Jodie Maddox Coach and Consultant

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 Educators,

July is here—and with it come firework-filled skies, long summer days, and the sweet, sticky joy of popsicles on the porch. While we celebrate the freedom and independence that the Fourth of July represents, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on something just as powerful: the impact of gratitude, kindness, and contribution.

Independence doesn’t mean doing life alone. In fact, some of the greatest strengths we can nurture in children—whether at home or in the classroom—are the habits of helping, giving, and showing gratitude. When kids contribute—by feeding the dog, helping with dinner, picking up without being asked, or using kind words—they aren’t just checking tasks off a list. They’re learning to see themselves as valuable, needed members of their family and community.

This month, we will explore simple, manageable ways to create opportunities for cultivating hearts full of kindness. Whether it’s writing a thank-you note or offering to help a sibling, every small act contributes to the development of lifelong empathy and responsibility. I've included a fun Kindness Bingo Card to help families and classrooms practice giving hearts and showing grateful minds. Encourage your kids to get involved — my hope was to share an enjoyable, simple, and truly meaningful way to grow hearts and grateful minds. Encourage your kids to participate — it’s fun, straightforward, and deeply meaningful.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Independence Day!

With A Grateful Heart,

Jodie Maddox
Parent Coach and Education Consultant

jodiemaddoxicoach.com

jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

In a world that often shouts, “What’s in it for me?”, one of the most powerful lessons we can teach kids is to ask, “How can I help?”

When we intentionally foster empathy, gratitude, and generosity, we’re not just shaping kind kids—we’re shaping resilient, confident leaders.

Kindness isn’t a feeling, it's an ACTION. One of the most tangible ways to nurture kind kids is to invite them to contribute. Whether they are setting the dinner table, checking in on a classmate, or sharing their favorite snack, each small act of giving helps them feel connected, capable, and valued.

Why Contributing Matters and How It Helps To Shape Kind Kids:

• Empathy helps children and teens understand the feelings and experiences of others.
  
  

• Gratitude teaches kids to appreciate what they have, which reduces entitlement and increases joy.
  
  

• Generosity allows children to experience the joy of giving, without expecting something in return.
  
  

When children contribute to the well-being of others, they’re not just helping—they're building character.

Practical Ways to Teach Kids How To Contribute and Give

At Home:

• The “Helping Job” Chart – Let kids choose a daily or weekly task to help (e.g., watering plants, packing a sibling’s lunch, feeding the pet). Label it “Helping and Caring.”
  

• Gratitude Around the Table – At dinner or bedtime, each family member says one thing they’re thankful for and one way they helped someone that day.
  

• The Kindness Jar – Use a mason jar to collect stories of kind acts. When the jar is full, celebrate with a family fun night.

• Value a child's contribution; don't redo, correct, or dismiss how a child contributes. Remaking a bed or rearranging the dishwasher sends the message, "not quite good enough," which is the opposite of what you're trying to communicate.

• Encourage them to notice and talk about people they see being kind and generous. How can they model the same generosity in their own lives? What attracts them to that person's kindness? How do they feel when spending time with them, and why is it important to consider how others feel when they are with you?
  
  

In the Classroom:

• Classroom Jobs with Heart – Go beyond pencil-sharpeners and line leaders. Try “Kindness Captain,” “Peer Encourager,” or “Lunchroom Buddy.”

• Story Time with Purpose – Read books that model empathy and discuss the characters’ choices.

• Kindness Chain Reaction – Let students write anonymous compliments or “thank you” notes to classmates and link them on a wall chain. Watch it grow!
  
  

Contribution = Kindness

When kids feel like they matter, they’re more likely to treat others like they matter too.
By encouraging children to give their time, attention, and effort in meaningful ways, we help them learn:

"I am a giver, not just a taker. I can make life better for others."

Use the "Kindness Bingo Game" to encourage kids to intentionally think of ways to be kind throughout the day. Have fun motivating kids to be generous and contribute to the family or classroom environment they enjoy being a part of!

