What is a mindful parent?
A mindful parent faces the same difficult emotions as any parent who is navigating their child’s serious health challenge.
Two stories: Martina and Samantha
Which parent did you most identify with?
Both Martina and Samantha were experiencing very normal emotions in response to seeing their children suffer: they felt frightened, angry, and anxious. However, they each reacted to these feelings in different ways, which had an impact both on how they felt and how their children were affected.
The main difference is that Samantha was more mindful in the way she managed her feelings and reacted to the situations she was in.
A mindful parent faces the same difficult emotions as any parent who is navigating their child’s serious health challenge. But their reactions to the emotions are more similar to Samantha’s - rooted in compassion, patience, and a broader view of how they are affecting those around them. A mindful parent:
- Pays attention to both their own reactions, as well as what their child is experiencing. Deeply listening to your child’s words and body language with a kind attitude can help them feel calmer, as well as helping you gauge appropriate responses.
- Notices the full range of emotions. Feelings like joy, gratitude, and humor are given just as much attention as fear or sadness.
- Starts over all the time. Mindfulness is hard work, and no one can do it perfectly all the time. Each time you notice that you have become reactive, start your practice over with an even friendlier attitude than you had last time.
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