What is mindful parenting?
Mindful parenting is when you are aware of how you are parenting, aware of your own emotions and triggers, and aware of your child’s emotions and triggers. Mindful parenting is when you look at the big picture and you decide to be mindful of how you are parenting and to say no to reactive parenting.
Why do you want a peaceful home?
One of the most basic questions you should ask yourself is “why do you want a peaceful home?” I started the Peaceful Nest as a way to keep me accountable because my desire is to provide a peaceful home for myself but also for my family and children.
Ask yourself why do you want a peaceful home? The reason I want a peaceful home is that I believe that the home was created as a safe haven for everybody in it. Our home should be a place where we all can come to rest and feel loved and safe.
When we practice mindful parenting we can create a more peaceful home for our family and children.
How can a peaceful home be beneficial to your family?
The truth is the world is hard and unloving sometimes. Having a peaceful home can be beneficial to you because it gives you a place to retreat.
Having a peaceful home can be beneficial to your family and your children for the very same reason. A peaceful home gives them a place that they feel safe and loved. A place where they can retreat when things are rough and tough in the outside world.
They do not have to worry about having turmoil in their home they know that they will have peace when they come home.
Being a mindful parent can help you be peaceful and create a peaceful home.
The reason being a mindful parent can help you become peaceful and create a peaceful home is because you become more aware of yourself and your children. Instead of giving in to your emotions. You become more aware of your emotions and what causes them.
When you are mindful then you’re able to know what your triggers are and how to better care for yourself.
When you are a mindful parent you are aware of your child’s triggers and the best way to help them overcome their obstacles. Instead of giving into reactive parenting and parenting with your emotions you’re able to approach your situation with mindfulness and awareness knowing when you go into a situation what the best techniques to handle it are.
For example, we have a child who is prone to becoming overwhelmed pretty fast.
She has come a long way with being able to handle her emotions and calm herself down. But there for a while, it was very tempting to tell her just to get over her emotions.
But instead, I got down to the root of the issue and figured out why she was having meltdowns.
The reason was that she is a perfectionist and when things are not easy for her she doesn’t want to try. I did not realize that this was a trait of perfectionism until within the last year or two.
Because I am aware of why she has these meltdowns I have been able to help encourage her when she is in the middle of one. I have been able to help build up her self-esteem, help her learn that she can do hard things and that some things take work. Instead of brushing off what she needed from me I was mindful and dug deep into the root of the issue.
You are mindful of your child’s triggers.
When you are a mindful parent you are aware if your child’s triggers. If you have a young child you know that they need naps and to eat at certain times, etc. When you’re aware of their triggers you know that you cannot plan a grocery trip in the middle of naptime because that is a recipe for disaster.
Maybe you know that you cannot go to someone’s house during lunchtime without first feeding your child. It’s as simple as just knowing what triggers your child’s emotions and meltdowns.
You know what you need for self-care.
When you were being a mindful parent you are also paying attention to your own needs. You know what you need to do to care for yourself in order to be the best version of yourself you can be and the best parents for your children.
When you are a mindful parent you know what your own triggers are.
This goes along with knowing what you need for self-care. When you are a mindful parent you will pay attention to what your own triggers are.
I know as moms it’s easy for us to put ourselves on the back burner. But we cannot be our best self and our best parent for our children if we are neglecting our self-care. This goes for our triggers and not knowing what they are.
When we are not more aware of what triggers our emotions then we are more likely to give into reactive parenting. For example, maybe having a messy house is one of your triggers. You can be mindful of this by setting aside time to tackle these chores or even teach your children how to clean up after themselves.
Being a mindful parent helps you practice giving grace often.
When you are a mindful parent then you’re more willing to give grace to yourself, to your children, and to your spouse. Being mindful reminds you that everybody is human and sometimes the expectations we have on ourselves and our family are unrealistic. When we offer grace to ourselves and to our children we experience more peace in our homes.
You are more willing to offer forgiveness to yourself and your family.
This goes along with offering grace. I believe grace and forgiveness come hand-in-hand. How many times have you made a mistake as a mom? We don’t want our families to hold our mistakes against us. We all make mistakes. Therefore we should be more willing to offer forgiveness to our spouse and our children because we expect forgiveness from them when we come up short.
You learn to know your child on a more personal level.
When you’re practicing mindful parenting you learn your child. What do I mean by you learn your child? You learn them on a deeper and personal level. You start to understand what their triggers are, what their thoughts are, what their interests are, etc. When you know your child on a deeper level you’re able to connect to their heart in a better way when you are guiding them.
You will be able to say goodbye to reactive parenting.
One of the best things about being a mindful parent is the ability to say goodbye to reactive parenting. Have you ever been a reactive parent? I know I have.
I have allowed my emotions to roll over in my motherhood and guide how I parent my children. But then I realize this was no way to parent.
Being a mindful parent can help you say goodbye to reactive parenting because you will be less likely to give in to your emotions. I’m not saying that you won’t ever give in to your emotions because that’s not realistic. However, you will be able to be more mindful as a parent and more peaceful as a parent the more you practice mindfulness.
When this happens reactive parenting becomes a distant memory in your rearview mirror. I’m not saying that it won’t ever happen because it might, but it won’t happen as often as it did.
Being a more mindful parent is worth it.
Being a mindful parent takes work and it takes a lot of time. You have to wake up every day and make the decision to set your emotions aside, set reactive parenting aside, and focus on being more mindful with the job God has given you as a parent. It will be hard work but it will be worth it.
Related: 14 Best Tips To Overcome Angry Mommy Today
If you are new to the Peaceful Nest Blog, welcome!
Be sure to read my top posts on parenting:
- Why Consistent Parenting Matters
- 12 Habits of Immensely Peaceful Moms
- 63 Mom Hacks That Are Pure Genius
- Connect With Your Child and Build Up Their Heart
Are you looking for ways to become a peaceful mom but you aren’t sure how?
I created a free planner for moms like me, who want to create a peaceful home but let the stress of never having it all together defeat them, because whoever has it together? The best we can do is plan for peace and roll with the punches, right? If you want your free planner you can get it below!
Are you looking for a mommy tribe?
Our Facebook group, From Chaos to Calm, is full of encouraging and supportive moms just like you. We would love to have you join us! Join From Chaos to Calm Mom group on Facebook.
Don’t forget to follow The Peaceful Nest on Facebook and Instagram!
And remember, sharing is caring! Share this post on Pinterest below!
Hi there, I’m Jenna! I am a devoted mommy and wife. As well as an advocate for children and creating a peaceful atmosphere for those we love. I co-wrote Faith Actually: Living Life After Tragedy with my husband. I have my Bachelor’s Degree in Biblical Studies and currently working toward my Master’s in Positive Psychology. My number one desire is to create a peaceful home life for my family. My second desire is to share with you the tips I learn along the way!