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More On Family With Aunty Grace, Springville, UT (2025)

01/06/2024

Hello, dear fam! Aunty Grace is back, and I owe you the biggest apology. 😢 I broke my promise, and I left you hanging. My computer threw a tantrum, and I didn't have the funds to fix it. Plus, life threw some emotional curveballs my way.

It felt like God was still working on healing my deepest wounds. And, of course, I was studying hard to find better ways to help you build a healthy, loving, and peaceful family.

I'm planning a comeback this January, though I can't pinpoint the exact date. I want to make sure I have a solid plan to share all the tools you need. And hey, Happy New Year! 🎉 I love you all. ❤️

10/30/2023

I remember it vividly, a time when I was 56, navigating the complexities of life while my daughter Emily, at 20, was waging her battle against the clutches of addiction. It was during this period that I found solace in my faith in God through His son, Jesus Christ, and decided to serve at our church to help me find my path. I joined the Sunday school daycare to serve my purpose.

The first four Sundays went smoothly, free from stress and overflowing with joyful moments. But that peaceful rhythm was shattered when a toddler entered our lives, and for the sake of confidentiality, we'll call him Dan. Dan was no ordinary toddler; he appeared as though he had been injected with a dose of super serum from a lab in Germany, looking four years old at just two.

Meeting him for the first time was a shock. And that wasn't the end of our surprises. When Dan got angry and unleashed his temper, it was akin to witnessing the incredible Hulk on steroids, a sight that sent shivers down my spine.

Now, you might wonder why, at 56 with a daughter of my own, I couldn't handle a toddler's tantrums, considering my experience. But here's the twist - I must confess that I was much like those parents who lost their cool when their children threw tantrums. Yes, I was one of them. (In my defence, we all have a lot on our minds; let's cut each other some slack, right?) My late ex-husband, Maxwell, had a unique talent for managing Emily's frustrations. The moment he appeared, her tears turned to joy, and it was maddening to witness. To be honest, I resented him for it, and yes, I was what many would call a "bad mom."

So, more often than not, when Dan had his moments, especially during his naptime, I chose to either leave him alone or ignore him until he tired himself out and fell asleep. After all, a win is a win, right? I did attempt to talk to him and reason with him, but that stubborn little fellow was practically immovable.

Then came that fateful day. He was engrossed in his toy train, a thing of great fascination to him. As his naptime approached, I called out to him, persuading him to set the toy aside and rest. But Dan had other plans; he ignored me and held onto the toy with a grip that made me look foolish. In my frustration, I decided to take the toy from his hand, and that's when all hell broke loose.

It was as if he had transformed into a miniature hurricane, ready to sweep me off my feet. The scenario was harrowing, and my heart felt like it was ready to leap out of my chest. For a moment, I thought I was about to meet my maker.

The scene continued, with me in a losing battle, until Jane, a 26-year-old brunette, walked over, swift and composed. She knelt down to Dan's level, did something akin to what Maxwell would do, and lo and behold, the little Hulk turned into Sleeping Beauty. You can imagine the whirlwind of emotions that washed over me, reminiscent of Maxwell, my late ex-husband, and my own struggles with motherhood. It was as though life was playing a cruel joke on me.

Seeing my shock, Jane turned to me and uttered words that left me stunned: "You disrespected him."

Yes, I was as baffled as you probably are right now. After all, they are just toddlers; what do they know about respect, right? But that's a story for another day when we delve into the root causes of frustration tantrums.

For now, I want to talk about frustration tantrums and how to recognize them. Frustration tantrums stem from a toddler's anger when things don't go their way, much like Dan's outbursts, intense and even frightening. They often occur when a child is unable to communicate their desires or when they feel their needs are being ignored.

Physically, during a frustration tantrum, you might notice a few signs, such as clenched fists, flushed cheeks, crying, screaming, or even hitting and biting. Sometimes, they'll arch their back, stomp their feet, or throw things to show their displeasure.

Now, the key here is that if you can't understand or accurately identify these tantrums, you won't be able to help them navigate through their emotional chaos and teach them the art of emotional maturity. Recognizing and addressing these tantrums is the first step toward guiding them through this challenging phase.

And that, my dear, is how the story of a tiny but mighty toddler named Dan taught me the importance of understanding and handling frustration tantrums. It was a nostalgic and memorable experience that ultimately shaped my journey in helping children grow emotionally.

