So this week we will be focusing on self compassion and parenting!
WHY
This time of year can be challenging for moms with all the demands. Lately in my sessions I have noticed that so many families are struggling with self compassion, and I know how heavy that can be to carry around.
I am not a parent coach because I am a perfect mom or I have all the answers.
I work with families because I understand and have lived the struggle first hand. I have been frustrated, exhausted, at my wits end and not sure where to turn to for support. In the midst of the challenges moms often resort to blaming themselves, drowning in feeling bad, finding themselves in a non stop cycle of shame and in this mindset it seems like there is no way out, you are on autopilot just getting through each day.
I can now sit back and find humor in some of my biggest fails as a parent.
I can openly talk about them and find grace for myself as I talk openly to my children about them.
The time I drove straight into my neighbors car because I was in such a panic to get to my son who's blood sugar was low.
Or the time I fed my kids with celiac disease regular mac and cheese, not the gluten free version.
I could go on, my point is that I have made BIG mistakes because I am human and so are you!
We are all doing the best we can with what skills we have right now!
And the one thing I am certain of as parent, a parent coach and a special education teacher is that if we want to really show up for our kids and be present as moms, we need to practice self compassion!
- Learning how to be kind and warm to ourselves when life presents challenges, we make mistakes or feel inadequate.
- Recognizing that as humans we all suffer and we are not alone, we are ALL vulnerable and imperfect.
- Learning how to find balance in our feelings so that we can honor them without having them control us.
The bottom line is that we all make mistakes. If we get caught up in the cycle of trying to be perfect, controlling our feeling, living in fear and aloneness then we can't possibly be present for our kids. We are unable to make decisions because we are not living in the moment, we are reacting!
Being able to pause and be present for decisions comes from a grounded and mindful place. We can not practice being mindful when we are not practicing self compassion.
Here you will find links to books that I recommend for you or someone you love to help guide you in starting to embrace self compassion as a parent and showing up the way you want to:
These are items that I personally love. When you purchase something that I recommend, I may get an affiliate commission - that never affects your price!
Dr. Kristin Neff is a leader in research on self compassion please visit her website for more information:
Dr. Kristin Neff~Kirsten, I am a certified parent coach and special education teacher who helps overwhelmed parents create connection, strengthen communication while guiding and empowering families to teach their children skills!
For more tips on parenting follow me on instagram @connectionsparentcoaching
Get your FREE tip sheet on transitions...
If you need support on your parenting journey, reach out for a free connection call 💗
https://www.connectionsparentcoaching.com/
Comments
Post a Comment