✨ At Find the Joy, wellbeing isn’t just a nice idea — it’s my top priority for families. I believe in nurturing simplicity, presence and connection in everyday life, not perfection. Whether it’s what we eat, how we move, or how we talk and listen to each other, wellbeing is woven into every moment we choose to show up fully.
Life can become so full of routines and to-dos that we slip into autopilot — issuing commands, reminding, urging, and expecting compliance. As thoughtful parenting voices remind us, that cycle often replaces listening with demands. Instead of connection, we get resistance. Parents ask: How do we help our children really listen — not because they have to, but because they feel heard and understood?
✨ Inspiration for Intentional Listening
Inspiration — the kind that gently shifts how we live — often comes from small, reflective moments. That’s what Find Your Inspiration is all about: slowing down, noticing what lights us up, and letting ideas that nourish wellbeing and joy into our lives.
This applies beautifully to how we relate as families. When we prioritise connection first, even in the everyday moments, we create the space where true listening can grow.
✨ Moments That Shift the Pattern
Here are some ways families can step out of command-mode and step into connection — rooted in the same mindful approach that underpins Find the Joy:
💛 Pause Before You Speak
Instead of the first instinct being a directive, take a breath. Eye contact, a gentle tone, and a moment of presence invite a child into connection before any request is made.
💛 Ask With Curiosity
Questions like “How can I help?” or “What do you need right now?” show your child that their feelings — not just their actions — matter. This invites dialogue instead of obedience.
💛 Share the ‘Why’
When children understand why something matters (“We need to eat together for our health and energy”), their motivation becomes internal rather than just responsive.
💛 Reflect Feelings Back
Sometimes what feels like resistance is emotion speaking. Naming what you see — “You seem frustrated right now” — shows your child they are seen, which opens the door to cooperation.
These gentle shifts aren’t quick fixes — they’re part of a compassionate rhythm that builds trust and wellbeing over time.
🌸 Why This Matters for Wellbeing
Wellbeing isn’t solely about healthy food, mindfulness walks or simple pleasures (though all of these matter). It’s also about how we communicate and connect with the people we love. When families cultivate listening instead of just obedience, the fabric of everyday life becomes warmer, deeper and more joyful — even in its messiest moments.
This is inspiration in action — not something grand, but something felt.
💛 A Gentle Reminder
Just like the inspiration I explore here at Find the Joy, shifting how we relate doesn’t demand perfection. One thoughtful conversation today can shape tomorrow’s connection.
Let’s find joy not only in what we do together, but in the way we hear each other — fully and with care.
✨ Where This Inspiration Began
This reflection was inspired by a thoughtful article from Parents Doing Better that explores how children are more likely to listen when they feel connected, respected and emotionally safe — rather than managed through commands and demands. It beautifully reinforces the idea that listening is built through relationship, not control.
If this topic resonates with you, I really encourage you to read the full article here:
👉 Getting Your Child to Listen Without… on Substack
🌿 Bringing It Back to Family Wellbeing
At Find the Joy, family wellbeing is always my top priority. To me, wellbeing lives not only in how we care for our bodies and minds, but in how we relate to one another every day — in the small exchanges, the tone of our voices, and our willingness to truly listen.
When we step off autopilot and soften our approach, we create homes where children feel safe to express themselves, and where parents feel less drained by power struggles. These moments of connection — however imperfect — are where trust grows, resilience strengthens, and joy quietly takes root.
Because finding joy isn’t about getting everything right.
👉It’s about choosing presence, again and again.
Find the joy 