With love and understanding
Aunty Grace

10/26/2023

Yes! Depression. Surprised?! I tell you, especially when you start peeling back the layers and realize just how profoundly damaging it can be when parents forget to embrace their kids' unique selves.

But wait, there's more gloom lurking in the shadows. Chronic stress, picture it as an unwelcome guest who never leaves the party and brings along a whole bunch of health problems - high blood pressure, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. It's like a slow erasure of the very word "health." And then there's anxiety, that pesky guest who just keeps on pestering, the relentless haunt of insomnia, and the ever-present spectre of eating disorders. It's like a real-life horror show.

But this dark journey doesn't stop at health; it takes a nosedive into your social life. Social isolation becomes your new, unwelcome companion, making the Herculean task of forming and maintaining connections feel like an impossible quest. And if your professional life relies on networking, well, you're in for a tumultuous ride. Climbing the corporate ladder? It's more like being stuck in an eternal night shift at the entry-level. It's almost like a never-ending nightmare.

Now, speaking of the mind, it's as if you're trapped in a perpetual loop, feeling like you're never quite good enough, always chasing after perfection that dances just out of reach. And let's not forget the constant fear that someone will expose your deepest, darkest secrets. It's not living; it's more like an endless, soul-draining nightmare.

Reasons why unique parenting is so important. You see, unique parenting is like a nurturing flame, one that ignites confidence by recognizing your kids for who they truly are.

We humans, well, we're inherently social creatures. Our survival through the ages has depended on connecting, forming bonds, and becoming part of a tribe. So when we notice something within us that's a bit different, something that could potentially make us an outcast, we tend to hide it. We do this instinctively, just to fit in and belong.

But when kids begin to notice their uniqueness, when they understand how different they are, they become afraid. It's the fear of being judged, rejected, and not fitting in. This fear intensifies when their sanctuary, their home, doesn't embrace them, or when their peers constantly tease or bully them about their uniqueness. So, to create a balance here, this uniqueness isn't tied to societal norms or "truth"; it's anchored in a deeper truth, in Christ.

So, when parents forget to nurture and celebrate the unique light within their children when they fail to provide that safe harbour for them to express their authentic selves, they're sending a brutal message. It's a message that screams, "You're not accepted for who you are."

The result? Struggles with recognizing their self-worth, difficulties in acknowledging themselves for who they are, and a crumbling self-belief. Hence, they will not have the courage to believe in themselves, that courage to pursue their purpose and that will to stay "alive!". Then dissonance sets in; causing a deep chasm between their reality and their true selves to widen, often leading to the suffocating embrace of depression, especially in adulthood. Remember, depression is the mind's desperate battle against a reality that's out of sync with its true purpose, with its core identity.

As parents, it's our sacred duty to help our kids discover their unique purpose, something that's distinctively theirs. We're here to be their compass, nurturing their growth and allowing them to flourish as the remarkable individuals they were always meant to be.

Wishing you strength and purpose on this challenging journey.

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/23/2023

Ever found yourself pondering why someone transforms into a real-life Hulk on the road? You know, honking aggressively, tailgating, shouting at other drivers, even in the middle of a traffic jam? It's like a scene straight out of a Fast & Furious movie, minus the action-packed fun (and don't they always seem to be driving those colossal SUVs? 😅). Then there's that colleague who loses it over a simple paper jam in the office photocopier. Yes, we've got ourselves an office Hulk, but without the cool superhero vibes! And let's not forget your friend who goes into a full-blown argument mode over the most minor of disagreements. Seriously, minor! 🤷‍♀️

But it does make you wonder, doesn't it? Why do they react like this to what appears to be everyday situations? It's like they're stuck in their very own Groundhog Day sequel but with no Bill Murray. They keep replaying the same scene over and over. Are they missing out on some sort of emotional growth that perhaps they should have learned when they were just toddlers?

So, here we are, introducing the "Frustration-Induced Tantrum" toolkit. We're going to dive deep into this one, and afterwards, we've got even more content coming your way to help parents navigate the challenges of preschoolers, school-age kids, and teenagers. And guess what? I've got a blog in the works (Oh, and by the way, we're not ending the "Toddler Tantrum Toolkit" series; we're just giving it a little pause after we're done with frustration-induced tantrums. There's a whole world of tantrums out there to explore, after all!). This is all part of our mission to bring more love, forge stronger family bonds, and inspire growth in every home.

