Mindful Parenting
Simple awareness of ones own thoughts and actions in the present moment in a non judgmental manner. Paying attention to self awareness as well as keeping in mind the child's unique nature and needs.
Mindful Parenting: A Working Definition
Mindful parenting can be defined as the ongoing process of intentionally bringing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental, open-hearted awareness as best one can to the unfolding of one’s own lived experience, including parenting. Cultivating mindfulness in parenting starts with self-awareness. It grows to include:
Featured in the Garrison Institute Newsletter Spring 2011
Mindful parenting can be defined as the ongoing process of intentionally bringing moment-to-moment, non-judgmental, open-hearted awareness as best one can to the unfolding of one’s own lived experience, including parenting. Cultivating mindfulness in parenting starts with self-awareness. It grows to include:
- recognizing and keeping in mind each child’s unique nature, temperament and needs;
- developing the capacity to listen and creatively engage with full attention when interacting with one’s children;
- holding in awareness with kindness and sensitivity, to whatever degree possible, both one’s child’s and one’s own physical, emotional and mental states and motivations – including inner feelings, thoughts, body sensations,intentions, expectations and desires;
- developing the reflective capacity to make links between physical/emotional/mental states and behavior in self and others;
- developing an effective set of parenting skills, including greater self-regulation, which in turn can positively affect one’s child’s ability to self-regulate and can lead to more positive parent-child interactions;
- bringing greater compassion and non-judgmental acceptance to oneself and one’s children while establishing a relational foundation that is thoughtful and discerning; and
- recognizing and protecting against one’s own reactive impulses in relationship to one’s children and their behavior and responding in ways that are decisive and developmentally appropriate to a child’s needs.
Featured in the Garrison Institute Newsletter Spring 2011