Jodie Maddox

I PARTNER with parents and schools.

I EMPOWER them to make decisions within their sphere of influence.

I PROVIDE reliable support, with effective strategies, to gain desired results.

Email jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

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Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As we step into a new year, the older I get, the more I look forward to the New Year. For me, January feels like such a powerful time for growth. Goal-setting is in the air—new routines, fresh intentions, hopeful beginnings. But as I’ve learned in my work with families and educators, meaningful goals require more than motivation. They require self-awareness.

This month, we are exploring how self-awareness—one of our core executive functioning skills—lays the foundation for every goal we set. Before we can decide where we want to go, we have to understand where we are: our strengths, our patterns, our challenges, and the habits that help us thrive. When children learn to notice themselves with honesty and curiosity, they become better equipped to grow with purpose.

As I reflect on my own journey as a mom, wife, educator, and coach, I can’t help but think back to a goal I set three short years ago: to build a business that supports and lifts up parents and teachers as they nurture and care for kids. It was a dream rooted in my belief that strong families and confident educators change lives. Today, I am humbled and grateful to say that this community has grown beyond anything I imagined. Thank you to each of you who has read, shared, and subscribed to this newsletter. With over 600 subscribers and an average of 800 monthly views, this little passion project has become a space for meaningful conversations, practical tools, and shared encouragement. Your engagement tells me that the work matters—and that together, we are building something hopeful and life-giving.

As we welcome the year ahead, I invite you to join me in practicing self-awareness: noticing what’s working, acknowledging what needs attention, and setting goals that reflect the truest version of who we want to become. I am honored to be on this journey with you.

With A Grateful Heart,

Jodie Maddox

Parent Coach and Education Consultant

jodiemaddoxicoach.com

January naturally invites us to pause, reflect, and dream about who we want to become in the months ahead. But long before a child or adult can set meaningful goals, one essential executive functioning skill must be in place: self-awareness. Self-awareness is the foundation of all effective goal-setting because you must first understand where you are before you can decide where you want to go.

What Is Self-Awareness?

Self-awareness is the ability to observe, reflect, and evaluate your own behavior, thoughts, and performance. In the world of executive functioning, it’s often called metacognition—the mental process of being aware of your thinking, analyzing how you're doing, and understanding what helps you learn, grow, or solve problems.

This skill develops gradually. Children begin noticing their own performance around ages five or six, but it becomes especially visible around third grade. As kids mature, they start to compare, assess, and wonder:
“What am I good at?”
“How can I do better?”
“What do I like about how that person treats me, acts, or performs?”

Self-awareness gives children the internal compass they need to make thoughtful decisions and set realistic, meaningful goals for their own behavior and actions. Self-awareness helps them…

• Build empathy and kindness.

• Make and keep friendships

• Develop grit, tenacity, and confidence

• Try new things

• Plan and Prioritize

• Understand what kind of family member, friend, or learner they want to be

We often celebrate the New Year with fresh goals and big intentions. But goal-setting without self-awareness is like creating a roadmap without knowing your starting point.

To set a goal, a child must first be able to:

• Recognize their strengths

• Identify areas for growth

• Understand what is expected in a task or situation

• Notice what has worked for them in the past

• Reflect on their habits, routines, and behaviors
  
  

Self-awareness supports all other executive functioning skills—like emotional control, impulse control, flexible thinking, working memory, planning and organization—because it allows children to evaluate their habits and behaviors and how they perform in areas like home, school, and their relationships and activities.

When kids learn to reflect honestly and compassionately on their own behavior, they become better equipped to choose goals that matter and routines that stick. Implementing a new habit is never easy, but with strategic effort, consistent reflection, and intentional action, children (and adults!) can make meaningful changes that last.

Strategies to Foster Self-Awareness at Home

1. Think through things out loud.

Model the self-reflection process by verbalizing your thinking. Talk through tough decisions together, teach kids how to reflect, prioritize, and name their resources and options.

2. Celebrate strengths — Name Them Often

It’s easy to point out what’s going wrong, but are you taking time to name a child’s strengths and their God-given abilities? Are you going beyond "good job or nice job"? Name their strengths through the problem-solving process, not just their areas of growth. Naming strengths can build confidence and teach children that they have what it takes to rely on themselves and their own skills when problem-solving.

