks and animals understood her, and she them. Nature was her true home and family where she always felt welcomed and accepted. Today, educators call this "nature intelligence." As a child people confused her solitude with antisocial behavior instead of seeing it as a gift and a way to 'be in the world' on her terms. They dubbed her "antisocial" when she preferred long walks in the woods with her cat. In school, she excelled in sports and thrived on the energy of being in the zone, just like when she was in nature.

As an adult, Susan has lived a solitary life with a few solid, good friends because she has a spiritual connection to earth and to animals that I've not observed before. Her idea of fun is camping in Yellowstone near the buffalo and moose herds, waiting for the right moment to capture nature on film. A perfect day is one where a fox will stop and sit with her and enjoy the warmth of the sun. Or napping with a Moose in the Rocky Mountains, exchanging heart energy. In those moments, life is perfect. Nothing is needed. Communion with nature makes life complete and full.

In Susan's words, " I just go out everyday looking for something out of the ordinary during an routine day. I am never let down by nature and it's ability to teach me and surprise me. "Holy moments" are everywhere, and all we have to do is slow down, look, listen and expect them. They usually are not earth shattering; they come in split seconds. But those split seconds can be profound and life affirming and life altering in their power.

"You have to be aware they are out there or you will miss them. Like this nest that was in a grove of apple trees tucked out of the way. I almost walked by it. You emailed me the day before about the concert violinist who performed in a subway and was unnoticed by almost everyone, except a few. People were in such a hurry and in their routine, they never heard the beauty of his music and missed out on an incredible 'moment'. The next day as I was taking a walk, I kept that email in my head. I walked slower and breathed, and asked to be shown something new. I looked to my right and there it was, the nest of ribbons. Life is good!

Follow your passion, creativity and intuition. It feels fantastic.

One Family Chooses In Support of Their Creative Intuitive

2009-05-12T08:23:00.000-07:00

We hope you enjoy the following news item, originally published here on PositivePsychologyNews.com on 5-9-09. As you know, Tara and I have written much about the creative, intuitive child who doesn't always fit in the left-brain educational system in our new book, Raising Intuitive Children. Intuitive learners long to experience life in independent ways, and the pressure on families to support their children's choices are not always easy. So when a wonderful example comes along of those who champion their child, we want to share it with you.

Guitar Hero or High School? One Family’s Choice

By Christine Duvivier - May 9, 2009

Blake Peebles is a high school sophomore who wakes up at noon, does a few hours of school work, and then practices Guitar Hero for 10 hours. Are his parents crazy?

Maybe they are, but consider this: since replacing eight hours of high school each day with three hours of home-school and tutors, Blake now tests at a 12^th-grade level, he socializes more often and has more friends, according to an article in the May issue of American Way Magazine. He is also absorbed in mastering computer gaming, one of the fastest growing fields in our economy.

It was not an easy decision for his parents to let Blake leave high school and it continues to be a hard choice. They are attacked by critics —most of whom they’ve never met. If the Peebles had taken the expected path and insisted that their son stay in school, no one would be giving them flack – even if their son was bored, depressed or learning less. Many would tell them they were doing the right thing.

Yet, today Blake is absorbed for most of his waking hours in something that creates flow for him – a path to well-being that the majority of high school students do not achieve in class, according to Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi.

Not only that, but Blake has rid himself of the stress he felt in a public high school that was not designed to bring out the best in him. He is learning, he is engaged in flow, and he is happy.

I admire the Peebles’ courageous decision. They listened to their child’s needs and they were willing to take a risk in the hope of improving his well-being. Their choice is not one that many would make, but it has proven to be a good one for Blake.

Christine Duvivier, MAPP, has led positive change as a Fortune 50 executive, as a consultant, and as a guide to parents and educators. Her research shows that all students will benefit from changing our approach to education and that poor-performing students thrive in life when they are allowed to develop their gifts. www.positiveleaders.com Email

Grace, Grit and Gratitude

2009-05-07T11:39:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to join Caron and I tomorrow, May 8th for a live interview with JaiKaur on her show- Grace, Grit and Gratitude. JaiKaur has opened up heart space for a special Mother's Day edition to interview us about our book- Raising Intuitive Children.

Show: Women's Grace, Grit and Gratitude
Type: Education - Study Group
Network: Global
Date: Friday, May 8, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Location: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jaikaur
Phone: 508.376.2146
Email: jaikaur@jaikaur.com

ADD, Daydreamers or Creative Thinkers

2009-05-05T06:28:00.000-07:00

An intuitive child who is quiet tends to observe people, watching actions and reactions, sometimes reading energy of feelings and emotions. If your child’s tendency is to the quiet end, then the daydreamer with creative, artistic talent may be churning through ideas or music in their thoughts. The focus could be on their inner world. This is the loner or a child who tolerates small groups and may enjoy the family pet or nature walks better than other playmates. They have an artistic flare and don't always like being interrupted "to go outside and play."

The creative child can be a daydreamer rather than easily distracted and labeled ADD. Recently, an eight-year old named Linda told me that her teacher made her stand in a corner of the classroom after an art lesson in which she was to draw Abraham Lincoln. She drew the President as an older man with white hair and beard, and this creativity was unacceptable. Her picture didn't look like Abraham Lincoln, and she was punished for her creativity. Another budding artist nipped in the bud!

Is it any wonder a creative child would rather stare out the window or daydream? If you have a creative, intuitive, or artistic child, give them some time for creativity, daydreaming, and exploring the inner universe of their imagination. Does your creative like to write, draw, sketch, paint, act, or photograph or creates scenes from life?

The creative intuitive can have an artistic temperament that bursts to express. Daydreaming and exploration of artistic mediums are a priority for these kids, more so than the development of social skills or in some cases, academic grades. Classrooms of rote learning are boring for the creative child, and they tend to thrive in areas where they can express and receive feedback, and then create and express that creation again.

Women's Grace, Grit and Gratitude with JaiKaur

2009-05-03T10:32:00.000-07:00

Join Caron and I tomorrow, May 8th for a live interview with JaiKaur on her show- Grace, Grit and Gratitude. JaiKaur has opened up heart space for a special Mother's Day edition to interview us about our book- Raising Intuitive Children.

Show: Women's Grace, Grit and Gratitude
Type: Education - Study Group
Network: Global
Date: Friday, May 8, 2009
Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm EST
Location: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jaikaur
Phone: 508.376.2146
Email: jaikaur@jaikaur.com

JaiKaur supports women in renovating themselves, their lives, and their community as women-full of divine grace, using the grit of their life as an opportunity to embody their spirit and soul, and in gratitude with the wonder and magnificence of life as woman. Join us as we embrace our humanity as our divinity, support each other in taking inspired action in the world, and embrace the joy that is being a woman.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to JaiKaur for having us on her show!

Let's Talk Live in DC

2009-04-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Raising Intuitive Children co-author, Tara Paterson, appeared on Let's Talk Live today. The show aired on News Channel 8 in DC.

To watch the interview, click here!

