5 Ways to Become a More Mindful Parent

Finding Calm Amidst Chaos- By Cora Gold

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Navigating work and parental responsibilities amid the hustle and bustle of life may make mindful parenting seem elusive. However, it’s not entirely impossible, especially if you’re ready to dedicate your attention to practices that will benefit you and your child. Check out these five easy ways to get started.

What Is Mindful Parenting?

You’re a mindful parent if you bring awareness and curiosity when interacting with your child. You also pay attention to the present moment and aim to be less reactive around your kid.

Mindful parenting liberates you from being overwhelmed and stressed, giving you space to process negative thoughts and appreciate small blessings. It also helps you improve your listening, compassion, emotional awareness and acceptance. By enjoying every moment with your child, they will better appreciate your presence.

How to Become a Mindful Parent

Here are some actionable ways to get started on your mindful parenting journey.

1. Unplug From Technology Occasionally

Disconnect from the ever-connected world, especially when spending quality time with your child. On average, people spend almost seven hours a day in front of a screen, which can impact sleep, distract you or stress you out. Disengage from your phone every so often, and model responsible technology use for your kids — avoid using your phone while having dinner and scrolling through your phone a few moments before bedtime.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

As a mindful parent, you must set clear boundaries with compassion. Instead of being authoritative, explain the reasons behind your rules at home. While listening to and validating your child’s emotions is essential, you still need to create a peaceful and respectful environment. These boundaries will teach your child the value of patience, responsibility and self-discipline.

3. Take Breaks

Things can get out of hand when you have to deal with household chores, your children and work. Taking a few mindful breaths can help bring you back into the present and calm you down.

When life gets to be too much, get some much-needed rest. You can do something as simple as taking a nap, or you can find another solution to restore peace. Going on a vacation, for example, can increase mindfulness. When you travel alone or with your family, you feel more present and aware of your surroundings, the people, and the activities happening around you, which can boost happiness and relaxation.

4. Start a Gratitude Journal

Writing things you’re grateful for can instill happiness in your everyday life. Before bedtime, take turns listing three good things that happened to you. They don’t have to be grand — it can be as simple as the sunny weather. Shifting your mindset toward gratitude helps inspire inner change. When you talk positively to yourself, you are more likely to reverberate the positivity to the people around you.

5. Practice Self-Care

As a parent to your child and partner to your lover, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and neglect your wellness. However, taking care of oneself is critical to becoming a mindful parent. Make time for activities that nourish your body and soul, such as practicing yoga or communing with nature.

Ready to Become a Mindful Parent?

Remember to be gentle with yourself as you journey toward mindfulness. Embrace moments of distraction and judgment — there’s no single and easy way to navigate parenthood. Keep these tips in mind, and you’re well on your way to becoming a mindful parent.