Being mindful of everyone’s needs often requires parents to push themselves to a higher
level of organization, and to think creatively
about making time and opportunities to meet
everyone’s needs. It may not be possible to take
your other child out camping or to the movies
as much as you would like, but you can almost
certainly find 20 or 30 minutes to help them
with a craft or toss the football in the back yard.
And devoting even just five or ten minutes per
day to checking in with your spouse or treat
him or her to a back rub can do wonders for a
marriage. Don’t leave these things to chance.
They may sometimes happen on their own, but
getting out the family calendar and mindfully
scheduling these opportunities to partner with
your less needy family members is the only way
to ensure that everyone gets at least a minimal
amount of the attention they crave.
Finally, Martin stresses that it’s important to
schedule down time for yourself as well – and
you may need to rely on others to make it happen. “Ask for help when you need it. Nobody
can meet the needs that you haven’t let know n
are out there. Communicate. Be vulnerable. It’s
OK to ask for help. A lot of women and men are
so perfectionistic. We try to do everything and
do it all so well, but playing the martyr doesn’t
help anyone. Risk being vulnerable and ask.”
Community
Get advice from other parents on attachment
parenting and raising eco-conscious children.
Go Green
Learn how to get your kids involved in causes
they care about.
Activities
Have a ball with games, crafts, and more.
Giveaways
Win eco-stylish and fun green gear for families!
Learn
Articles by experts in health and green living.
Get Involved
Let us know what you like!
Connect With Us
facebook.com/
GreenChildMagazine
twitter.com/
GreenChildMag
We want to hear from you!
[email protected]
Media & Other
[email protected]
Image by Andreas Krappweis
According to Austin, TX based family councilor Tammie Martin, the solution is to stay
very mindful of the needs of every member of
the family. “Self-awareness and other-awareness
in the family is critically important. Pay attention to nuances of behavior and tone. (It’s impossible) to always do things in an ideal way,
but strive as much as you can to be aware before
the need arises. Being aware is #1. Watch more
than your infant and toddler, to everyone in the
family – including yourself.”
29