That means nurturing the behaviors that will help them thrive and correcting the ones liable to hold them back.
Behaviors, whether positive or negative, dont happen in a vacuum.
Both you and your child are feeling and reacting to a set of internal and external stimuli.
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A calm and patient response, on the other hand, can help diffuse the situation sooner.
What’s Your Parenting Style?
In that state, practicing mindfulness and patience can feel like too much effort when youre already stretched thin.
For dual-parent households, double-check you and your partner are splitting household chores and childcare responsibilities equitably.
For all parents, tap your friends and family for support when you need it.
Its also an opportunity to model for your child the difficult skill of taking responsibility for your actions.
Ask Questions and Try Not to Interrupt
Youre not always going to agree with your child.
And, because theyre kids, their logic isnt always going to be sound.
But even if they are in the wrong, let your child express their feelings and their reasoning.
Ask questions that give them a chance to provide the full context of the situation.
Dont cut them off when you feel like youve heard enough to understand.
The process of explaining it to you’ve got the option to be helpful on its own.
But, most importantly, it makes children feel heard.
This can make mindful parenting even more challenging because you start only applying the techniques to difficult situations.
Instead, make an effort to be present and aware in the good moments as well.
Notice your childs creativity when they make up stories and scenarios with their toys.
Notice their intelligence when they ask a surprisingly smart question.
Notice their compassion when they stop to set an upturned beetle back on its feet.
By the same token, take a moment to appreciate the good qualities and accomplishments in yourself, too.
Youre raising a smart, creative, compassionate kid!