You might be wondering, do toddlers get frustrated? Oh, absolutely, they do! You see, I've always said toddlers are like tiny adults in many ways. They're like little sponges, soaking up the world around them, and they're super impressionable. So, living under your care, it's not all rainbows and sunshine for them. No, no, they've got their own set of frustrations.

Now, here's the thing about emotions – they're like a secret language, unique to each person. The way we feel and express our feelings is closely tied to how we see the world around us. So, when these little explorers of life run into things that just don't jive with their toddler worldview, they get frustrated. It's like their emotional Rubik's Cube. But here's the kicker: they don't have all the grown-up words to talk it out. So, what do they do? Tantrum time! 🙃

You know, I've always stressed this point: the tantrum phase? It's like a golden ticket for you to impart those oh-so-important life lessons to your little one. It's your chance to teach them all those right values, how to handle their feelings, and how to express themselves constructively. 🌟 But, here's the thing, to be the best teacher you can be, you've got to speak their unique language and connect with them on their level. That's the magic sauce, my friend. 💫

Oh, before I forget, I've got to say, I'm just beaming with pride over here! Your dedication to connecting with your toddlers and guiding them through those tricky tantrum phases is simply amazing. 🤗 You know, not all parents take this approach, and that's what makes you part of that incredible 1% of loving parents. Keep shining on this beautiful parenting journey, and may God bless you every step of the way! 🌈🙏

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/20/2023

Some time ago, I spoke about how parents should understand the uniqueness of their kids and how much it can help them. Well, today, I had a little rendezvous with a friend. We usually catch up at church, but this time, we decided to meet at a cafe. I was quite surprised because she's not the type who likes going out much. Anyway, she was so excited to see me and let me tell you, she was acting all cute in her old age. But shh, don't tell her I said that!

You see, my friend shared something quite remarkable with me. Her neighbours were going through a challenging time with their child, who was, well, quite a handful. The child was stubborn, had little interest in schoolwork, and always seemed to be at odds with their parents.

It was a tough situation, one that many of us can relate to in some way. But here's where the magic happens – instead of pushing the child harder academically, the parents decided to take a different path. They chose to focus on what made their child unique.

This child had this peculiar obsession with engineering, always tinkering and building things around the house. And instead of trying to change that, the parents embraced it. They encouraged the child's passion, even dedicating extra time to work on engineering projects together.

What happened next was nothing short of incredible. As the child's confidence in their abilities grew, their stubbornness began to fade away. They started to believe in themselves.

And here's the most beautiful part – their academic performance started to improve, too. The child realized that their engineering skills were connected to the subjects they struggled with in school. With newfound determination, they began to apply themselves more diligently.

Now, based on this story, it's clear that understanding the uniqueness of your child can help them fully unlock their potential. It benefits both parents and their kids by fostering a deeper connection, allowing children to thrive in their passions, and ultimately leading to a happier, more harmonious family life.

In conclusion, I encourage you all to try to understand your parents as well. It can be quite a journey, and sometimes it's challenging to figure it out, but stay in the process and trust that God will guide you through. 🙏❤️

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/17/2023

Have you ever wondered why some people struggle with anger issues, passively aggressive behaviour, or constant irritability?

Let's dive into this, but first, let's talk about toddler tantrums. What are they, and why do toddlers throw them? It's essential to recognize that tantrums are simply a way for a child to express themselves. Toddlers, due to their limited ability to understand the causes of their discomfort and suffering, act out because they can't fully articulate what's wrong.

Imagine having an intense itch all over your body, but not knowing where it's coming from, leading you to behave a bit erratically just to find relief. That's how toddlers feel when they throw tantrums.

Toddlers experience emotions just as we adults do. And if we, as grown-ups, sometimes struggle to manage our emotions, can we realistically expect toddlers to handle theirs perfectly? Not really, right?

Now, here's the key point. Because we didn't learn how to identify, understand, and express our emotions when we were toddlers, or perhaps our parents didn't teach us how we carried that emotional baggage into adulthood. Starting to connect the dots?

So, when your toddler begins a tantrum, it's actually an ideal opportunity to help them identify, understand, and fully express the emotional cause behind it. Tantrums are like lessons in emotional intelligence in action. To effectively teach emotional intelligence, you have to lead by example. Children learn from their environment, especially from you, their parents, whom they see as their role models for life.

So, in response to the initial question, people struggling with anger issues or those who are passively aggressive probably didn't learn how to express their frustrations healthily when they experienced tantrums as toddlers.

