Take a moment to picture tomorrow night's homework struggle.
Just as the typical chain of events starts to unfold around getting homework started, you tap into your higher (more conscious) self. You engage your mindfulness muscles and take a bird's eye view of the storm that's about to unleash.
You regulate the bubbling frustration that's beginning to percolate inside your chest just as your child says, "I hate this homework. I don't care if I don't finish." You remind yourself this is not about you and you're not taking this comment personally. You're taking a few deep breaths and remaining calm.
You don't take the bait and you have no reaction to what your child has just said. Instead, you look for ways to connect with your child's emotions. You lean in and get close to your child, perhaps even have her sit on your lap.
You consciously choose to display empathy and actively tune in to what your child is really wanting and needing. You say, "I know you just said you hate this homework and you don't care if you finish. It sounds like you're feeling very frustrated. Is that what you're feeling? ... What feels frustrating? ... "
You've just asked the "right" set of questions that have encouraged a dialogue between you and your child. You've managed to lower the tension in the room.
Perhaps the dialogue leads you to ask more questions like, "I know this all started with homework, but I'm feeling like there might be something else that's adding to feeling upset. What do you think?" You're connecting with your parental wisdom (your intuition) and it's guided you to be able to redirect the potentially hair raising scenario into one where your child is feeling SEEN, UNDERSTOOD and SUPPORTED/SAFE by you. Have questions? Want to talk out other scenarios? Let's jump on a call. Drop Me a Note and let's chat! I'm here to support you on your parenting journey. Your best self and parent is waiting! |
FREE Checklist
3 Steps To Connect With Your Kits Click image to see larger view. FREE Report
7 Levels of Conscious & Mindful Parenting Categories
All
Featured Posts |