Ep 191: Your Kid’s Backpack Is Full Of Ants And You’re Still Okay

Holiday seasons are loud, bright, sweet, and often overwhelming—and that’s exactly why they’re perfect for teaching kids (and ourselves) how to be present. We explore a simple presence practice that uses the five senses to bring a busy mind back to now, turning chaotic moments into chances for calm, clarity, and connection. From Halloween costumes and crinkly candy wrappers to warm pie dough and the glow of neighborhood lights, we show how everyday sensory details can anchor the nervous system and reduce stress.

You’ll hear a real family scene—a late‑night discovery of ants in a backpack—and how shifting attention to sights, sounds, textures, and smells transformed frustration into laughter and purposeful action. We unpack why acceptance is not giving up but stepping into reality long enough to choose a better response. Instead of fighting what’s happening or spiraling into what‑ifs, we practice noticing what is here, right now, and responding on purpose. That skill helps kids build emotional regulation, resilience, and self‑confidence while giving parents a steadier way to lead.

We also share quick, repeatable prompts that fit into busy days: tasting candy with attention, listening to neighborhood laughter, feeling cool air on your skin, and watching lights flicker. These micro‑rituals train the brain to settle faster, make good memories more vivid, and lower the temperature during meltdowns. The holidays become a training ground for year‑round calm, where presence turns modern chaos into manageable moments and families reconnect with what matters most.

If this resonates, share the episode with a friend who needs a little extra calm, and leave a quick review so more parents can find the show. Want more tools? Visit thestressnanny.com and subscribe so you never miss a practice that helps your family breathe easier.

Lindsay Miller is a distinguished kids mindfulness coach, mindfulness educator and host of The Stress Nanny Podcast. She is known for her suitcase tricks and playful laugh. When she's not cheering on her daughter or rollerblading on local trails with her husband, you can find her using her 20+ years of child development study and mindfulness certification to dream up new ways to get kids excited about deep breathing. Having been featured on numerous podcasts, platforms and publications, Lindsay’s words of wisdom are high impact and leave a lasting impression wherever she goes.

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