A New Guide to the Needs and Special Gifts of Intuitive Children

2009-04-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

"Raising Intuitive Children is a parent's guide to understanding the special gifts of these uniquely gifted children. The authors' use of real stories from their own lives lend heart and compassion to our evolving need as a society to connect with our children in a new, more loving way… I would recommend this book to anyone!" —Josie Bissett, Actress and Author of Tickle Monster

San Francisco, CA (April 21, 2009) –– In their ground-breaking new book, Raising Intuitive Children: Guide Your Children to Know and Trust Their Gifts, psychotherapist Caron B. Goode and parenting expert Tara Paterson help parents understand an intuitive child´s world, while teaching parents how to validate these intuitive abilities, and how to:

Know if a child is intuitively gifted

Shift parenting styles to meet a particular child´s style and strengths

Use breathing techniques to stay centered, calm, and optimistic

Create rituals so intuitive children feel secure and confident

Deal with the environmental and nutrition elements that affect intuitives

Explore strategies for bonding and communication at each stage of development, from toddler to teen

Raising Intuitive Children deals with a population of children that few parents understand. Intuitives have been called ugly ducklings, the sensitive ones, or the creative dreamers(think of the young boy in the movie Sixth Sense). With real-life stories and examples, the authors demonstrate how intuitive kids engage their world. They debut in the book an educational model to enable parents and teachers to approach the education and parenting of intuitive kids, walking them step-by-step through the model.

Now, parents who believe their child may be intuitive are given the tools to make positive changes, help the children manage their unique energy, and nurture their gift.

Click here to view the authors' online press kit.

Media Contact: Simon Warwick-Smith
warwick@vom.com
(707) 939-9212
www.warwickassociates.net

Upcoming Book PR

2009-04-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

It's official, our book has finally arrived! To order your copy of Raising Intuitive Children today, visit our site- RaisingIntuitiveChildren.com.

Tara's upcoming PR for the book:

April 29^th- News Channel 8 in Wash. DC; Noon hour.

May 13^th- Author signing at Gibson Island Country School in Pasadena, MD; 3:30.

May 15^th- Fox 61 in Nashville, TN; 8:20am CST.

May 16^th- May 17^th- Galactic Expo, Nashville Fairgrounds.

May 22^nd- May 23 ^rd- Live Intuitive Training, Dallas, TX.

May 26^th- Radio interview with Gia Scott; 8pm- 10pm EST (both Caron and I)

May 28^th- Mom's Choice Awards' Author of the Year Presentation- Greg Mortenson, NY Times Bestselling Author of Three Cups of Tea; venue TBA.

May 29^th- May 31^st- Book Expo America; New York City.

June 2^nd- Humanity 101 radio interview with Lonna Bartley; 12:00 EST (both Caron and I).

June 3^rd- Radio interview with David James; 9:00pm EST (both Caron and I).

To schedule an interview or learn more, view our online press kit.

Parenting Intuitive Children Subject of Radio Broadcast

2009-04-13T14:27:00.000-07:00

FULL POWER LIVING hosts Dr. Caron Goode on APRIL 16, 2009 at 9 AM PT. She discusses Raising Intuitive Children.

CALL 800-630-7858 to listen, chat or ask questions.

Most parents envision a nurturing relationship with their children. Over the years, this may be difficult to maintain. Reminding us that each person is born with intuition, Dr. Goode views it as a survival tool and inner compass that connects us to our world. She emphasizes the body-mind-spirit connection and how to access it, telling parents how to create and maintain a nurturing relationship with their intuitively aware children.

Tune to FULL POWER LIVING (www.emotionalpro.com)

Easter Thoughts

2009-04-10T07:22:00.001-07:00

I thought this was a beautiful poem shared by Reverend Angela today with thoughts of Easter.

"Christ was caught and held in the ray of creation and , as we breathed, he fused again with light, and his body was not the place where his consciousness lay. He ceased to feel pain or strife or struggle, resting in the arms of his Father and Mother.

And the Earth

O P E N E D

and began to pour

Her energy upon humankind

showering them with the

R A I N OF T R A N S F R O M A T I O N.

The trees burst forth with a loud

t h u n d e r i n g of f o r c e

and all was
split asunder

and the new energy of

c r e a t i o n

flowed forward into

t h e l i g h t o f b e i n g.

And the wind
and the rain

and the lightning
and the thunder

were the voices of the Earth
which were raised
for the unlistening --
and they heard.

The hatred and vengeance of mankind
were reflected
back to them,
and they were sore afraid.

All was a mirror
for the strife
that was created
moment by moment
in this life.

There was no escape.
The mirror was clearly
and more clearly
a reflection
of the disorder
and chaos
of the people.

They realized the unleashing of the storm
as a sign of their need
to choose more wisely,
to create more completely,
and allow more fully.

The old was dying,
and they were part of the new
because they had survived.

A part of them was
relieved that the old
was dead
and that they were free
to be a part of the new order.

The storm was a symbol of sacrifice,
transmutation,
and integration.
And they were pleased.

The order of the world was reformed,
and there was a new place
to behold the light
and abide in the truth.

The storm was a signal of a release
from old beliefs and structures,
a signal of the ability
to design the plan anew
without boundary or limitation,
totally from the flow
of the juices of knowing
from within.

Although there was no clear pattern,
the people were aware of the readiness of their spirit
to undertake this new creation.
And they were well contented.

Christ had told them of the seed of light within them,
that aspect of the soul which had now been awakened.
It gave them the vision for the creation of their destiny
here in the world.

They had listened with their hearts,
and their souls were awakened
to the light within.
They were merged with the light
as they listened,
which brought them into peace.

He had spoken of the need for unity
and affirmed their journeys as a symbol
of a search for something
already within them.

He had given them the words,
about love,

telling them of God's kingdom,

and giving them the keys to this kingdom

as surely as if he had

dropped

a

gem

into their awareness."

** Excerpted from I Remember Union: The Story of Mary Magdalena by Flo Aeveia Magdalena, All Worlds Publishing.

My School Discovery for My Emotionally Intuitive Son

2009-04-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

I have known from the time I was pregnant with my seven year old son, Caden, I would eventually homeschool him. I can remember conversations on the phone with my mom about all of the reasons it was the right thing to do (having no knowledge he would turn out to be an emotionally intuitive child w/ strong psychic abilities).

Recently, we have been presented with the reality that if he continues in public school, he will have to be held back in 2nd grade. I always knew this could be a possibility, but knowing what I do about his greater ability to see the “whole” of a situation (and in most cases life), I know a traditional school setting is no longer a viable option if I want to keep his psychic gifts open and manageable.

This year is a turning point for his psychic connection. As Dr. Goode and I discuss in our book Raising Intuitive Children, between the ages of 7 and 8, psychic children make decisions based on their support system whether or not they will remain open or begin to shut down their gifts. What occurred to me in our situation with Caden, is how school is not an option that will support him with staying connected to his psychic abilities.

Funny how things can trigger the deeper knowing we already have within us. Earlier this week, my husband became aware of the way in which his psychic gifts were shut down and how it showed up in his life in the form of petit mal seizures for over four years. By discussing his own discovery, we both realized if we keep Caden in public school he will either have to close off some of what he knows to cope on a day to day basis or we need to remove him from the environment entirely.

Caden is what we refer to as an emotional- intuitive (or empathic) with strong psychic abilities and the impact the school environment has had on both his nervous system and his energy has had an enormous affect on his ability to focus on the linear tasks the school requires of a child his age.