3. Use Simple Daily Check-Ins

Try questions such as: “What went well today? What was tricky? What would you try differently tomorrow? Make reflection a natural part of their daily routine.

4. Teach Kids to Compare Effort with Outcome

Instead of: “Did you get it right?” Try: “What helped you do well?” or “What got in the way?” This teaches them to evaluate their own learning process rather than judging themselves.

5. Create Space for Quiet Thinking

Self-awareness grows in peaceful moments. Kids often need time alone or a calm environment to reflect on their day. Make space for quiet moments without technology. Help children “sit” with their own thoughts. Replace the car's technology with quiet music or silence. It’s okay and healthy not to be constantly stimulated.

Final Thought

Normalize struggle and friction. Resist the urge to “fix” or “solve” problems or sticky situations. By allowing kids to struggle, reflect, and grow, they become aware and confident in their own skills. Self-awareness is more than a cognitive skill—it’s a lifelong practice that empowers children to understand themselves, set meaningful goals, and make confident decisions. As your family steps into a brand-new year, take time to reflect, reset, and grow together. With intentional support, children can develop the insight and confidence needed to make 2026 a year full of purpose and progress.

January invites us to think about who we want to become in the year ahead—not just the goals we want to accomplish, but the habits and mindsets that help us live with intention. This month, as we explore self-awareness with families, I spoke with a mother who models this skill beautifully. A former high school science teacher turned homeschooling mom of five—with baby number six on the way—she understands the daily challenge of balancing responsibility, emotion, and aspiration. She’s clever, witty, organized, and deeply committed to raising her children with purpose.

Self-Awareness in Action: Why Self-Care Becomes a Goal Worth Setting

When asked why self-care must be a priority for moms, she answered with the clarity that comes from honest self-awareness:

• It’s rejuvenating—a chance to recharge before burnout creeps in.

• It’s a reminder that you matter too, not just as a caregiver but as a human being.

• “You can’t pour from an empty cup”—recognizing this helps her set realistic boundaries.

• As her children's first teacher, she wants to model a balanced life, not one defined by exhaustion.

• She notices she can self-regulate better in tough situations when she has taken time for herself.

The Fruit of Self-Aware Goals: How Her Children Benefit

When she prioritizes her health and needs with intention, she sees the impact ripple through her household:

• “I am calmer, which makes them feel calmer.”

• She feels less stressed and can genuinely enjoy her time with her children.

• Her joy increases, and they laugh more together.

• Feeling less overwhelmed helps her teach her children about balance and priorities.

• Her days feel more meaningful and fulfilling, giving her energy instead of draining it.

These are not accidental moments—they are the result of self-aware decisions and goals. She recognizes what brings out the best in her, and she structures her routines and priorities around those realities. Her children reap the benefits of a mother who is present, grounded, and intentional.

Have your kids seemed a little “off” lately—more tired, less focused, or struggling to settle at night? Maybe they’re dealing with stuffy noses, dry skin, or digestive troubles that just won’t go away. Before you assume it’s just winter blues, consider a surprising culprit: winter dehydration.

Most families associate hydration with the summer months—sunshine, heat, and plenty of sweating. But winter brings its own set of challenges. Cold air, indoor heating, and reduced thirst cues can leave children and teens quietly dehydrated long before they realize it. Staying hydrated in the winter is just as essential as in July, especially for growing bodies and developing brains.

The Hidden Benefits of Good Hydration

Even mild dehydration can affect how kids feel, think, and function throughout the day. Here’s why healthy hydration habits matter so much in winter:

• Body Temperature Regulation

Adequate water intake supports circulation and helps the body maintain core warmth. When kids are dehydrated, they may feel colder and be more vulnerable to the effects of winter weather.

• Stronger Immunity

Water helps keep mucous membranes moist, thins mucus, and supports immune cells. This makes it easier for the body to fight off colds, flu, and other seasonal viruses.

• More Energy & Better Mood

Hydration directly affects brain function. When kids are under-hydrated, they may feel sluggish, irritable, or unfocused—something often mistaken for “winter blues.”

• Healthier Skin & Lips

Dry, cold air and indoor heating can wreak havoc on skin. Proper hydration helps reduce chapped lips, irritation, and dryness from the inside out.

• Improved Digestion

Winter diets tend to be richer and heavier. Water keeps digestion moving smoothly and helps prevent constipation.