Here are 3 tasty treats that are KIND to your body and help CONTRIBUTE to your overall health and wellness!

1. Strawberry‑Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark

A fun, protein‑rich snack that freezes into easy-to-eat chunks.

• Ingredients: Greek yogurt, maple syrup or honey, vanilla, sliced strawberries, mini chocolate chips

• Method: Spread yogurt mixture on a baking sheet, top with fruit and chocolate, freeze for ~3 hours, then break into pieces

• Ideal for: Protein boost, warm afternoons, snack prep

• Source: EatingWell’s “Strawberry‑Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark” (eatingwell.com)

2. Raspberry‑Lemon Greek Yogurt Bark

Bright, tangy, and packed with flavor to awaken taste buds.

• Ingredients: Greek yogurt, honey, lemon zest & juice, vanilla, raspberries

• Method: Mix yogurt with honey, lemon, and vanilla; top with raspberries; freeze for ~3 hours, then break apart

• Ideal for: Summer refreshment, vitamin C, easy-to-freeze snack

• Source: EatingWell’s “Raspberry‑Lemon Greek Frozen Yogurt Bark” (eatingwell.com)

3. Tropical Fruit Popsicles

Light, hydrating, and easy to make—just 3 ingredients!

• Ingredients: Cucumber, lime juice, water (sweetened with agave or maple syrup), optional mint

• Method: Blend all ingredients, strain if needed, chill or freeze in popsicle molds

• Ideal for: Hydration with natural electrolytes, refreshing summer drinks or pops

• Source: Minimalist Baker’s “Cucumber Lime Agua Fresca” (minimalistbaker.com, minimalistbaker.com)

Bonus Idea! Make these treats for a neighbor or elderly friend. Think of people who might enjoy a surprise treat from your family for no reason at all!

Click on the links below and print out easy directions for kids to follow!!!

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and even the most dedicated parents face moments of confusion, exhaustion, or uncertainty. That’s where parent coaching comes in.

As a certified parent coach, I serve as a thinking partner—someone who brings experience, training, and compassionate support to help you navigate the ups and downs of family life. Together, we’ll explore what’s working, what’s not, and develop realistic, strength-based strategies that align with your values and goals.

You might benefit from working with a parent coach if:

• Your child’s behavior—like tantrums, defiance, or resistance to routines—is becoming harder to manage.

• You’re feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or exhausted trying to keep everything together.

• You’re navigating big life changes like divorce, a move, blending families, or the teen years.

• You want to feel more confident and connected in your parenting, and less reactive or burnt out.

Parent coaching isn’t about judgment or quick fixes—it’s about partnership and practical tools. I’ll help you build stronger communication, healthier habits, and a more peaceful, balanced family life.

📧 Let’s talk! Schedule your free consultation today:
jodiemaddoxicoach@gmail.com

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s grow forward—together.

Instructional coaching and educational consulting aren’t just for new teachers—they’re powerful tools for growth at every stage of an educator’s journey. Whether you're fine-tuning classroom management, implementing new strategies, or building stronger collaboration among teams, the right support can make all the difference.

Sometimes what a school needs most is:

• A thinking partner

• An extra set of experienced hands

• A fresh, outside perspective

That’s where I come in.

Services I Offer to Help Your School Thrive:

• Provide instructional coach training for lead teachers

• Facilitate strategic planning and goal-setting

• Offer leadership coaching for new administrators

• Oversee onboarding for new teachers, teams, and policies

• Create and implement customized professional development for August

• Review, create, or revise handbooks, systems, and procedures

• Design master schedules that support MTSS and instructional goals

When schools invest in intentional support, the results are meaningful—stronger teams, more confident teachers, and better outcomes for students. Let’s work together to build systems that support growth, clarity, and collaboration.

Learn more at jodiemaddoxicoach.com