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Helping Kids With Harsh Self-Talk: Why It Shows Up — and What Actually Helps
Learn why kids say “I can’t,” how shame and avoidance develop, and what ACT-informed parents can do to support resilience without pressure.

Michael R Kiel
4 days ago6 min read


Committed Action: Help Kids Take One Tiny Step at a Time (Even When It’s Hard)
Committed Action isn’t about pushing through fear or getting it “right.” It’s about taking one small, meaningful step — even when emotions feel big. In this gentle guide, families explore how tiny actions rooted in values help children build courage, flexibility, and confidence. With simple language, real-life examples, and free mini resources for kids and parents, this post shows how showing up — one tiny step at a time — can quietly change everything.

Michael R Kiel
Dec 13, 20254 min read


🌿Teaching Values to Kids - ACT-inspired Strategies for Real-Life Parenting
Values like kindness and courage aren’t taught through lectures — they’re grown in everyday moments. In ACT, values are chosen ways of being, like a compass we return to, not goals we complete. Kids learn values through modeling, reflection, and connection — not pressure or perfection. This blog shares how to gently raise kids who live what matters, one choice at a time.

Michael R Kiel
Nov 8, 20254 min read


🌿 Making Space for Every Feeling: How Acceptance Helps Kids Grow Steady Hearts
Kids often try to push away big feelings—but acceptance teaches them to make space instead. Discover how this gentle, science-backed skill helps children and parents build emotional strength, calm, and resilience through small, steady steps. Includes free Making Space Cards to help your family begin today.

Michael R Kiel
Oct 12, 20255 min read


Embracing the Bigger Picture: Self-as-Context for Kids
Kids (and parents) often get swept up in one tough moment — “I’m the worst at math!” or “I can’t do anything right.” Self-as-Context reminds us we’re always more than one thought, one feeling, or one struggle. In this blog, Sage the Squirrel helps us explore how to see the bigger picture, build resilience, and practice steady presence with kids through playful activities like Ripple Reminder.

Michael R Kiel
Sep 5, 20255 min read


🌿 The Power of Tiny Noticings: Building Emotional Skills in Children
"Each small noticing becomes a micro-step toward understanding big feelings and making gentle, thoughtful choices later on. Whether it’s watching a caterpillar crawl or feeling a warm breeze, these tiny noticings help kids build curiosity, connection, and emotional strength — one moment at a time."

Michael R Kiel
Jul 11, 20254 min read


“Thank You, Mind”: Helping Kids Let Go of Sticky Thoughts
Some thoughts just stick... but that doesn’t mean we have to stay stuck. Help kids handle sticky thoughts with playful defusion!

Michael R Kiel
Apr 26, 20257 min read


Defusion on the Go: Helping Kids Handle Sticky Thoughts in Everyday Moments
Kids get “sticky thoughts” just like adults—worries, fears, or doubts that cling like gum to a shoe. Defusion helps them step back from these thoughts instead of getting tangled in them. With quick, playful strategies, children can learn to notice their thoughts and gently let them go.

Michael R Kiel
Mar 29, 20254 min read


Mindfulness for Kids: A Parent's Guide
Mindfulness can be simple and playful. Kids learn it through tiny moments of noticing — a color, a sound, a breath. When we pause with them, we help their bodies and minds reset. In Acceptance Acres, Micah the Macaw shows children how to slow down and stay curious. These gentle practices build emotional awareness and calm. Explore our free mindfulness tools, including Micah’s 5 Senses Game and our Fill Your Cup pack.

Michael R Kiel
Mar 1, 20256 min read


What is ACT, and How Can It Help Children?
Discover how ACT helps kids manage big emotions, stay present, and focus on what matters—through fun stories and creative activities!

Michael R Kiel
Jan 19, 20256 min read
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