#62 Michelle Nietert [Mentally Healthy Moms and Kids]

We're jumping back into our series on parenting and family culture today while continuing to talk about mental health. If you missed you the last episode, you definitely want to go back and hear my conversation with Carla Arges on Living Victoriously with Mental Illness. Today I'm joined by mental health professional, Michelle Nietert, and she and I are talking about making sure we're healthy ourselves and then evaluating our kids' mental health. Michelle and I talk about how important it is to check in with yourself. She tells us to check on our spiritual practice, to check on our emotions, our sleep, our nutrition and our movement. Michelle gives ideas for how we can be sure we're centering ourselves on God so we are in a good mindset. She says, "emotions need to be on the bus, but they don't need to be driving the bus…we want to make sure God is driving our bus." Next, it's time to check in with our kids, have conversations and evaluate their mental health. Michelle says we want to make sure our kids are hopeful about the future, that they're managing their nutrition and sleep well, and that they are able to process negative emotions when they experience them. She shares questions we can ask our kids to gauge how they're doing in these areas. Michelle says if they're not doing well or if we're just not sure, it's time to ask for help from a professional. She also encourages us to celebrate when things are good! Michelle Nietert, LPC-S is an author, speaker, and Clinical Director of Community Counseling Associates in Dallas, TX. She's a sought-after leader by mental health professionals, churches, and school districts, co-author of Loved & Cherished, a devotional for tween girls and is also co-host of the Raising Brave Beauties podcast, which will be re-launching in May as Raising Mentally Healthy Kids.   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Pray Every Day Podcast with Mary DeMuth Brendon Burchard – Doorways The Mother and Son Prayer Journal by Christie Thomas Loved & Cherished: 100 Devotions for Girls by Lynn Cowell and Nichelle Nietert The Passion Ministries – Lou Giglio Dr. Tim Elmore Screen Kids by Arlene Pellicane   MICHELLE'S FAVORITE 5 Marleylily Monogramming Atomic Habits by James Clear Scent Bird Buff City Soap Bath Bombs The Naturally Nourish Podcast   CONNECT WITH MICHELLE Instagram | Facebook | Website   THE GATHERING PROJECT A five-day experience to plan, prep and gather with your girlfriends. The Gathering Project begins on June 14th. You'll get: 5 days of coaching videos a 12-page workbook – the Girls Gathering Guide GTL conversation cards access to a private FB group for real-time interaction with me and other group members for support, ideas and encouragement. My mission is to help you gather, have conversations, create meaningful connections, and build lasting friendships. Sign me up!