Being empathic he:

reads others
feels others
defines himself in relation to others
needs energetic boundaries
emotional management skills
self-identification
and confidence

Caden absorbs what goes on around him in school from the constant chatter of all of the students, to the kid who's picking on one of his friend’s, to the kid getting in trouble with the teacher, and once at home he will often melt down from all of the energetic chaos he absorbed. It makes getting through the day for a child with his sensitivities a challenge all on its own.

So our decision has become an obvious one if we want to continue to nurture his psychic abilities. We put his health at risk (such as my husband’s experience with seizures from shutting his down; at the same age I might add) if we continue to expect him to cope with a school environment that is not yet ready to understand a child with these sensitivities.

And intuitively I knew homeschooling was the outcome in utero. Be patient and pay attention to those nudges and feelings. When its time, your kids will give you the answers. Be willing to remain open to their needs!

2009-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

Feelings Before Words

Younger children feel their way through their worlds for the first six years until cognition sets in around ages six to eight. Then, intellectual development becomes the leader in exploring environments, overpowering feelings. For an intuitive child, negotiating their worlds through feelings is a normal, natural process that can extend beyond the early years. What influences whether or not an intuitive child keeps their feelings open or shuts them down and intellectualizes them?

A child who shuts them down typically says, "I don't know," when you ask them how they feel.

A child who intellectualizes them will say, "I think I feel..." This means the child is out of touch with their feelings.

We have observed that children who are less sensitive are better able to initiate action, make change happen or learn to control their environment. On the other hand, children who are more sensitive are shy of and reactive to the environment. All of us react from both responses, but parents will observe a general pattern of a child's response to their environments, like I observed in my grandson's gymnastics class.

I was a fly on the wall while observing two years olds (an their parents) in a saturday morning gymnastics class. My grandson, Calvin, was fearless. He hurled his body through space to land on mats. He yelled no to his mom's offer of help on the balance beam. He could do it himself, and another parent suggested he open his arms, which allowed him to move along even faster. He took control of his environment through curiosity and trial and error. Louis, on the other hand, was a sensitive child who seemed overwhelmed by the noise and the flying bodies of other two-year olds. His eyes were wide as he stood on the sidelines and watched. His dad pushed him here and there gently to encourage his trying new things. Yet, sensitive Louis wasn't ready for the commotion which was too much sensory input for his young nervous system. Then, Lyla, was willing to try new things, but only with her mother nearby, an away from the other children. When the kids tried the mats, Lyla was on the balance beam.

In our book, Raising Intuitive Children, we encourage parents of intuitive children to be aware of an overly sensitive child's feelings to people, sounds, smells, pollution, lights and other stimulation in their environment. Sensitivities can have a biochemical basis such as allergies, hypersensitive immune system, or hypersensitive nervous system. How an intuitive responds to their environment will determine how successfully he or she uses intuitive intelligence.

An Intuitive Tween Struggles to Remain Authentic, Part 2

2009-04-01T16:27:00.001-07:00

I have been amazed at how quick some parents are to accuse other people’s kids of being a part of something they didn’t actually witness for themselves and how at ease they are with taking on the attitude- “my child would never do that.”

One of the incidents involving my son and his mouth took on an even bigger issue than even I realized. To give a Reader’s Digest version of the incident, he was accused of saying some things I intuitively knew were not things my son would say. I also recognized a few things I knew he would say.

I received a phone call from a mom in the neighborhood full of accusations and demeaning undertones directed toward my son. By the time I got to the bottom of the whole situation and found out one of his friend’s said much of what was in question (per his friend’s confession), my son was once again in tears and hurt he had been accused of something he didn’t say. Here was part of our conversation:

“This is where “guilt by association” gets you into trouble,” I said.

“But it’s not fair. I didn’t say those things.”

“I understand, but they know who you are and you’re the name that was given.”

“Well that’s stupid. That’s judging a book by its cover.” And I have to agree.

Since this incident, not only has my older son been accused of being a troublemaker, but now my younger son was accused of being one, because he’s his younger brother. It took me a bit of time to get over the feelings this incident has stirred in me, because I know my children and I know what they are capable of.

Have I seen changes in my son since he began middle school? You bet I have, but I have also seen a child pull away and come right back because he’s been given the space to be authentic to who he is.

Have I questioned the parenting journey I have chosen; one of being intuitive and parenting through connection and love not coercion and fear? You bet I have. It’s hard to feel like you are alone when parenting outside of the box. I recognize the old style of punishing children and restricting all of their choices based on the concept “that we know what’s best,” is no longer going to work. Research now shows that parents need to honor and respect their children not strip them of their dignity. What I realized about this incident is how dangerous the old ways of parenting can be to the very core of our children. My choice is to parent intuitively; my girlfriend calls it radical parenting.

Whether we want to admit it or not, our children will do and say things we don’t approve of when they’re with their friends. Whether they are trying to be cool, reciting a line from a movie, or trying to impress older kids, they are tempted at times to act differently than the way we taught them to behave. I have been a witness to many instances where kids have said and done things their parents would never have believed their child would do or say, but don’t be fooled into thinking your child isn’t one of those kids, because as the old saying goes- kids will be kids!

Another warning to parents who turn a blind eye to what their kids are capable of. If your child is caught doing something inappropriate by your family's own values or standards, it's probably because they aren't making a real effort to "get away" with something; if you're missing it, they are most likely good at sneaking around or keeping something from you. Be concerned..

An Intuitive Tween Struggles to Remain Authentic

2009-03-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

My oldest son began middle school this year and has had struggles maintaining his authentic self. Recently, we’ve had a few incidents in which he has flexed his muscles of being a tween aged boy. He’s gotten in trouble for saying some things we have deemed inappropriate in our house and was caught texting in school. Nothing major and certainly nothing we have been overly concerned about.

In a two week period however, I received several calls from his teachers about assignments he wasn’t turning in and his talkativeness during class. The frequency of the calls (4 in 2 weeks) began to concern me so I sat down to connect with him and get to the bottom of what was going on. Fortunately, this child is communicative and has an easy time expressing his feelings. In this instance, it took a little more prodding, but what I uncovered was how he was feeling around some of the kids in school.

There had been a few times prior to this where he had shared the behaviors of some of the kids and at times how he was the target of their comments. In this situation, he had been a witness to some of the cruelty directed toward other kids and not wanting to be the recipient, he had kept quiet. A text book example of feeling like you’re caught between a rock and a hard place. I could relate to how he was feeling; when you can intuit things about the other kids you want to stay off of their radar, because you inevitably feel like you are next on the list for being attacked.

To sit across from this normally confident child and see his feelings pour out over the cruelty he was witnessing was heartbreaking. Knowing he didn’t approve, but couldn’t intervene was obviously going against his authentic nature and showing up by his falling behind in his school work. I discussed this with a few close friends to get their opinions about ways to guide him with how to handle this situation. For me, it was hitting too close to home to be impartial to his experience.

Their suggestions were informative and helpful. The first suggestion was for him to create his role in this dynamic.
• How could he avoid condoning their behaviors without becoming the target?
• What would give him the confidence he needed to be authentic and how would that look to him?

My close friend shared a story about her own daughter’s experience with needing to fit in with the group, but not wanting to drink alcohol. They identified a role for her that enabled her to be a part of the group, but not pressured to do what the other kids were doing. She became the designated driver to avoid the pressure to drink.

