Catching Up

Yesterday, writing about this practice of loving presence for middle childhood kids, I mentioned that it can be an age where issues show up. The truth is, no matter when or how we start parenting consciously, we're going to find some issues. They may come from our own childhood, from earlier stages with our children, from our partner, from culture and society, from our schooling.

If you read an earlier post about parenting newborns or toddlers and noticed things you wish you had done, or if you are seeing signs of disconnection in your tween, teen, or young adult and don't know what to do, don't worry. Start where you and your child are now.

The very behaviors or habits that worry us about our kids are the invitation to parent! Today, notice what's happening with your child with curiosity. What are they inviting in you? What are they calling forth? Don't react out of your beliefs about what they 'should' be doing, explore what they may need. Ask yourself, 'How can I be loving right now, nurturing my child's true self? How can I stay clear and steady?'