• Support for Organs & Joints

Hydration is essential for transporting nutrients, filtering waste, lubricating joints, and maintaining healthy blood pressure. Adequate water also reduces joint stiffness—especially helpful when cold weather makes kids feel extra achy.

Family-Friendly Hydration Habits for Winter

1. Offer Warm Hydration Options

If icy water isn’t appealing, warm drinks still count toward daily hydration:

• Warm water with lemon
  

• Caffeine-free herbal teas
  

• Broth-based soups
  
  

2. Add Hydrating Foods to Meals

Some foods naturally boost water intake:

• Oranges and other citrus
  

• Melons
  

• Broth-filled soups
  

• Stews and vegetable-rich meals
  
  

3. Keep Water Within Reach

Make water visible and convenient by placing bottles:

• On nightstands
  

• In backpacks
  

• Near homework or play spaces
  
  

4. Build Hydration Into Daily Routines

Help children form predictable habits:

• A glass of water first thing in the morning
  

• A drink after outdoor play
  

• Water with every meal

5. Limit beverage choices

Sugar and caffeine can dehydrate you. Limit or eliminate soda, sports drinks, and juice with meals or after activities like sports or exercise.

Hydration does far more than quench thirst—it supports a child’s mood, focus, immune health, digestion, and physical comfort. When children stay well-hydrated, they think more clearly, stay active more easily, and recover faster from seasonal illnesses.

This winter, help your children build hydration habits that support their whole-body wellbeing. A well-hydrated child is not just healthier—they’re happier, more resilient, and ready to take on the world.

References:

American Heart Association

Howard Head Sports Medicine

Abbot Health

YMCA Youth sports and activities

Culligan Water

Begin your new year with a sense of peace, empowerment, clarity, and confidence. Parenting should mirror your family's core values, needs, and the unique dynamics that make your family special. If you're facing conflicts, unpredictable behavior, major power struggles, or even a transition within your family's dynamic, it might be time to reevaluate your approach.

What is parent coaching?

A parent coach is a thinking partner—someone who brings experience, training, and encouragement to help you navigate tough moments at home with practical, family-specific strategies.

Who benefits from outside support?

• Families facing escalating behavior challenges (defiance, tantrums, power struggles, tricky routines).

• Parents feeling overwhelmed or exhausted and wanting calmer, more consistent systems.

• Households moving through transitions—new schools, teen years, divorce, relocation, blended families.

• Caregivers seeking tools for communication, boundaries, and regulation (for adults and kids).

Why now? Give coaching as a gift.
This Christmas, consider parent coaching as a meaningful gift—to yourself or someone you love. Instead of more “stuff,” give ten weeks of clarity, confidence, and calmer evenings. Coaching turns holiday intentions into everyday habits: predictable routines, consistent boundaries, and skills that last long after the tree comes down.

Coaching is tailored, practical, and focused on your family’s values—so you can grow as a parent and build the balanced home you desire.

Free consultation: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

What is instructional coaching?

Begin the new semester with instructional coaching aimed at helping teachers enhance their skills, increase their effectiveness, and nurture their enthusiasm for teaching. A coach serves as a thinking partner—someone who offers feedback, research-based strategies, and individualized support to help educators grow with confidence.

Who benefits from instructional coaching?

• New teachers building strong classroom foundations and learning to manage time, planning, and behavior effectively.

• Veteran teachers looking to refresh lessons, integrate new technology, or refine instructional practices.

• Teams or departments striving to align curriculum, strengthen collaboration, and improve student outcomes.

• Schools and leaders seeking a culture of reflection, growth, and shared accountability.

Why it matters.
Coaching isn’t about evaluation—it’s about transformation. It empowers teachers to focus on what’s working, experiment with new strategies, and receive ongoing, personalized support. Instructional coaching helps educators identify goals, reflect on progress, and celebrate success—ultimately leading to greater student engagement and achievement.

When teachers grow, schools thrive. Instructional coaching builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and creates classrooms where both teachers and students flourish.

For information about instructional coaching or professional development opportunities, contact Jodie Maddox, Education Consultant at jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com.

Email: jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com
Website: jodiemaddoxicoach.com
Phone: (913)908-8220
Facebook: facebook.com/Jodiemaddox-ParentCoach&consultant