5 Simple Ways to Be a More Mindful Parent
In the whirlwind of raising children , it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos and lose sight of the present moment. Parenting is hard and the days can seem really long. Practicing ways to be a more mindful parent can bring a sense of calm and perspective to the parenting journey. Practicing 5 simple ways to be a more mindful parent are listed below.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a way of being present in each moment, noticing what you are experiencing—with compassion and without judgment. You can read more about the Benefits of Mindfulness here. Being mindful when parenting means to be fully present in each moment and engaged with your kids. This can allow you to savor moments and navigate challenges with greater clarity and compassion.
5 Simple Ways to be a More Mindful Parent
1. Pause and Breathe:
Life as a parent can, at times, be overwhelming. When life feels overwhelming, take a moment to pause and breathe. Allow yourself to step back from the chaos and ground yourself in the present moment. Pausing and taking a deep breath in and out can do wonders to center yourself and step back into the situation or day with a greater sense of peace and calm. If you have longer time to breathe, set aside 2-10 minutes of your day to pause and breathe. Doing this before the day starts, can set you up for success and you may approach the day of parenting with greater patience and presence. One minute is also enough! Try some of my one-minute meditations here.
2. Practice Non-Judgment:
As a parent, it’s easy to become self-critical and judgmental. Mindfulness teaches us to cultivate a non-judgmental attitude towards ourselves and our children. This can be very difficult to do, but the more we practice, the easier it gets. Instead of getting caught up in thoughts of “should haves” or “could haves,” practice self-compassion and acceptance. Learn from the past. This can be a way to embrace imperfection and celebrate the unique journey of each child.
3. Listen Carefully:
Being a mindful parent involves a lot of listening and observing – not just to the words spoken but to the emotions and needs underlying them. When interacting with your children, strive to truly listen with an open heart and mind. As hard as it may be to do, put aside distractions, such as your phone and give them your full attention. Being present fully with and for your kids, can provide a greater connection, trust and understanding. It will also encourage your children to share and participate more with you. This is important as they get older and share less.
4. Embrace Joy:
Mindfulness invites us to savor the small moments of joy that sprinkle our days. Small actions such as a shared giggle, a quick hug, or a head on the shoulder can provide us great pleasure if you fully appreciate and enjoy these moments. Pausing and appreciating the beauty and wonder of your children as they navigate the world and grow to become who they are meant to be. By being grateful and appreciating these small moments with your kids, your parenting journey will become more fulfilling.
5. Model Mindfulness:
The best way to teach mindfulness to your children is to model it yourself. Let them see you practice mindfulness in your daily life – whether it’s taking a mindful walk, practicing deep breathing, or fully connecting and paying attention to the small moments. Practicing mindfulness with your kids is also a great way to show them that mindfulness is an important skill to be learned. Trying various types of mindfulness activities with them to find out what they are drawn to is a great way to connect and spend time together. Some favorites in our house are belly breathing, legs up the wall, and guided imagery in the form of stories.
Conclusion:
As parents, we are not perfect, but being mindful about the way we interact with and teach our kids can change or enhance our parenting journey for the better. Mindful parenting is a journey of presence, compassion, and connection. By practicing mindfulness and helping our kids, in turn, learn mindfulness as well, we can cultivate deeper connections, navigate challenges with greater ease, and savor the precious moments that make parenthood truly a joy to do. So, as you navigate the adventure of raising children, remember to breathe, listen, and embrace and enjoy the beauty of the present moment. Because, this too shall pass.
I hope you can try some of these 5 simple ways to be a More Mindful Parent. Let me know if you do and how it goes!
Read my guest post at Breakthroughloading.com on “The Unexpected Joy’s of Being a Boy Mom”
Read some of my other posts here:
