Introduction
Parenting is not easy, especially if you are a first-time parent or have more than one kid. The sleepless nights, sibling bickering, and chaotic days may seem endless, but they are rewarding in their own way. However, parenting becomes easier and more effective when done mindfully. Most parents balance both work and household responsibilities nowadays, while others battle in their respective fields alone. Whatever their equation with life, when children enter the zone, they take things to the next level. Even the most patient parent may end up frustrated or lash out over a small incident due to the total stress in their life. It is human to err, after all. But it is better to avoid such negative situations by parenting mindfully and willfully separating one’s life as a parent and as one's own personal self. This maintenance of healthy boundaries ensures parents get time to recharge and improve a little more than yesterday, which is all that matters. Here’s a quick guide with some useful tips on parenting mindfully and setting a good example for kids.
Tips On Parenting Mindfully And Setting An Example For Your Children
Regulate Your Emotions
It is imperative to regulate your emotions when dealing with children. You may be having a bad day, but they do not deserve to be at its receiving end. If you feel you may not react well to a conversation, try introducing the habit of taking conversation breaks. This helps resume the topic from a better emotional standpoint next time, be it an hour or a day later. Try not to release your negativity or frustration at them, as they will learn this habit and emulate it later.
Increase Your Patience And Empathy
It is ideal to increase your patience when dealing with kids. Try being in the present moment and be mindful of your words and actions when being around kids, even if it means regulating your emotions for a few extra hours till they go to bed. This will make your family life a much happier and conflict-free place. As your children belong to the current generation, it is ideal to empathize with them even if you do not resonate on the same wavelength. Instead of telling them their problems are minor, try to put yourself in their shoes and view the problem from their perspective in the present. This will help you understand them better.
Listen
It is of vital importance to listen to your kids. Most parents spend so much time seeking to hear what they wish to hear that they miss out on what their kids actually share with them. For example, you may be wishing to hear about their academic developments at school while all your kid can talk about is drama club. Do not try to discourage their interests and force your own ones as it will simply make them rigid in their decision. Instead, encourage all interests, including the ones you expect from them. When the time comes, they will make the right choice that suits them.
Build Trust
Create a safe space at home where your kids can share their fears, inhibitions, or problems with you. It does not have to be a physical space but an emotional and safe one for kids. Let them come to their parents with some fear of consequences but more trust in their support and acceptance. The lack of judgment and bad reactions make it easier for kids to own up to problems they might otherwise handle poorly or unsafely.
Decrease Reactivity
If your kids own up to a mistake or a problem, do not react negatively. Solve the problem first and discipline them later. They need to know that though they will be in trouble, their parents always have their back. This also lowers anxiety in kids and makes teenagers rebel less. As most parents react negatively due to the ongoing racing thoughts in their minds, it is ideal to sit down with a clear mind for such serious conversations or veto it for the next time.
Learn To Apologize
As parents, it is imperative to hold the position of authority in an ideal manner and be a good role model. And a good role model apologizes if they make a mistake. Apologies are like soothing balms to the soul, especially when a person they admire does it humbly. This teaches kids to accept when they make mistakes and try to do better.
Conclusion
Mindful parenting simply involves being present at the moment, regulating your emotions, and not letting external negativity influence your actions at home. This automatically sets a wonderful example for kids, making mindful parenting the foundation for their future mental well-being and development.
References
The views expressed are that of the expert alone.