Mindful Parenting: How to Be Less "Mind Full" and More Mindful
Picture this: you're trying to get the kids ready for school, but you've lost track of time, the dog is barking, and your coffee seems to have vanished into thin air. As parents, our minds are often full to the brim with schedules, responsibilities, and never-ending to-do lists. The chaos of parenting can leave us feeling overwhelmed and constantly juggling our thoughts and emotions. But fear not, because there's a simple solution to help you reclaim your sanity – mindfulness!
Leading up to the collaborative Mindful Mama’s workshop with our own Amber Sperling and Angela Bishop (from www.bloomandthrivetherapy.com) we want to help parents know what mindfulness is and how mindfulness in your parenting routine can help you be less "mind full" and more present in your daily life (ie mindful - see what we did there?).
Understanding Mindfulness
First things first, what exactly is mindfulness? It's like the superhero power you never knew you had. Mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, without judgment, and with acceptance of your thoughts and emotions. It's the art of tuning into what's happening right now, rather than getting caught up in the past or fretting about the future. Mindfulness is NOT clearing your mind, not thinking or not feeling emotion. yuck. lets get past that outdated view of mindfulness.
The Mindful Parent's Survival Kit
"Calm-Down" Techniques: When the kiddos are pushing your buttons, don't let your mind go on a rollercoaster ride. Use mindfulness techniques like deep breathing and meditation to find your Zen. It's like an instant parent superpower – a "calm-down" button, if you will.
The Connection Booster: When you're fully present with your children, you'll be amazed at the magical connection that can happen. Put away the gadgets and work-related worries – focus on your kids and what they're saying. It's like hitting the "Instant Connection" switch.
Decision-Making Wizardry: Mindfulness gives you the clarity to make thoughtful, rational decisions instead of impulsive ones. So, when your child wants that pet elephant, you can calmly explain why a goldfish might be a better choice. Mindfulness is your secret weapon for top-notch decision-making.
Emotion Control: Parenting is an emotional rollercoaster. But with mindfulness, you can handle it like a pro. Acknowledge your emotions, and instead of flipping out, you can respond with grace and composure. It's like having your very own emotion remote control.
Mindful Parenting in Action
Scheduled Mindfulness Breaks: Set aside a few minutes each day for your superhero mindfulness practice. Whether it's meditation, deep breathing, or a "mindful" cup of coffee, make it part of your daily routine.
The "Juggling-Free" Zone: When you're with your kids, be present! Put away those distractions, like your phone and your mental to-do list. Dive into their world and show genuine interest in what's going on. It's like a "Juggling-Free" bubble for quality time.
No Judgment Zone: Embrace the superhero motto that there are no "good" or "bad" moments in parenting. Stop judging yourself and your little sidekicks. Mistakes are part of the adventure, and you can learn from them. It's the "No Judgment Zone" – where everyone is a winner!
Embrace the Imperfection: Parenting is the ultimate adventure, full of plot twists and unexpected challenges. So, embrace your inner superhero, and remember it's okay to be imperfect. Every stumble is a chance to grow and learn.
Assemble Your Mindful Squad: Join parenting support groups and explore mindfulness-based parenting programs. Connect with fellow parents, share your parenting war stories, and gain even more tools for your mindful parenting toolbox.
Conclusion
Mindful parenting is your secret weapon to combat the chaos and be less "mind full" in your daily life. It's like having your own set of superpowers, helping you stay calm in the face of tantrums, connect with your kids on a deeper level, and make decisions like a pro. So, let's join the mindful parenting revolution and trade our "mind full" moments for precious, mindful ones – it's time to put on your cape and embrace the adventures of parenthood with a Zen mindset!
