Welcome to another episode of the ANBRWY Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of featuring Wendolyn Bird, a former overwhelmed mom of two young children who transformed into a highly skilled parenting coach. Wendolyn’s journey from chaos to calm is both inspiring and enlightening, and she now dedicates her life to helping other parents and teachers navigate the turbulent waters of raising young children.

From Overwhelm to Empowerment

Wendolyn Bird's story begins with her own struggles as a parent and teacher. Running a 100% outdoor preschool, she often found herself overwhelmed by the challenges of raising her children. There was a particularly pivotal moment when she yelled at her eldest child, an incident that filled her with guilt and heartache. Desperate for change, Wendolyn sought support and embarked on a journey of inner work to understand her triggers and unmet needs from her own childhood.

This intense personal work, combined with her professional experiences, led Wendolyn to a profound realization: by understanding herself and the nature of children, she could transform her parenting approach. Over time, she found calm and confidence in handling the ups and downs of raising children, eventually reaching a point where she felt at ease and even enjoyed the chaos. This transformation inspired her to share her insights and help others shorten their learning curve and find more joy in parenting.

Addressing Parental Guilt and Anxiety

One of the most common feelings parents express when they come to Wendolyn is a sense of failure. She encourages them to explore these feelings deeply. What does failure mean to them? What do they want for themselves and their children? By acknowledging their emotions and recognizing their strengths, Wendolyn helps parents build on what they already do well, such as offering a comforting smile or a gentle hold.

Parents often worry about how their anxiety affects their children. Wendolyn teaches that finding calm within themselves is crucial. Children are highly sensitive to their parents' emotions and can pick up on anxiety. By practicing mindfulness, breathing exercises, or simply taking a moment to be present, parents can create a more secure and loving environment. This, in turn, helps reduce their children's anxiety.

The Nature-Infused Coaching Approach

Wendolyn’s coaching is unique, incorporating a nature-infused approach that emphasizes aligning with our true nature. She uses the acronym NATURE to guide her practice:

• Nourish: Taking care of oneself.
• Attune: Being in tune with children's needs.
• Trust: Trusting one's instincts.
• Understand: Understanding one's values and children's developmental stages.
• Rest: Ensuring adequate rest and relaxation.
• Enjoy: Celebrating the journey of parenting.

This holistic approach encourages parents to be present and authentic, allowing them to navigate parenting challenges with more ease and joy.

Navigating Societal Pressures

Society often pressures parents to follow specific methods or buy products that promise better outcomes. Wendolyn advocates for a different approach: understanding yourself and your child. She encourages parents to filter external advice through their own values and instincts, recognizing that what works for one family may not work for another. The key is to find what resonates with you and your child.

Building a Support System

For parents who feel isolated in their struggles, Wendolyn emphasizes the importance of building a support system. She offers a free "Chaos to Calm" consult on her website to help parents identify their needs and find solutions. Building a community, whether through friends, family, or professionals, can provide the support and reassurance parents need.

Connect with Wendolyn Bird

Wendolyn Bird's transformative journey from an overwhelmed mom to a confident coach offers valuable insights for any parent or teacher. If you're looking for guidance or support, visit her website at (http://www.wendolynbird.com) or email her at connect@wendolynbird.com. You can also download her free guide on calming tantrums in 17 seconds, a practical resource for creating a more peaceful and joyful home.

Final Thoughts

Wendolyn Bird’s approach to parenting is refreshing and grounded in understanding and compassion. By focusing on the inner work and being present, parents can create a nurturing environment for their children and themselves. Her journey is a testament to the power of personal growth and the profound impact it can have on our families.