How to Become A Conscious Parent
A Guide to Conscious Parenting: Embrace the Journey
Conscious parenting is a transformative process that requires time and commitment; there is no quick fix. Instead of a strategy to control your child’s behavior, it’s a way of “being” that fosters empathy, peace, and respect. If you’ve heard about conscious parenting and are asking, “How can I become a conscious parent?” you’re not alone.
Embarking on this path can be confusing, so here are some steps to start your journey:
Read Books: Seek out resources on peaceful or gentle parenting. I recommend starting with Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s The Conscious Parent and The Awakened Family. These books can transform your mindset and provide new insights. You can see my favorite conscious parenting books by clicking here.
See a Therapist: If you can, prioritize seeing a therapist. They have the skills many parents lack, offering a safe space for your feelings and validating your experiences. Therapists actively listen without judgment and model skills you can use in your parenting.
Journal Your Thoughts: This is where I began my conscious parenting journey in 2015. Daily journaling about my observations with my kids helped me identify what went well and what didn’t. By noting these patterns, I found areas to create positive changes in my parenting.
Become a Lifelong Learner: Acknowledge that there are things you don’t know. Seek to learn about attachment theory, brain science, child development, and effective communication. Remember, there’s always something new to learn, regardless of your age.
Move Your Body: Being conscious means being present, yet many of us are disconnected from our bodies. Engaging in conscious movement practices is beneficial. Personally, I enjoy dancing with my daughters, who excel in contemporary dance and teach me how to “just be.”
Let Your Child Be Your Teacher: Embrace the idea that your child can hold up a mirror for you. Allow “triggers” to become teaching moments; there’s much to learn by being present and attuned to your child.
By following these steps, you can begin your journey toward conscious parenting, fostering a deeper connection with your child while promoting your own growth.
“This process is worth it. I thought of it as an investment in myself and my family’s future, and my goal was simply to be a better parent, and I just didn’t have the skills, and this process provides that. The time investment is worth it, because you really get to work on the process, you get to explore your inner workings, you learn new skills. I would say if you feel called to do this process, there is a reason for that and I do not think you will regret it.” – Izzy. Washington.