Five mindful parenting tips from Dr. Fran Walfish, the Early Childhood Parenting Center.
1. Balance love and limits. Be equally comfortable with loving / nurturing and setting boundaries / limits with your child.
2. Give lots of “undivided” listening attention to your child.
3. Follow your child’s lead (vs. directing your child).
4. Get on the same page as your spouse / companion. Kids learn very young to play one parent against the other.
5. Nurture yourself (so that you’re fortified to give to your child).
6. Examine your own behavior as closely and honestly as you do your child’s.
What would be your top suggestion for mindful parenting? Why not leave a comment below?
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I like #6. Children can be encouraging and discouraging mirrors. People say my children are very polite, they get along better than others children, they are friendly. But I swear once a year, and they pick that up. I hear phrases in their mouths, that I don't like ("you're killing me," is one). We parent with our whole being and it shows in our children.
I like tip 2. When I am truly in the moment with my children we all flourish.When my mind is jumping into the future or absorbed in the past my children also become restless.