And, well, can't you see, parenting is just so much fun? 😉👶✨

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/14/2023

Oh, dear, let's take a stroll down memory lane, shall we? Back to those teenage years when we thought we knew it all but were still trying to figure out the world. Remember how our parents sometimes became our worst nightmares? We wanted to let them into our world, but it felt like they didn't understand us, or maybe it was just one heated argument after another, leaving us feeling alone at home. Or is it just me, but those 1970s were quite a rollercoaster for me.

Today, I want to share a part of my life that I deeply regret, a dark chapter during my marriage, especially concerning my daughter, Emily. It almost destroyed her, and I felt like a failed mother. You see, Emily and I went through some tough times, especially after her father, my ex-husband Maxwell passed away.

When Maxwell and I separated due to my emotional immaturity, life as a single mom was incredibly challenging. Emily was just 8 years old at the time. Amid the hustle and bustle of trying to juggle everything, I slowly began to neglect my daughter. I hardly listened to her, and I was always shouting, always pouring my resentment onto her (she's a spitting image of her handsome father—imagine that, 😄). Keep in mind that I initiated the divorce and wasn't willing to work on it.

She tried reaching out, showing kindness like her father would, but I continued to lash out at her and not listen. I was preoccupied with bills and making ends meet. Slowly, my daughter's vibrant and carefree spirit began to dim. She'd speak, I'd ask, but I wouldn't really listen.

I foolishly thought I was doing well as a parent, considering I was providing, protecting, instilling values, and securing her future. But that illusion shattered when we received the news of Maxwell's passing. It was a stroke that broke her, and she turned to drugs.

To this day, I'm amazed at how she managed to get herself back on track and rebuild the bond we now share, despite the damage and darkness of our past. Most of the time, our kids just want to connect with us and share their world. It provides them with emotional support and a sense of safety as they try to navigate life. Plus, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem.

And you know what they see when you listen to them? Love.

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/11/2023

Hey there, folks! A while back, I talked about those adorable little toddler tantrums and how they're basically your toddler's way of saying, 'Hey, I'm feeling all these big emotions, but I don't quite know how to tell you about them.'

But guess what? I felt like I didn't give you the full scoop, so I decided to start a little series about these tiny tantrums. We're going to dive deep into what causes these mini meltdowns and how we can handle them like pros. 🤯

Now, I can't promise how long this series will be, but it's gonna be a hoot, I promise. Heck, I'm even thinking of calling it 'Toddler Tantrum Toolkit.' Okay, I know that doesn't sound super exciting, but hey, I'm just keeping it real with you guys. Sometimes, I get a bit mentally lazy 😉.

By the way, I want us to see these toddler tantrums as golden opportunities. Yep, that's right! It's a chance to teach our little ones emotional intelligence and those all-important values. So, don't fret, my friends. We'll tame these little minions together!

Stay tuned for some epic tantrum-taming tips, and let's conquer these toddler tornadoes with style! 💪✨

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/08/2023

I want to begin by acknowledging the extraordinary efforts that parents put into giving their kids the best start in life. It's nothing short of remarkable. Parents, you're the unsung heroes of our society. 🌟

The daily grind of running a household, managing bills, and creating a nurturing environment for your children can be nothing short of a marathon. From early morning wake-ups to late-night soothing, you do it all. And let's not even get started on the balancing act of pursuing your own career and dreams while parenting, especially with two or more little ones running around. Kids, they're bundles of energy, aren't they? 😄

Now, here's where it gets tricky. You see, we often find ourselves trying to apply the same parenting methods that worked for one child to their siblings, hoping it'll have the same magical effect. But sometimes, it backfires, and frustration sneaks in. 😫

But there's hope in this gentle reminder – it doesn't have to be an endless cycle of frustration. Parenting becomes more manageable when you truly grasp your child's uniqueness and communicate effectively. 🗣️

Yes, it's not always a walk in the park, and I'm a mother, so I can relate to the challenges. However, by seeing each child as an individual and adapting your approach to suit their unique needs, you're not just making sacrifices; you're investing in their future. 🌈

So, to all you phenomenal parents reading this, I salute your efforts. You are truly amazing! Keep in mind that every child is one of a kind, and by embracing their uniqueness, you'll find the journey of parenting to be more fulfilling and purpose-driven. 💪👶💕