The second suggestion I received was to encourage my son to stay out of the drama. Encourage him to vocalize his objection- “I don’t do drama,” or “I don’t get into drama like this.” Words he could use that would empower him to feel confident enough to rise above the cruelty without the fear of becoming the next target. In this instance, he is viewed as the neutral party by everyone involved.

It’s no laughing matter, but the kid who remains neutral could be the one who throws a lifeline to the one’s being picked on. As parents, we hate to see any child being hurt and we especially don’t like to see our own children crumble under the pressure of their peers when it comes to standing up for another, but the backlash kids face today is often much worse than the feeling of being the hero.

So here’s what kids are facing in school with their peers, what about outside of school? Find out in my next post!

An Intuitive Child's Authenticity

2009-03-27T07:26:00.000-07:00

“You can’t go around being what everyone wants you to be, living your life through other people’s rules, and expect to be happy and have inner peace.” –Dr. Wayne Dyer

I remember what it was like to struggle as an intuitive young person. In an excerpt from Raising Intuitive Children, a book Caron and I co-authored, I recall an example of how as an intuitive person, I was viewed by my peers and what the world around me felt like.

“As an intuitive high school student, I always felt different from the other kids I went to school with. I was disappointed when I sensed a student being fake or inauthentic. I had an uncanny way of knowing when other students were gossiping or being cruel to myself or others. I quickly learned I wasn’t able to conform to one of the “cliques,” which often left me feeling like an outcast. I became an easy target for being picked on because I didn’t have the ability to change my personality. High school was an emotionally challenging time for my intuitive style.

“I also recall a time when girlfriends of mine were cruel to me. I remember being the target of a Halloween prank during my junior year of high school; when several girls decided it would be funny to egg me in the face at point blank range. What hurt most was that the one I thought was one of my best friend’s was part of the cruelty. Is this what having friends is like?”

Such incidences of bullying are common for intuitive and sensitive children and teens, even adults. The truth is we can only be authentic and true to our nature, because that’s all an intuitive child knows how to be; cruelty is a learned behavior.

In my next post, I will share how my intuitive tween aged son has struggled remaining true to his authentic self in a middle school setting.

Intuition & Early Year's Brain Power

2009-03-26T05:35:00.000-07:00

Most people don't realize that children have 35% more brainpower than adults, enabling their intuition to be on full blast as children. Younger children don't have the ability to distinguish or even label or name realities. They experience realities through their intuition. For example, a two-year-old says hello to a human playmate, a stuffed animal, an angel in the corner of his room, a singer on MTV, or a character in a book. They are all experienced as real. A child's brainpower and intuitive capacity allow the child to view far more than us adults. In addition, our perception of realities differs based upon the culture in which we were raised. We live in a whole-brain world, and our brain capacity engages a holographic, logical-linear and intuitive ways of receiving information.

The neural connections and capacity of the early brain far exceeds that of the adult. Our brains develop only the potential networks that match or prove to be useful in their environment. In the early years of two through six, the brain has not distilled enough to distinguish between conception and perception that is inner-generated and outer-generated. This is a high time for intuitive intelligence to be at play in helping children process their world through feelings and awareness.

New Moms Are Highly Intuitive

2009-03-17T08:04:00.000-07:00

"The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."
–Albert Einstein

Yesterday, I sat down in a doctor's waiting room next to a new mom, whose infant's carrier was in the seat next to her. The newborn in the carrier was crying so desperately that I was near tears myself. I told myself that her crying infant was none of my business, and I watched the new mom grow increasingly nervous. Her eyes glanced around the doctor's office, as she felt the other patients be uncomfortable with the wailing child. She rocked the carrier, hoping to calm the baby. She covered the carrier with a thin blanket, hoping he might sleep. Nothing she did calmed the baby. Thirty minutes passed, and my inner voice was screaming in my head to guide this new mother. I had to act on my intuition.

"Excuse me," I said. "Can I hold your baby for you? I'm not sure what your parenting philosophy might be, but your baby really needs something, and his crying is getting desperate!"

"Oh thank you for saying that! I've been dying to pick him up, but this book I read said that I give in to him now, I'll spoil him and have difficulties for the rest of his life. But I'm his mother, and I'm withering inside because I want to cuddle him and feel his warm skin next to mine."

"Look, I don't know what book you're reading, but toss it in the trash. The entire science of bonding with babies starts with your physical, chemical connection to your child. He needs you. If your maternal intuition says to pick him up and cuddle, please do so. He won't learn that his world is safe without you and your loving touch. This is probably the best time in your life for following your intuition with your own child. Trust yourself!"

Intuitive Psychics

2009-03-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

On the higher end of the range of intuitive intelligence are people with exceptional skills, which we call psychic. We use this term because of its popularity. People understand the word “psychic” thanks to televised shows featuring psychics, ghost whisperers, dog whisperers and mentalists. Other names include paranormal ability or psi. Intuition and extrasensory perception are, however, normal capabilities.

In the world of some psychic children, parents face the unknown, as do the children. The world becomes known through the eyes and interpretation of the perceiver. There are many families in which the parent and child are psychic, may experience the same vision, ghost, angel or deja-vu, and can share a “common mind” so to speak. Then there are parents who do not understand their child’s visions or worlds. From our years of experience, we have found some common ground to share with you.

Remain in the present moment when dealing with psychic experiences. Be in the here and now when dealing with phenomena.

Assume nothing about the experience. Rather, ask questions of the ghost or of the child who has the experience, and expect an answer.

Have no judgments about the experience because your child will feel it, even if you try to hide it. The younger the child, the more they internalize. The more psychic the child, the more they read your incongruence.

Be totally honest in your feelings and conversations. Admitting you don’t know is okay and helping your child find the inner answers is even better.

Remain centered and calm yourself

The psychic child seeks solace from the parent and expects the parent to understand what they are seeing or sensing. Right away, empower your children to confront the situation. Hand in hand, go together to talk with the ghost, dismiss the ghost from the premises, touch the ghost and ask questions directly. The point here is that even though we feel like we are flying by the seat of our pants, being proactive is better than allowing children to remain frightened night after night, as if the situation will change, and it usually doesn’t.

Facing fear and moving through it has an exhilarating result for the psychic child, a leap into confidence that you facilitated as a parent. So let us hear what you have done to empower your child??

Spiritual intelligence and intuition are intimately linked for a child who has strengths in both areas, providing checks-and-balances for their insight.

The Empathic Intuitive

2009-02-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Empathic feelers have acute mental or emotional sensibilities, and as children, want to be responsive to other people’s feelings. Yet, at times, their sensitivity threshold is low. They are often told, “You are too sensitive,” rather than being recognized for their gifts.

What a delight when a child is recognized for his gift of empathy! Our friend, Minette, shared that when her sensitive son Conner was five years old and entered kindergarten, she went to work in launching a local parenting newspaper. One week of every month was pressure filled with newspaper deadlines, and Conner’s response was to feel his mom’s stress and become distressed.

He ended up getting into trouble at school for pushing another child into a locker. The teacher was clear that he was provoked but expressed concern that Conner, a normally happy, relaxed child, should react aggressively. After a lengthy discussion about what was going on at home, Minette realized that Conner would react to her stress at work by acting out at school.

She learned to help Conner through these stressful times by giving him plenty of advance notice about the timing of her busy-ness. She would tell Conner, “I won’t be home much this week” or “You won’t see me as often this week, but once we get to Saturday, I will have the whole weekend to spend with you.” By managing her own stress and preparing Conner, she gave him language and a way to healthfully express his distress at not seeing her enough during that week of the month.

