As parents, we’ve had to tackle many serious topics with our children this past year and week. It’s complicated to talk about and understand as adults—and kids are just as confused and saddened by it. So how can we help our kids continue to make sense of these events and sort through their thoughts and feelings? That’s why we’ll be sitting down this week with Vanessa De Jesus Guzman of Free to Be Mindful for some professional insight into how to speak to our children. She’ll offer ways to discuss difficult current event topics with our kids and how to remain strong as their guides and leaders for the challenging chapters life throws at us. So cozy up with a cup of tea or glass of wine and head over to our Facebook page on Tuesday at 8 PM and click on the videos tab on the left-hand side to watch. Send a quick hello in the comments, tell us how you’re doing, or ask us a question— we’d love to hear from you. In the meantime, answer our quick one-question poll, and you could be featured on NJMOM and News12 this week.
About Vanessa De Jesus Guzman
Vanessa De Jesus Guzman is an Educator and Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with children and families for nearly two decades. Vanessa is the founder and owner of Free to Be Mindful—a private practice located in Ridgefield, New Jersey —focused on providing counseling, mindfulness education, educational consultations, and speaking engagements for children, parents, and educators. She’s also the host of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, which brings bite-sized mindfulness education to busy parents and educators. In addition, Vanessa is the founder of Amiga Moms, a supportive network focused on providing educational events to 21st-century mothers focused on mindfulness and mental wellness. Vanessa has been featured on the Today Show, in print publications and enjoys making impacting change by serving and taking leadership roles in various organizations. Personally, Vanessa is the daughter of driven Dominican parents, wife of a supportive husband, and mother to an amazing little boy and Goldendoodle puppy. Vanessa loves to destress by practicing yoga, working out on the Peloton, and salsa dancing.
How to watch
Meet us over on our Facebook page at 8PM this Tuesday, January 12, by clicking the videos tab on our page’s left-hand side. And be sure to answer our quick poll (it’s just one question— you might be featured on NJMOM and News12 this week). To learn more about Vanessa De Jesus Guzman and Free to Be Mindful, check out her website, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.