Mindful Parenting

An Introduction To Mindful Parenting.

What is Mindful Parenting ? So many parents are running around from moment to moment busy meeting the demands of parenting. If this seems to to describe you, don’t worry you are not alone. I have been  there myself. Here are some tips that will help you get through the day.  One day at a time. It is called Mindful Parenting.

Mindful Parenting is not just about taking care of your kids.  It is also about taking care of yourself. Most Parents think that as parents, they should look out for their kids first before themselves. They could not be further from the truth. The truth of the matter is they should take care of themselves first. Only then are they are able to really take care of their kids. Here are 10 tips for you to reflect on.

#1 Gratitude

The first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning before opening your eyes to greet the world is to silently give Thanks for the things that you have in your life. Be grateful that you are a parent. How many women who are single or married women who are childless would willingly trade places with you. Be grateful that you have someone to call you mum and that your are offered the wonderful opportunities of motherhood. Isn’t this what being alive is about. To fulfill your God given role of being a mother. That you are alive and that someone in the world needs your care and attention.

#2 Prepare Breakfast Mindfully

When preparing breakfast for your loved ones do it with care and attention to details instead of rushing through the process thoughtlessly. Understandably your life is busy and there are many things you have to do and preparing breakfast for your kids has become something of a routine chore. Prepare them with love for this is your gift to your kids. Their health and well being is in your hands so do it mindfully with a sense of gratitude and attention. Choose your kids breakfast with a variety of different colors, textures, and flavors so that with every bite your kids will appreciate your effort.

#3 Active and Passive Meditation

Prepare breakfast mindfully is active meditation. Knowingly or unknowingly you are practicing active meditation. Practicing Yoga or Tai Chi movements is another example of active meditation.  Coloring the Mandala, a  geometric pattern that represents the universe symbolically is also another form of active meditation.  Passive meditation on the other hand is sitting silently watching your breath or focusing on an object with eyes closed.   

 

Creates Parent-Child Bonding

#4 Bond With Your Kids

Spend time with your kids indoor as well as outdoor. This is what you can do as a Mindful Parent. Your kids does not need you to buy them expensive toys. What they need most from you is your presence and bonding on a parent-child relationship level. Work with them on their homework. Take a walk together around your neighborhood, parks, or green spaces where parent and child can be in touch with nature. Connect with them in the present moment. Talk with them and observe and discuss together what you see on your walk. How the weather feels, the sights, sounds and smells around .

#5 Teach Your Kids Meditation

Leaving your kids with the legacy of meditation is by far better than a huge sum of money. In teaching them to meditate,  you are taking the time to help your kids cope with stress in school and later on in life at work in the world. It may take time to discipline them to practice controlled breathing and to shut out all worldly distractions. When they have successfully mastered meditation, it will be a lasting legacy to help them cope with the stress of worldly living. Meditation would be beneficial to them in so many ways. In their ability to concentrate on their studies, when taking exams or going for a job interview. It is a great achievement to be relax and calm while others are worried and unable to enjoy life

#6 Teach Your Kids To Focus

In this multi tasking world it is a plus to be able to focus on the task at hand. Experts have researched that kids nowadays are so used to multi tasking that they easily become bored. Being divided in their attention, doing multiple tasks, kids nowadays become restless. Studies have found that multitasking increases the possibility of mistakes and errors in their homework. Doing one task at a time and training them to put their focus on the task on hand will definitely contribute to improving their school performance.

#7 Teaching Them To Feel Their Emotions

Teaching your kids to be in the present moment is a great way to help them cope with their emotions just the way it is. Your kids need to learn to accept their pleasant and unpleasant emotions without judgement. Accept disappointment, sadness, anger, jealousy, etc. as well as happiness, joy and love will go a long way to making them grow up with a balance outlook in life. Life is not just about them only but also about others. Teach them to accept the good and the bad as it comes in the present moment. Teach them to feel their emotions as it comes and goes and to acknowledge them for what they are. Like passing clouds that comes and goes.

Mindful Parenting Is About Togetherness

#8 Do Things Together

Do something that you and your kids like to do. Create a parent-child bonding that will last a lifetime in their memories. Spend some time doing what you and your kids enjoy and just be in the moment of creation together. You and your kids may enjoy doing things together like drawing, paint, photography, swimming or collecting stamps. Encourage them to be creative as well as nurture their creativity. It will go a long way towards bringing out  new and creative ideas in them to the surface.

#9 Encourage Them In Activities They Are Passionate 

Instead of suppressing the activities that your kids are passionate about encourage them to do things that they are passionate. For example, surfing, soccer, basketball, or cycling. By finding and encouraging them in activities that they enjoy they will become naturally joyful and happy in life. They will grow up balance and rounded kids both in their academic pursuits and sports.

#10 Stay Safe During Covid-19

Lastly as a parent, in this pandemic situation, keep your kinds safe and healthy. Remind them to wear a mask when they go outdoor. Make it fun and exciting for them. Get them a set of 5 different colored mask for each day of the week. Make it fun instead of a boring daily event.

Conclusion

As a parent, get to know your kids through the above 10 Mindful Parenting Tips It will take you on an experiential journey as a parent. Help them to learn, master their emotions, reduce stress as well as grow up to be a compassionate person. The greatest gift you can give to your kids is to help them share their individual gifts and passions with society and their world for the greater good of everybody.