Mindful Parenting

To show up and be fully present with our children is the greatest gift we can give.

Parenting is one of the most fulfilling endeavors we can undertake. It can also be one of the most challenging. Parenting offers us the opportunity to experience more aspects of ourselves than we could have ever imagined! From intense joy and pride to worry and guilt, parenting leads us through the full range of emotions. Mindfulness can support parents to be fully present with our children in moments of joy and in moments of difficulty.

Mindfulness is a natural complement to parenting. Mindfulness practice can support parents to remain connected to our parenting values when responding to challenging situations. Rather than reacting automatically through anger and frustration, mindfulness practice can support parents to be aware of our emotions and then to take a step back and respond in a more intentional manner. Mindfulness also supports us to be compassionate and forgiving with ourselves during the times when we do ‘flip our lids

The best way to teach Mindfulness to children is to practice and model it ourselves.

(Photo by Lee Freedman)