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When Things Go Wrong--WAIT

8/23/2016

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f one of my boys does something upsetting, I sometimes overreact. I say too much, too quickly, and expect too much of a just-right response from them. In my wiser moments, along with using the two-pronged approach that I wrote about yesterday, I remember one of the few parenting acronyms that I use--'WAIT' and ask myself, 'Why Am I Talking?'

Such a simple question, right? But also a good one. There are lots of reasons that we talk as parents, and many of them have nothing to do with true communication.

WAIT brings us back to a sense of purpose. What is my purpose here? If I realize that I'm talking to let my son know what I'm upset, I can probably serve my purpose best by saying one or two clear things rather than twenty minutes of scolding.

If I'm talking because I'm caught up in my emotions, I would be more effective if I took care of myself for a while.

If I'm talking because I want to teach my son something important, I need to remember that teaching happens when someone is receptive. Being short and sweet is more likely to work than being long-winded and cranky!

What do you think of WAIT? Let me know how it goes if you try it.

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    About Gloria:

    My life and work are guided by the these core understandings: that all beings (including me!) are capable of transformation and joy, that healthy parenting matters profoundly, and that simple practices can support each of us.

    I'm a mom of two young adults and a mindfulness practitioner on a spiritual path. I've found these journeys to be interconnected and mutually supportive. Together, they are challenging, rich, inspiring, and surprising, every single day.

    Practicing mindfulness helps me find peace with myself, my family, my life, and this messy world day by day.


    I teach mindfulness and mindful parenting classes and work with individuals sharing what I've learned over my twelve years of practicing mindfulness, twenty years of parenting, thirty years of teaching, and fifty years of living.

    I am grateful to be part of Soul Source, a community consortium that provides teachings and tools designed to inspire participants to live more consciously and to pass that wisdom and inspiration on to others. 

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