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/06/2023

Oh, let me tell you about the adorable little adventure I had the other day at our friendly neighbourhood grocery store here in Springville, Utah. 🛒 It was one of those moments that just made me want to share some insights on how to handle these little bundles of energy, or as I like to call them, our "Little Minions." 😅

So, picture this – I'm strolling through the store, minding my own business, when suddenly, I hear the most heart-wrenching tantrum erupting from a precious 3-year-old girl. It was a sight! 🙈

It took me back to those days with my daughter, Emily (yes, that's her name), and oh boy, the frustration! I remember feeling like I was on the verge of going insane during one of her epic tantrums. 😩

But you know what I've come to realize over the years? Tantrums are simply how these little ones express their emotions. They're still learning to navigate this big, exciting world and communicate their needs effectively. And guess what? I didn't exactly have this wisdom when I was parenting Emily as a toddler. Nope, I learned it from handling toddlers like her about six years ago. 🤷

The key to handling these adorable little outbursts is understanding what's triggering them. Yep, it's all about deciphering the code to their tiny hearts and minds. Toddler tantrums are their unique way of saying, "Hey, something's up, and I need you to know how I feel about it!" ❤️

So, if you find yourself in a similar situation, just remember, that it's all part of their growth journey. Embrace it, understand it, and give those Little Minions all the cuddles and giggles they need. 🤗

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

10/02/2023

I often find myself wondering, wouldn't it be a beautiful world if each one of us knew their purpose in life and passionately followed it? It's like envisioning a utopia, where people are driven by their unique callings and find profound fulfilment in their pursuits.

Purpose, you see, it's not just reserved for those who appear destined for greatness from the start. No, it's within all of us, even those who might not seem to have found it yet. It's that thing that makes your heart sing, that gives your life meaning and direction.

Sometimes, when we stray from our purpose or haven't discovered it yet, it can lead to social vices or that gnawing feeling of emptiness or depression. Humans, in essence, are beings of purpose. Having one, and embracing it, that's one of the most fulfilling things anyone can experience.

I get it; as parents, we're constantly seeking the safest and surest paths to secure our kids' futures. That's natural, and I empathize deeply because, well, I'm a mother too, and I understand that desire.
But what if I told you there's more to it than just securing their future? What if you also want your kids to have a future filled with genuine happiness and fulfilment? That's when you start looking closely at your child, helping them discover their purpose. It's a bit like becoming spiritual, seeking to rekindle that connection or knowing of something greater than ourselves (God). But that's a story for another day 😄🙊😊.

I'm continually amazed at how much love and care you pour into your children, and your desire for the very best for them is evident in the way you're reading this post. So, as you go on giving your kids the best life you can offer, remember to create that space for them to explore their purpose, dream big, and craft the fulfilling future you both desire.

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

09/30/2023

Ah, you know, those sleepless nights, especially during the first few months after Emily was born, were a real challenge. But we managed to get through them by creating a nighttime schedule that worked for both of us.

Maxwell and I sat down one weekend, after he came back from work, to have a serious talk. We knew we had to find a way to handle those night shifts, especially since he had to work during the weekdays. Communication was key. We openly discussed our sleep needs and concerns.

Creating the schedule wasn't easy, though. It was like walking through a minefield. We had to consider our work and other commitments while ensuring we both got some rest. I leaned more towards being a night person, so it made sense for me to take the night shift.

But oh, setting realistic expectations was a real challenge. We both had moments when we crossed boundaries, and those led to some heated arguments. Flexibility was our saving grace. We had to learn to be cooperative and adapt as needed, especially as Emily grew.

We started meal prepping every weekend to make those night shifts smoother. And we even had a gentle signal to switch shifts. Taking short naps during the day, especially when Maxwell's job was particularly strenuous, made a world of difference.

But I won't lie; sometimes Maxwell's behaviour could be so irritating that I'd have murderous thoughts. It was a test of patience. We had to remind ourselves to show appreciation for each other's efforts.

So, dear parents, my advice to you is to be kind to each other as you co-parent and navigate those challenging early days. Lack of kindness was why we ended up fighting almost every two weeks. But remember, with communication, flexibility, and a lot of patience, you can overcome the sleepless nights and come out stronger as a couple and as parents.

With warmth and understanding,
Aunty Grace

More On Family With Aunty Grace

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10/14/2023

10/11/2023

10/08/2023

10/06/2023

10/02/2023

09/30/2023

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