Mindful Parenting: 6 Ways to Slow Down & Show Love

Being a mother of 3 children has taught me many lessons in life.  And being a mental health professional has helped me really hone in on those lessons.  Some of those lessons are…

• To cherish your children and experience life with them.
• There are no tricks or hacks for parents. Every child is different and comes with their own set of special challenges. 
• Children are one of the most precious gifts we can have.
• Not every day is going to be rainbows and sunshine, but unconditional love is what helps kids grow into successful adults.

I know it can be really hard, but it’s important to be able to take a moment to slow down and appreciate your relationship with your kids.

Here are 6 Ways to Slow Down and Show Love

1. Say I Love You. I know this might sound too simple, but the phrase “I love you” communicates so much to your kids – and it’s so easy to go through a busy day without saying it.  Telling your child you love them through good times and bad will show them that you are always there for them and no matter what you care about and for them.
2. Show Affection. Give your child a hug and provide them with a good example of expressing affection and creating connected relationships.  Physical touch can calm our nervous systems, so a simple hug and do big things for your child’s mental health!
3. Show Up.  Showing up for your kid when they have an event at school or sporting events communicates that you care about their interests. Show them that you are consistent and reliable.  And if you can’t make an event, communicate that clearly and with compassion.  This will help them grow up into secure adults.
4. Listen. Take the time to listen to your child about their life experiences.  This is a form of showing that you care because you are prioritizing what they say as important.  When kids feel heard they feel loved and connected.
5. Talk To Your Kids.  Despite what you may have heard, your children do listen to you.  And they generally do want to connect with you through communication. The lessons you teach them through conversation can last a lifetime. This also helps them build important communication and social skills.  (Tip:  Make sure you’re talking WITH them, not AT them.)
6. Enjoy Quality Time Together. Time waits for no one!  Do fun activities with your children and go on vacations. Create happy memories with your children allowing the good to always outweigh the bad.  Positive memories will stay with your kids for longer than you think.

Bonus Tip: Want to know how to get Parent of the Year Award?

If you have more than one child, spend time with each child individually. This helps you build relationship with each individual child, assisting them in self-development – including their self-worth. The idea is that if you take individual time to help them understand and know who they are, the negative influences of the world could have less of an impact on their development – because you’re fostering a safe, consistent, caring connection with them.

Want to learn more about parenting from Tammie?  Schedule a free 15-minute virtual consultation with her here. 

Tammie sees clients in-person and virtually.  She sees her in-person clients at Our Whole Living Counseling’s Wyomissing office.  She sees clients struggling with parenting, anxiety, depression, and grief.  She also sees couples.