Join us on this intuitive journey to learn more about the power of intuition in the next post.

How Intuition Looks In Childhood

2009-02-16T11:23:00.000-08:00

If intuitives receive support and interest from their environments as a preschooler, then they progress well into their childhood years. Their intuition might be creativity, artistic inspiration, enjoying people or seeing into the beyond.

Linear thinking, moving into cognition or intellectual development happens around ages six and seven. At this time intuitive intelligence can take a back seat. Psychic gifts, if not utilized or supported, extinguish themselves.

If psychic gifts are supported and children are still empathic, creative or interacting with the world beyond, then the child has words to explain why the ghost is visiting and even what the colors around your body are.

Children who are especially empathic with animals might communicate with them in pictures and feel bonded to them strongly.

If nature calls to your child, your intuitive might see fairies around flowers or that mountains appear as giant angels because they feel strongly connected to the Earth.

By this time, creative intuitive children are finding a love for an art form like dancing, music, drama, painting or gymnastics.

Children with emotional empathy may find these years more difficult. They want to keep their sensitivity, yet they may believe other intellectual children or teachers who tell them it is time to put their imagination away and get on with life. They could feel pulled between their rich emotional life and their intellectual common sense. In our book Raising Intuitive Children, you’ll find specific activities about how empathic children can balance their head and heart to make good decisions.

Childhood years are about cognitive development. It is an opportune time for telepathy to increase. However, interactions with the nonphysical world or spiritual world will either cease or come into harmony as the child can grasp how it works and why he has a talent and what to do with it.

Emotionally sensitive and empathic children can become more volatile as new cognition and discovery vie for importance. Now is the time to model (if you haven’t already) self-management tools presented in later posts. Mostly, you have to do the exercises with your child for a while if they are to believe them important or helpful. If you do not value them for yourself, neither will they.

A Spiritual Intuitive

2009-02-06T11:03:00.000-08:00

Children with strong spiritual intelligence understand that they have a purpose in life. Their learning and interests revolve around discovering this purposeful pursuit. They also describe an inner connection that brings them peace or confidence. Nurturing their intuitive intelligence strengthens their connection and broadens their empathy and creativity.

All children ask early in life about the spiritual mystery. Where did my dog go when he died? Why is grandpa in heaven? Can I touch the stars? Children with spiritual intelligence, however, seem never to stop asking such questions. Their wonder and deeper understanding of the world continues to unfold as they mature.

These children seem to be the “old souls” we refer to when we hear their wisdom and ponder their goodness. The children with spiritual intelligence don’t turn it on and off. Their compassion is ingrained. Their connection to animals, nature and to the hearts of people is real and consistent.

Children with high intuitive intelligence can be perceptive and psychic. Psychic gifts like the ability to hear inner direction, see into the nonphysical worlds or sense and feel another’s emotions are gifts of intuitive intelligence, but are not necessarily spiritual. A child can see ghosts without a sense of unity; they may be fearful and not equipped to handle the situation. Visions of the nonphysical world leave children at a loss of direction. Prediction of perceived dire future events may frighten them, causing withdrawal.

A child with spiritual intelligence can be better equipped from their inner connection to deal with the ghost. Intuitive children attuned to the nonphysical worlds may be distracted by it. A spiritual child attuned to the nonphysical worlds with intuition can find purpose within it. For example, ACPI Intuitive Parenting classes teach parents how to value, recognize, and mentor intuitive abilities in their children.

Deepak Chopra describes intuition as an attribute of our mind, the ability to understand the subtler mechanics, while spiritual intelligence encompasses the attributes of the heart.

Intuition is the interpreter of the qualities of spiritual intelligence.

Continue your learning about intuitive children and parents in our next post.

Guidance for Intuitive Children

2009-01-29T08:17:00.000-08:00

In the many months since the launch of the Intuitive Parents and Children blog, the questions and support from parents seeking ways to foster the intuitive growth of their children has been inspiring.

It is heart filling to see so many parents open to recognizing their children's intuitive possibilities and reach out to us to ask for guidance. So much so, as a special gift to our blog community and mailing list, we are offering two valuable resources to aid parents in developing the knowledge necessary to guide children to trusting their gifts.

•First, for a limited time, parents truly interested in cultivating their children's intuitive gifts may receive FREE the first chapter of our new book, Raising Intuitive Children, by going to www.raisingintuitivechildren.com/free_chapter.htm! This innovative book, by Dr. Caron Goode, winner of the 2008 Moms Choice Awards in the category of Lightwork, and Tara Paterson, renowned voice of Just for Mom, provides intuitive enlightenment for parents seeking to encourage intuitive gifts in their children. By signing up for a FREE chapter of Raising Intuitive Children, you get a pre-publication peek at the most advanced book to approach the topics of parenting and intuitive.

•Second, for parents seeking one-on-one teaching with Dr. Goode and Tara Paterson, the Academy for Coaching Parents is offering a two day retreat to learn advanced ways to teach your children to accept their intuitive gifts and aid parents in understanding intuitive behaviors. As space is extremely limited, we ask that you sign up early if you are interested in the Intuitive Parenting Retreat on May 22-23, 2009. For more information, please visit: www.academyforcoachingparents.com/acpi_site/intuitive_classes.htm.

We know the struggles and trials that parents encounter in raising children every day. Raising an intuitive child takes a different skill set and mind set to fully help your child develop their intuitive gifts. Fortunately, you do not have to walk the path blindly. We have the insights to help you see past the confusion.

Special Bonus: For a limited time, Raising Intuitive Children is available through amazon.com at the pre-publication price. Once published, the price increases 33%. So hurry and get your copy of Raising Intuitive Children today!

Intuitive Characeristics

2009-01-27T10:23:00.000-08:00

75,000,000 intuitive people, about a fourth of the population, may demonstrate the following personality characteristics:

 Shyness,
 Fearfulness,
 Low sensory threshold,
 Sensitivity to energies in their environment,
 Sensitivity to people’s moods and energies
 Reflective,
 Empathic,
 Intelligent,
 Creative,
 Aware and
 Conscientious

Given a personality style which is made up of a greater degree of sensitivity, intuitives may feel like a round peg in a square hole when dealing with people and certain environments. Because intuitive people do not think with a linear mind, these round-peg traits are finally being valued now which gives intuitives the feeling of acceptance in today’s world. Appropriate nurturing and training empowers intuitives to feel accepted with their place in life which is of the utmost importance for the growing numbers of sensitive children we are recognizing among us.

Children with an intuitive personal style will respond to life more easily and will have the ability to relate to people, tasks, their environments and to stressors when they are encouraged to express their intuition freely and openly with an adult or caregiver who encourages the child to trust what they know. Knowing the challenges faced by the intuitive child enables parents to discuss, plan and assist in optimal personality and skill development.

How you respond to your intuitive child will teach them to either trust their environment and “knowing” or create fear and uncertainty about their gifts and experiences. Intuitive children need to be validated for what they know and feel. Our task is to provide them with the confidence they need to succeed as intuitives in this life.

©2009 by Tara Paterson and Caron Goode, All Rights Reserved

What does an Intuitive’s Personality Style look like?

