Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast. Join therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, as she dives into real-life parenting questions, offering practical advice to help you raise confident kids, nurture stronger connections, and find your calm in the chaos of parenting.

TODAY'S QUESTION:
"What are the benefits of kids having their own email address?"

In this episode, Vanessa explores the pros and cons of kids having their own email address and shares strategies to set them up for success while keeping them safe online. From teaching responsibility to fostering independence, Vanessa highlights how this step can support kids’ digital literacy and communication skills. She also discusses boundaries and parental controls to ensure a safe online experience for younger users.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• Why having an email address can teach kids responsibility and independence
• How email can enhance digital literacy and communication skills
• The importance of setting boundaries and monitoring online interactions
• Practical tips for introducing email in a safe and age-appropriate way

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Introducing an email address can be a valuable step in your child’s development, teaching them essential skills while fostering responsibility. With proper boundaries and guidance, this tool can help them navigate the digital world safely and confidently.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

Happy New Year! Whether you're tuning in on January 1st or later, this empowering episode offers a fresh start for 2025. Together, we’ll reflect on the past year and set meaningful intentions for the year ahead. Dive into personal and professional milestones, learn how to create your own Year in Review, and choose your Word of the Year to stay focused and grounded throughout 2025.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

The beginning of a new year brings reflection and hope. In this episode, Vanessa De Jesus Guzman shares her 2024 milestones and challenges, along with heartfelt lessons on embracing growth and setting intentions. Discover how to create your Year in Review, celebrate your wins, and learn from the tough moments. Vanessa also reveals her Word of the Year for 2025 and how it shapes her approach to life, family, and work.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• Why "new year, new me" isn’t necessary when you’re already amazing.
• How to reflect on the past year with a Year in Review.
• Practical tips for choosing your Word of the Year.
• Insights into Vanessa’s personal milestones and challenges from 2024.
• A meditation to set the tone for 2025 with clarity and gratitude.

LINKED EPISODES

Wishes, Goals, Resolutions
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/2

New Year Triggers
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/58

Prioritizing Our Focus for the New Year
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/126

2023… A Year in Review
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/179

New Year, Same You
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/180

Embracing a Word of the Year
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast/181

Guided Meditation Included.
Stay grounded and step into 2025 with clarity and gratitude.

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.

EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
Welcome to The Consult a Counselor Series, a special segment of the Free to Be Mindful Podcast, where therapist and host Vanessa De Jesus Guzman, LPC, NCC, answers real-life parenting questions, helping you reduce the overwhelm, find joy, live life intentionally so you don't lose your... well you know...

TODAY'S QUESTION:
"My middle schooler got an iPhone for Christmas. What can I do to keep them safe?"

In this episode, Vanessa provides a relatable and practical approach to managing your child’s new iPhone responsibly. From setting clear expectations to utilizing parental controls, she shares actionable tips to ensure your middle schooler stays safe while learning responsible phone use. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of digital boundaries and the benefits of starting this tech journey together as a family.

TUNE IN TO LEARN:

• How to set clear expectations with your child before they start using their phone
• The importance of parental controls and how to use them effectively
• Ways to teach your child about digital boundaries and online kindness
• How to balance technology with other activities your child enjoys
• Tips for handling inevitable mistakes with patience and as learning opportunities

TAKEAWAY MESSAGE:
Getting a phone is a big step for your child—and for you. By setting clear rules, staying consistent, and modeling healthy habits, you can make this new phase a safe and positive experience for the entire family.

Listen in, and remember... you’re always free to be mindful!

Send us a text

120 COPING SKILLS
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-120copingskills


CULTIVATE CALM CHALLENGE
https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast-cultivatingcalmchallenge


SUBMIT QUESTIONS for CONSULT A COUNSELOR:
https://qrco.de/consultacounselor


WATCH THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE:
https://www.youtube.com/@counselorvdejesus


GET THE MUSE HEADBAND AT A DISCOUNT!
https://choosemuse.com/freetobemindful
Use this link to get 15% off your total when you purchase the amazing brain sensing headband that tells you when you're in a meditative state and guides you to improve your practice.


STAY CONNECTED:
Show Hashtag: #freetobemindfulpodcast
Website: https://www.freetobemindful.com/podcast
All Social Channels: @counselorvdejesus


DISCLAIMER:
Free to Be Mindful Podcast episodes are for educational purposes only and should not be considered as or substituted for therapy or professional help from a licensed clinician.