'But This Kind of Parenting is So Hard!'

Sometimes it's hard to have enough energy to slow down and really talk with our kids when they are upset. Sometimes we've had long days full of unreasonable people and just want a break! "isn't this kind of parenting really hard?" we may wonder.

Ask yourself, is it harder than what you're doing now? How does your current approach to a problem (whether the problem is your child's anxiety or temper, their homework or  chores, an illness, etc.) feel? A conscious parenting approach probably won't actually feel any harder once you try it.

Consider a mindful approach to parenting this week and see if things get harder or easier. One thing to try is listening. Instead of talking when you are at odds with your child, try listening. Get curious about what's up for them. Invite them to talk about it. Listen deeply, not just to the words they say, but also to their body language and behavior. Promise yourself not to fix anything, argue, teach, or correct until you've taken the time to understand your child's point of view.

It will take longer to listen than to tell them what to do. But once you've listening, you may have a wiser suggestion for your child. And they may be much more likely to listen to you!

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