Mindfulness has become a commonly used term. But what does it mean to practice mindful parenting? In this training, Laura offers a working definition of mindfulness that is both easy to understand and powerfully effective. Specifically, mindfulness is being open and receptive to what “is” with non-judgment, loving-kindness, and compassion toward one’s self and others.
Where do we begin?
Mindful parenting begins with intrapersonal attunement: an ongoing process of looking “inward” at one’s perceptions, beliefs, feelings, sensations, and other mental activity. So, it is about taking parenting off autopilot and away from only looking at the child’s behavior. It starts with us. Accordingly, parents might consider updating some of their “software,” or beliefs, about children’s behaviors including the commonly mistaken belief that children do things “just for attention.” To help with this further, Laura will reveal the brain reasons for behavior to replace commonly held misconceptions about children’s behavior and development.
Mindful parenting also includes interpersonal attunement: an ongoing process of tuning in to the child’s perspective. What is your child thinking, feeling, believing, deciding, imagining, sensing, considering….what mental activity is being communicated through his/her behavior?
What is the impact of mindful parenting?
When parents are mindful, they are likely to feel more balanced, competent, effective, and connected to their children. With this, children have the potential to feel seen, soothed, safe and secure. These feeling states promote mental health and well-being for all. While it won’t prevent all challenges, mindful parenting provides a blueprint for navigating challenges that will maintain the healthy relationships parents desire with their children while promoting the social, emotional and cognitive skills they hope to see their children develop.
Let’s get started!
Please enjoy my article entitled “Mindfulness in the Classroom” for an introduction to what mindfulness with children might include for you. Then contact me for more information about this training.