Today we return to the topic of conscious parenting. Promised is delivered and so we bring you part two.
To summarise the first part, we looked at words such as communication, reflection, definition and adjustment to define what we can expect from conscious parenting. We realised that the parents' upbringing will be an important basis for what they want to pass on to their little ones, but something that will be decisive and a major influence will be the parents' way of being. We learnt that what parents do can have more impact than what they say.
That was just a brief summary, if you want to see in more detail what we've been talking about, go to the publication TITLE C LINK and tell us what you think.
Have they been properly placed in context? Good, let's start with the principles that are considered fundamental and that, according to conscious parenting, can be applied to all the scenarios we may come across in our lives, whatever their context. The important thing is to establish good relationships:
- Personal responsibility - just as we are responsible for our own decisions, we must begin to convey to the little ones that they can begin to take on this responsibility. Preventing this from happening by over-controlling can transmit the idea that we don't trust the child, leading to feelings such as insecurity or even a sense of helplessness. A great example would be to give them small tasks, appropriate to their age, so that they begin to develop a sense of ability and security in carrying out a certain action - e.g. deciding what to wear or tidying up their toys;
- Respect for integrity - our integrity includes a physical and psychological part - some punishments or penalisations can reduce the sense of self-worth; a "no" will not influence it;
- Equal value - both adults and children have the opportunity to express how they feel, what they think and what their needs are. However, there must always be mutual respect;
- Authenticity - we want our children to be authentic and true to themselves; to feel respected and like a member of the family; let's leave adult expectations, tastes and desires aside.
In this way, we realise that this environment of belonging and connection allows children to strengthen their self-esteem, which is fundamental for creating everyday relationships. We mustn't forget that these relationships must be based on respect, truth and where each person's boundaries are well defined.
They say that conscious parenting can be synonymous with allowing. What we've seen is that this may not be the case. Limits are set and passed on to the little ones. "No" is given correctly and with respect, in order to provide support and comfort.
Children's behaviour often reflects their needs and emotions. There is no need to correct behaviour here, but rather to help the child with their needs and understand their emotions.
Conscious parenting brings with it this sense that children deserve the love of the family. We all have imperfections and weaknesses and we must allow these to be worked on and shared within the family. This will end up filling them with self-love, for their personal thoughts and attitudes, showing resilience in facing any situation in their lives.
If there is a principle of admiration for their role models on the part of the little ones towards their parents, conscious communication and mutual respect, without judgement and with compassion, is favoured.
When it comes to looking after themselves, parents must be able to be with their children to the full in order to truly enjoy the time they spend with them. Self-care is necessary and must be carried out.
We know that one of the most vulnerable moments and the one that leaves us parents disorientated is when our little ones are having great difficulties. Parents' first instinct is to face the difficulty, but the best thing is to support them. Confronting adversity is essential and necessary lesson. Conscious parenting allows us to know each other's limits, to be supportive in times of difficulty, to have self-love and resilience, among other things. Parents will always be there to support you along the way.
We agree. Parents should be the children's greatest support, they should take care of themselves so that they are full in the time they spend with their little ones and mutual respect and recognition is crucial and necessary.
We really enjoyed learning more about this concept of conscious parenting. It characterises well the respect that should exist between parents and children, their unconditional support and the influence they can have on their children's future. We're sure we'll want to revisit this subject in more detail.
What about you? Do you identify with any of the ideas we've shared with you? What did you think of this concept of conscious parenting? We want to know your experience. We want to know your opinion.