2009-01-23T06:32:00.000-08:00

Today, intuition is finally being recognized as a personal style shared among ¼ of the population. We now know that an intuitive has a certain predisposition or tendency to process information through:

 Sensation or feeling
 Perception
 Knowing
 Creative emotion
 Visceral or gut level feelings.

Among the examples given below, do any of these traits of an intuitive personal style sound like you or your child?

1.) Do you find yourself drawn to work with people because you influence others well and find personal satisfaction in selling, serving, training, inspiring, counseling, coaching or teaching?

2.) Are you compassionate, creative and convincing?

3.) Does your enthusiasm spill over in conversation as loudness, restlessness or impulsiveness unless you monitor or regulate your energy?

4.) Do you enjoy people, good times and group activities?

Your intuitive children may also have these qualities.

While these traits are examples of the intuitive personal style, we now know that intuitives also have different levels of sensitivity, which are influenced and combined with other factors to mold one’s overall personality. Some of these factors include environment, biophysical aspects, self worth levels, social teachers, stress, and traumatic experiences.

An intuitive parent will want to watch their children’s development to monitor sensitivity and influence the situation to ensure successful results.

©2009 by Tara Paterson and Caron Goode, All Rights Reserved

What is Intuitive Intelligence?

2009-01-22T07:07:00.000-08:00

Let’s begin with intuitive intelligence. Like other intelligences, it is a variety of skills which range from the ability to feel a friend’s low mood or energy to the heightened intuitive who displays psychic skills like clairvoyance. A child who takes art lessons and has a good eye for painting is far different from a Picasso; yet, both exhibit artistic intelligence. A smart teenager, who glances at a biology study guide and retains the information almost immediately, can be said to have scientific intelligence, same as a fifteen-year-old who ponders quantum physics as a freshman at MIT. They exist on the same intelligence continuum, but show different aptitudes.

Intuition is also a valid intelligence, but there has been confusion in the way it’s been interpreted by different groups who use words like intuition, psychic and spiritual gifts synonymously. Not all intuitive people are psychic and not all psychic people use their intuitive gifts. How we develop our intuition depends on how we are nurtured and guided to trust our “inner knowing.”

You are the only one who knows how to interpret yours or your child’s experiences. As a parent, do you believe your child is a deep feeler, sees angels or deceased loved ones, or uses gut level reactions to make sense of his or her world? If so, then here are some questions for your consideration:

1. Are you able to hear what your child says without judgment and accept the experience as your child shares it?
2. Can you be a present, responsive listener?
3. If you need more information, will you educate yourself through books or other avenues of information?
4. If you need help, will you ask for it without embarrassment?
5. If medical doctors suggest medications, will you seek alternative explanations?
6. Will you accept intuitive intelligence as a normal way to learn, develop skills and interpret life’s opportunities and challenges?

Who can decide if the psychic ability of a school aged child is a developmental issue or a great gift of connection to God or something greater? Or is psychic manifestation our human ability to create our deepest heart’s desire? Is an intuitive scientist like Einstein a creative genius, or a mystic, or an intuitive with great insight?

Those you ask will have different opinions about intuition or psychic abilities. Some opinions are supportive; others will consider intuition as evil.

©2009 by Tara Paterson and Caron Goode, All Rights Reserved

Series- Intuitive Parenting

2009-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Each month, I will touch on the realities our intuitive children are facing as they maneuver their way through what remains of our left brained world; one we’ve lived in for so many years. I will share how parents can apply practical techniques to caring for their sensitive child from managing their behavior, understanding their intuitive styles, how the environment affects their bodies, to food sensitivities and more.

As an intuitive parent with 4 intuitive children, each with their own styles, and with a background as a parent coach and trainer it has been my experience and observation that we have to apply new techniques to the way we raise our children of now; we need to become the intuitive parents our children need us to be. Their future depends on it!

Emotionally Sensitive Children

2008-08-14T06:40:00.000-07:00

So how does a parent begin to manage the emotional energy of their intuitively sensitive child? This was something I had to figure out for my son Caden who began to see colors around children at school.

Caden had communicated with us from the age of three how he could see colors in his room and later around people, but the challenge now became how to assist him with managing this emotional energy while he was in school and in other public places. It became an issue when he would come home from school and within a short time would have a meltdown over what seemed to be insignificant to us. For instance, he became quite angry at a neighbor boy who threw his tennis ball for the dog to fetch; or he would burst into tears about something his brother did, which he had probably done half a dozen times. Another thing I became aware of was his shift in story telling. He would tell a story about something that happened in school as if it happened to him, but my intuition would always lead me to asking if this had happened to another child and he would almost always answer “yes.” He was deeply impacted by kids picking on other kids or someone hurting a friend’s feelings. Soon I was certain he was empathic and what was happening was he would absorb the feelings and emotions of everyone around him.

So what did I do to help him manage this energy? Nine times out of ten he was already in a flurry of emotion by the time we reached the root cause of the outburst so I would take him to his room, have him lay down and begin breathing; then I would put one hand on his heart and rub his leg or arm to relax his nervous system. This could take anywhere from 5-15 minutes, but once he was grounded enough to focus, he could release the emotion he absorbed and communicate the reason for the meltdown. Another technique Caden discovered for himself was going into the backyard to put his feet in the dirt; this is an excellent way for a child to naturally ground them self. Lastly, for Caden specifically, we always make sure to have access to water whether via the bathtub, a pool, or a hot tub. If you’ve ever noticed your child’s desire to spend a lot of time in the water, especially at times he/ she seems irritated, this may be the reason.

In our next story, I will share the technique I taught Caden for keeping the energy of other’s from affecting him to this degree. It’s especially important for intuitively sensitive children to have tools they can use to safeguard their space from the energy of others

Copyright 2008 by Tara Paterson, All Rights Reserved
www.ParentingIntuitives.com
Co-author- Raising Intuitive Children
(New Page Books, spring '09)

Intuitive Parenting of Gifted Children

2008-07-21T08:20:00.000-07:00

As a child gets older, the way they interpret energy and how they see things in the invisible realm, shifts from a description like- “I see colors” to “I see colors around people and I know what they mean.”

I always had an intuitive nudge to find an alternative schooling option for Caden, because I knew he had a special gift and I was concerned it may be shut down if he went into a traditional educational system. We made several attempts to find an alternative, from putting our house on the market to move 2 1/2 hours away for a specific school to a possible 35 minute commute in another county. Neither turned out to be a feasible option and we entered him into our public elementary school. Initially he didn’t seem to have a difficult time adjusting to a classroom full of kids, but what I did notice was his propensity to have a meltdown over seemingly trivial things. At times it was a challenge for him to verbally communicate what was bothering him, but what began to reveal itself was his clairvoyant ability expanding from colors in the safety of his room to colors around the other kids and his ability to interpret what the colors meant. When I asked him if he knew what the colors meant, he would respond with “yes and sometimes they come at me.” I began asking him what different colors meant and he would tell me- “red means someone’s mad” or “pink means someone is nice..” etc. So I asked him how he felt when the colors came at him and often times he would get mad and verbalize they invaded his space.

It would take me another year to fully understand how this was affecting him on an energetic level as the story’s he would tell, revealed a whole new dimension for me as an intuitive parent. I would also have to learn new techniques for how to help him manage this emotional energy he was feeling which I will share next time!

