While visions of yoga positions and peaceful meditation in a serene environment may be what first enter your mind when you think of mindful meditation, it is actually possible (and beneficial) to use this technique during those parenting moments when you are ready to pull your hair out. You know, child is throwing a tantrum or refuses to stay in bed, siblings are fighting it out in the middle of the grocery store, adolescent is having a meltdown over homework—those kind of less than pleasurable moments!

Mindful meditation is the practice of opening our attention and awareness to the perpetual passing of sensations, feelings thoughts, images, sounds and smells without putting forth judgment or evaluation. This is very different than what is known as concentrative meditation in which you sit perfectly still focusing on one thought or phrase or on emptying your mind. Of course, you may want to go to that zoned-out place when your toddler is screaming in the middle of the frozen food section, but it is going to take a mindful meditation approach to successfully navigate through it to both your benefit and the child’s benefit.

What are the Benefits of Mindful Meditation?

·         Improved concentration and focus

·         Increased calmness

·         Enhanced self-awareness

·         Increased understanding of others and empathy

·         Improved, natural skills for effective conflict resolution

Isn’t it easy to see how these benefits could support you in your parenting efforts? Imagine what it would be like to get parenting results without feeling like your blood pressure is going through the roof…without raising your voice…without lashing out in frustrating and anger. This is what mindfulness in parenting is all about.

Why Choose Mindfulness Parenting?

Let’s face it, today’s children and teens are over-scheduled, over-tested, over-stimulated, and over-exposed. Bringing in the peacefulness and purpose of mindfulness techniques can provide a sense of calm in the middle of a storm of chaos and uncertainty, enabling you to rear well-balanced, self-aware kids who learn excellent coping mechanisms from you.

How Can You Incorporate Mindful Meditation in Parenting?

You can begin to incorporate small mindfulness practice into your daily life to reap the benefits both in your life and in your child’s life. Of course, there is always more to learn, and I am here to help you if you want to learn more about mindful meditation in parenting, but you can begin today on your own.

·         Take a few minutes each day to listen to a tone and breathe with your child or children.

·         Consider utilizing Zen chimes or a Tibetan singing bowl with your child—I’ve used this during my work in the school and the kids love it!

·         During times of stress or conflict, take a moment to stop, breathe and become aware of the things that are happening around you and in you, and avoid placing judgment on those things. Avoid evaluating them or trying to figure them out. This practice will bring you more clarity of thought and peacefulness, which will transfer to your child.

If you are interested in utilizing mindfulness in parenting or just in your life in general, feel free to contact me for personal coach. I will guide you through the process of incorporating mindfulness practice into your daily life. Right away, you will begin to experience the physical, mental and emotional benefits of this practice, such as increased dopamine levels and physical changes in the brain to decrease stress levels.

For more information about mindfulness coaching, mindful parenting and mindful weight loss connect with Ana María at https://anamariaserrano.com/.