Mindfulness has become a commonly used word. But what does it mean to be a mindful parent? In this training, Laura offers a working definition of mindfulness that is both easy to understand and powerfully effective: mindfulness is being open and receptive to what “is” with non-judgment, loving-kindness, and compassion toward one’s self and others.
Mindful parenting begins with intrapersonal attunement: an ongoing process of looking “inward” at one’s perceptions, beliefs, feelings, sensations, and other mental activity. It’s taking parenting off autopilot and away from only looking at the child’s behavior. It starts with us. Parents will start toward this goal by updating some of their “software,” or beliefs, about children’s behaviors including the commonly mistaken belief that children do things “just for attention.” Laura will reveal the brain reasons for behavior that will replace some of these 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?
When parents are mindful, they are likely to feel more balanced, competent, effective, and connected to their children. And 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.