©2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI, All Rights Reserved
co-author- Raising Intuitive Children (New Page Books, spring '09)

For more information, visit Intuitives Online at http://www.intuitivesonline.com/

Parenting Intuitive Children

2008-07-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

What does a parent say to their intuitive child when they say things like- “mommy I see colors in my room,” or “I see colors around people and sometimes they are coming at me?” These are exactly the things my son Caden has been saying to me since the age of three. I remember sitting in his room with him at night and he would tell me how he could see colors moving around and how they would either enter or leave his room. They never seemed to scare him, but he wasn’t exactly sure why they were there. As an intuitive myself, I would simply reply with “they are angels honey,” and I would explain how different angels represented different colors based on the particular energy they were made up of. I would also ask him questions such as “do they frighten you?” or “do they make you feel good?” and often he would respond with how they made him feel safe. He wasn’t ever frightened, but it was the first of many experiences I would have as an intuitive parent and later a coach for parents of intuitives as my journey into the spiritual realm began to unfold. It also reflected back a memory I had long since forgotten about in my own youth of also seeing colors dance around on my ceiling at night.

So how does this intuitive gift evolve as a child gets older and is affected by the outside world? Stay tuned as Caden begins to see colors around other people.

©2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI, All Rights Reserved
co-author- Raising Intuitive Children (New Page Books, spring '09)

Intuitive Children

2008-07-03T09:22:00.000-07:00

NBC's Baby Borrowers Show

2008-06-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

We have finally stooped to a new all time low with reality T.V. shows! So what do we value in this country more? Our children or ratings? Well it appears according to NBC's latest (let's make an impression on teens show) Baby Borrowers, we value ratings above all else.

As a mother of three (my 4th on the way), a parent coach, author, speaker and spokesparent, I am apalled at what NBC feels is acceptable treatment for the most innocent among us, children. Infants and toddlers being isolated from their parents in order to make an impression on teens as a form of birth control?! What the heck will they do next, baby swap? As if swapping wives; selecting a mate on T.V.; and filming your life for the world to see isn't enough, we have now officially established an agenda to damage children on national T.V.

To the parents who agreed to allow their children to be test subjects, you ought to be ashamed of yourselves and for the producers, I hope America has enough sense to send your ratings plummeting.

©2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI™ Certified Coach for Parents of Intuitives

Please read the following article with more details and research on how damaging this is!

ZERO TO THREE Statement Regarding NBC's Reality Series "Baby Borrowers"“It’s not TV, it’s birth control” is how NBC promotes its new reality series “Baby Borrowers.” On June 25th, the show will be launched on national television as an “intriguing new social experiment that asks five diverse teenage couples to fast-track to adulthood by setting up a home, getting a job and becoming caring parents.” Unfortunately, the NBC series exploits very young children in the pursuit of entertainment.

The babies and toddlers participating in this series will be separated from their parents and caregivers for three days. Unfamiliar teenagers will take care of them during this time. This setup can be very harmful for the babies and toddlers involved. For the past 80 years, many studies have shown unequivocally that babies and toddlers suffer when they are exposed to this kind of prolonged separation from family and left with people that they do not know or love. As all parents know, babies and toddlers are very distressed by separation. They cry, cling, and search for their parents. The longer the separation, the more upset they become. Some children are unable to sleep and refuse to eat. The responses routinely last long past the child’s reunion with the parent. Prolonged separations heighten young children’s separation anxiety and damage their trust that their parents will be available to protect and care for them. Children can become angry and rejecting of their parents after being reunited with them, damaging the fabric of the child-parent relationship.

These findings have become the basis for a new science of early childhood. A robust body of early childhood development and brain research clearly confirms the critical nature of early development. It is a time when young children form attachments with parents and caregivers, develop security and a sense of self, and learn what to expect from the world around them. Studies show that babies and toddlers need to feel safe and secure in order to form a positive sense of self, to form healthy relationships, and to feel confident to explore their world. This sense of security is dependent on the availability and stability of their trusted primary caregivers. Being separated for a
three-day period from a parent or trusted, familiar adult, and being thrust into the care of a total stranger who has no experience with the child—how he or she is comforted, likes to be fed, held, etc.—and who has no experience caring for young children at all, can be very stressful for the child.

As a “safeguard,” NBC has hired a nanny to be nearby in case there are concerns. However the nanny is no more familiar to that child than the two strangers who will be caring for him for three days. The nanny does not know him or what his signals
mean—such as what he needs when he cries out in the middle of the night, or how he shows he is hungry, tired, or is overwhelmed and needs a break from play. Moreover, even though the parents of these young children are watching via closed-circuit television, the babies are not aware of that and have no way of knowing how long the parents will be gone.

Legitimate social experiments are not conducted on national television or on reality shows. "Baby Borrowers" may have a catchy theme, but it exploits young children with potential harmful consequences. This is no social experiment. It is an extremely misguided endeavor that puts at risk our most vulnerable citizens, young children who need our love and protection.

We welcome your feedback on our ZERO TO THREE Alert at tsalyers@zerotothree.org.

ZERO TO THREE: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families 2000 M St. NW | Suite 200 | Washington, DC | 20036 | (800) 899-4301 | (703) 661-1500

Tween or Teen

2008-05-28T16:42:00.001-07:00

Many parents think the most critical time in their child's development is when they become a teen or reach puberty; although it is true this is a tumultuous time for both children and parents, the years leading up to the teen years or what we refer to today as the "tween" years just may be a more critical time in your child's life.

At age 9, children are faced with the reality (albeit subconscious in nature) that they are stuck between two worlds; the world of sitting on mommy's lap and the world of not being quite old enough to step fully into the shoes of a big boy. This is the time it is the most critical to develop a connected relationship with your child, because it will define who they become as an adult.

Thought for the Week of April 28th

2008-04-28T16:53:00.000-07:00

Tune in, Listen, and Explore your child's emotional ups and downs. Often times when a child exhibits emotional outbursts or takes things out on the people around him, he is experiencing inner turmoil he may not be able to verbally communicate. By connecting with your child and discussing the behavior, you can often get to the root cause of the emotion. This will help your child release pent up feelings that would otherwise be stored in his body.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Thought for the Week of April 21st

2008-04-22T08:22:00.000-07:00

Do something for yourself. When your needs are met, you will have more energy and patience to do the things your children want you to do. In order to nurture the needs of others, you must first nurture your own needs.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Upcoming Intuitive Teleclass

2008-04-12T12:28:00.001-07:00

The teleclass Parenting Well Using Your Intuition is Wednesday April 23rd at 7pm EST. Space is limited so reserve your spot now!

Visit www.ParentingIntuitives.com for more information or click the link to the right of this post!

