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TODAY'S CHILD

Be consistent To implement a more mindful parenting
Another common mistake parents make approach, try out these tips:
is not being consistent. This confuses • Slow things down. Less busy children
children. Their perceived boundaries are calm children, and you will be less
become blurred. When children do stressed too.
something which could potentially harm • Be consistent in your actions and in
them or be dangerous but in the moment terms of consequences (for positive and
is funny, think twice about making light negative scenarios). This makes them
of it and in so doing, “rewarding” their feel safe.
negative behaviour. Children have to learn • Create plans with your child. By
right from wrong and they take their cues involving them in decision-making, you
from your responses. Use each of these empower them.
situations to engage with them and explain • Progress or moving in a positive
calmly why it was inappropriate and how direction is far more important than
they need to look after themselves in the the final outcome. It teaches mindful
process too. Empower them with mindful thinking and perseverance. We don’t
thinking from a young age. Try to steer always get things right the first or
clear of labels such as being “naughty”. second or third time, so why expect that
Rather say they have disappointed you or of our children?
gave you a fright so that they realise that • Mistakes happen, but use them as
love and care forms the basis of everything learning opportunities.
you do as a parent. • Have conversations and include the
mindfulness techniques. For example,
Try this at home in the car, ask them: “What can you see
Studies have shown that parents who or hear, feel or smell?” It’s a great way
practice more mindful, proactive to clear out the stress of a bad day at
parenting, experienced less need for school, get it out of their system and
negative parenting. Their children were help them feel a lot better.
less anxious or depressed and there was
much less acting out. Other sources:
mindful.org/mindful-parenting-may-
“To bring mindful attention and awareness keep-kids-trouble/
into your interactions with your child really childmind .or g/ar ticle/mindful-
seems to set the stage for you to be a good parenting-2/
parent.” Justin Trent, lead author of the additudemag.com/proactive-vs-reactive-
study, University of Vermont. adhd-parenting/

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