Positive Parenting Being a parent is so gratifying,
Yet extremely difficult.
One moment we can feel connected with our child,
Our children,
And the next miles apart.
One day we have everything worked out,
And the next the world is spiraling.
Take comfort in knowing you are not alone.
Repeat these affirmations to bring peace,
Joy,
And understanding back to parenting.
But first,
Let us breathe,
Relax the body so our mind will follow.
Sitting upright in your chair,
Feet flat on the floor,
Softly close your eyes.
Maybe you're a little tense and anxious from the morning routine,
The afternoon pick up,
Or the dinner craze.
Allow yourself to take a few deep breaths.
Focusing on the breath as it enters the nose and exits the nose or the mouth.
Allowing any situation from the past or things that might occur in the future,
Allowing them to dissipate as you breathe and soften your body.
Taking full breaths,
Deep belly breaths,
Letting your chest rise,
Stomach expand,
And allowing your exhale to be slightly longer than the inhale,
Letting your body know you're safe,
And it's time to relax.
Allow the muscles around the eyes to expand and soften.
If you're grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw,
Allow some space.
Let any tension in the back of the head,
The neck,
In between the shoulders to just wash down,
Exiting the body through the seat or the feet or out the hands.
Feel your hands soften.
Allow your hips to settle in,
Feeling heavier and heavier,
More relaxed with each breath you take.
Allow your legs to release,
Nothing to do,
No place to go,
Just giving yourself a well-deserved break.
Allow your ankles and your feet and your toes to be smooth and relaxed.
In your mind,
Repeat the statements after me.
I love being a parent,
Even during difficult times.
I love being a parent,
Even during difficult times.
Comparisons do not serve me.
I notice when I compare myself to other parents and I quickly let them go.
Comparisons do not serve me.
I notice when I compare myself to other parents and I quickly let them go.
I am patient and calm and look forward to all the opportunities that arise today.
I am patient and calm and look forward to all the opportunities that arise today.
Even if challenges come up today,
I know that I can handle them positively.
Even if challenges come up today,
I know that I can handle them positively.
I take the time I need to care for my own needs.
Doing this supports me in being a better parent.
I take the time I need to care for my own needs.
Doing this supports me in being a better parent.
Dinner is an enjoyable experience we all look forward to where we can connect and reset as a family.
Dinner is an enjoyable experience we all look forward to where we can connect and reset as a family.
I approach all disciplinary functions with a peaceful honoring tone of voice and behavior that is respectful of my child.
I approach all disciplinary functions with a peaceful honoring tone of voice and behavior that is respectful of my child.
I will find one thing to have a jolly belly laugh over today with my child.
I will find one thing to have a jolly belly laugh over today with my child.
I won't take myself in life so seriously as I have a relaxed presence to better connect with my child.
I won't take myself in life so seriously as I have a relaxed presence to better connect with my child.
When I lose control,
I quickly take a break to model appropriate behavior for my children.
When I lose control,
I quickly take a break to model appropriate behavior for my children.
If your mind has wandered,
Come back to the breath recommitting to your practice,
Allowing another wave of relaxation to wash over you,
Set an intention for your day.
One thing that will help you bring yourself closer to your family or your children,
Maybe taking more time for yourself,
Dedicating five minutes to pleasure and fun.
Whatever it is.
When you're ready,
Open your eyes,
Wiggle your fingers and your toes and be kind to yourself.
You are not alone.
Everything is challenging and we can all get through this together.
Thank you for allowing me the precious gift of your time.
Until next time.