Honor Your Child

2008-04-04T13:04:00.000-07:00

Honor your child’s feelings about a person or experience. Adjust according to how your child feels; you will show your child you respect what they have to say and they will respect you for trusting their emotions.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Take Care of You

2008-04-01T08:20:00.000-07:00

Don't Hand Out Punishments In Anger

2008-03-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

Be willing to be flexible while correcting your child. Punishments handed out while feeling frustration or anger are usually overreactions to how we are feeling in the moment.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Shift Your Emotions

2008-03-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

When you are feeling emotional upset within yourself, acknowledge the emotion and shift the feeling before you interact with your child. We all feel anger and frustration at times, but just as we teach our children not to take out their frustrations on things, animals, or people; neither should we.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Reconnect With Your Child

2008-03-21T07:01:00.000-07:00

Be willing to acknowledge, accept, and apologize for overreacting in a situation with your child. When you are willing to admit you are wrong, you show your child how to correct their own mistakes. They will respect your authority when they are doing something inappropriate.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Trust your feelings about how to parent your child

2008-03-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

“A mother understands what a child does not say.” –Jewish Proverb

Trusting your feeling when it comes to your child is the soundest advice anyone can give to a parent, because the truth is, there are no experts, only people who can offer you advice. The expert truly is you and every child is unique in their experience. Many parents with multiple children see evidence of this in the differences between each child. As different as they are with their looks, they have different personalities, temperaments, strengths, weaknesses, likes, dislikes… you get the idea. As different as each child is, so is the advice you would need from a resource outside of yourself. The good news is you have a built in mechanism which if paid attention to, can offer you advice in any situation you find yourself in with your child. The mechanism I am referring to is your intuition; that inner knowing or nudge you feel when you are faced with a situation you are seeking an answer for.

©2008 by Tara Paterson, (excerpt from Parenting Well Using Your Intuition),
All Rights Reserved

Parenting Well Using Your Intuition

2008-03-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

We become dependent on too many resources outside of ourselves for guidance on parenting. We look to the latest books, advice from experts, family, friends, church, community, web sites, media, etc. What about finding your own inner knowing about how to parent your child? It is my intention to empower you as a parent to trust your feelings and intuition when it comes to raising your child.

I have always taken my role as a mom seriously. I have three children- a son (10), a son (6), and a daughter (2) and have been married for eleven years. It was important for me to be at home with my children, because it was the experience I had growing up and one I valued. I knew however, I needed to find a way to keep my heart’s passion burning or what would I have when my kid’s grew up and left home? I believe it’s much harder for parents to allow their children to grow naturally into who they are meant to become when they haven’t yet figured it out for themselves.

Through receiving my parent coach certification, I became aware of how much of our parenting style we inherit from our own parents without fully realizing some of the techniques we use are outdated for the time in which we live. This is where our intuition becomes vital in how we interact with our children. By uncovering some of the clutter we have carried over from our own upbringing, we can become fully present to the feeling or nudge within ourselves which act as a guide for how to parent our child. By using the techniques I will share in the coming weeks, I hope to empower each parent to create connected and loving families, while strengthening their own inner knowing about how to handle each situation they find themselves in with their child.

Enjoy! ~ Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI, 2008

When Are We Good Enough

2008-03-06T16:40:00.000-08:00

As a certified parent coach and a mom of three children of my own, the question always comes up "am I good parent?" "Why don't I trust myself and what if I am doing it all wrong!" Unfortunately, we don't come with a handbook for how to parent and as different as you and I are, so are each of our kids.

Over the years, I have found I was much harder on my oldest son than I am on my younger two. I guess it could be mainly because their temperments and styles are each different. My oldest son is driven, persistent, overbearing at times; all the qualities I am pleased he will have as an adult, but sometimes it works against us and in my human moments, I am sometimes left questioning myself too. My younger children don't test the boundaries as much so it would appear they don't tempt fate as often.

We do the best we know how to do at the time and the greatest gift we can give ourselves is the gift of trusting our skills and when we think we are doing it all wrong, remember we were given our children for a reason and all we can do is love ourselves enough to trust the outcome!

I Lost It

2008-03-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

I pride myself on being an intuitive parent- present, empathetic to my children's needs; void of taking things personally; relatively non-emotional, but tonight I lost it. I flat out lost it with my oldest son. He is entering the pre-adolescent time of his life or "tween" years and he is beginning to develop feelings for girls. Well, one girl in particular.

Adam has adored Heather since first grade. I would say one year is a crush, but to have affection for a girl for four years is much more than a simple crush- it's puppy love. We have worked hard to nurture his heart and encourage the normal feelings to flow so when he asked if he could give her a Christmas gift, we agreed; when he expressed his desire to buy her a Valentine's gift, again we agreed; we even agreed to a birthday gift. When he asked if he could ask her out (because all of his friends were asking girls out), my husband had a conversation with her dad.

Her father confessed there was nothing about our son he could find fault with. He genuinely likes everything about him and allows only our son to call his daughter; so when we asked whether he would mind if Adam asked Heather out, he was okay with it (supervised of course). I had different feelings about it however. Heather is a very shy, private girl with interest in gymnastics and studying hard to keep up her grades. My intuition tells me she is not at all ready to think about boys. We shared this with Adam and encouraged him to develop a stronger friendship first and see what the summer brings.

Score:
Parents 0
Peers 1

He called and asked her if she would go out with him. She responded with "I don't know." Not really the answer a young boy wants to hear. To make matters worse, everyone in school is now discussing the turn of events as gossip runs the mill. The rumors he is hearing- she doesn't want to go out with him.

So how did I lose my cool and what caused me to lose my temper?

Adam is a sensitive, but behavioral child. He acts out his frustration through his physical being. The hurt he is feeling has caused a well of emotion to spring forth which he has decided to take out on his younger brother and sister. Though we have made several attempts to discuss how he is feeling about the situation, he continued to show aggression toward his siblings. The challenge soon became how to help him manage his emotions while at the same time managing my own.

I sent him to his room to decompress and separate him from his brother. I joined him to discuss his feelings and talk through the emotion. He shed some tears, said he felt better and came down for dinner. The talk didn't seem to have done much as he preceded to antagonize his brother yet again. This went on for an hour as he was sent upstairs a second time to work through his aggression.

This parenting thing is not easy, especially as we begin to deal with real emotions and matters of the heart. We apply several techniques in situations like this from deep breathing; to talking through the emotion; and even writing our feelings out on paper, but tonight I experienced an even more intense energy which will require more from my parenting intuition. Stay tuned as the story unfolds!

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved

Intuitive Recall

2008-03-04T12:24:00.000-08:00

I have always been a very sensitive person. As a child, I can remember reference to it as though there was something wrong with me- "oh, you're so sensitive or too sensitive," or "you don't have to make such a big deal about everything..."

Can you remember people saying things like this to you?

I guess when these things are said to you enough; you begin to shut down the sensitive- feeling side of yourself, because it hurts too much.

It wasn't until I became a parent and realized my own children's sensitivities that I began to discover this is a very real part of some people's core being, it's who we are. It's actually what being intuitive in this world means for us- being sensitive and not being understood by the world around us. So I would start by discarding things that were said to me and made a vow not to say such things to my kids. I made the commitment to become an intuitive parent for my children- one they could trust and be who they were meant to be with.

I recall several experiences when I was a child of being accused of lying. It devastated me as a child, because I was not a liar and most often was accused of being dishonest at times I wasn't doing anything wrong. When my oldest son was around the age of 7, I can remember accusing him of lying about something while he emphatically stated he wasn't lying and it occurred to me- I was doing to him exactly what was done to me! So I apologized to him and we had a conversation about how the same thing had been done to me and I made a commitment not to do it to him. Big points for mom let me tell you!

If you remember some of these experiences from your own childhood, I welcome you to share your stories with this intuitive blog. You're not alone and together we can bring consciousness to parenting by using our intuition.

© 2008 by Tara Paterson, ACPI CCPI
All Rights Reserved