On the Coast – Families Issue 101 I August/September 2019 | Page 9

FOLLOW THROUGH If you have stated that they cannot play outside until they have packed up all of their toys, then you need to follow through with that. Packing up toys is usually one of our expectations as parents because we like to keep a tidy house, your toddler would be more than happy to walk through and around their toys all day long! Therefore, packing up for them is neither fun nor necessary. To make packing up fun and a little easier we sing a song together, ‘it’s time to pack away, the work is done, we’ve had our fun, its time to pack away,’ on repeat while packing away the toys. All three of our girls have packed away without a fuss while we’re singing that song! If packing up still doesn’t happen, then you need to follow through with the mindful consequence that you’ve stated. I say mindful because the consequence you give always needs to be fair for their age and related. Packing up indoor toys so that they can play with their outdoor toys is fair and related. REFLECTIVE LISTENING Listening is where it’s at the absolute crux of human connection. Listening carefully to your little people from the very start is the best way to show them that you care – you are willing and able to connect wholeheartedly. When you open up your heart space to truly listen, really connect unconditionally and without judgement your child’s emotions will rock you to the very core- they lead with love because they know nothing else. So, let’s do the same. Stopping what you are doing, listening and then reflecting to your toddler what it is that they have said, this will then show them that you are really hearing them, that being heard matters and that you are respecting their feelings. If you are wondering if your child really is a good listener or why it seems that they never hear you; Go deep and lean in – are you wholeheartedly listening to them? A HUG No one is ever too little (or too big!) for a hug! Hugs literally change our mood, when we hug someone, oxytocin is released into our bodies via our pituitary gland, it then begins to lower both our heart rates and our cortisol levels. Cortisol is the hormone that is responsible for stress, so why wouldn’t we want to increase our connection with a big hug so it can benefit both of our wellbeing, especially after a big upset! As parents our children will naturally turn to us in times of comfort; They look up to us to show them the way. In early childhood they need our assistance in regulating their big emotions and feelings, we can begin to do that mindfully if we put some thought into it, because after all, we are their role models. Being a mindful and conscious parent is a HUGE responsibility and sometimes I will literally feel the weight of that upon my shoulders and in my heart. What I do know though, is that when I practice softening my approach with my children I will noticeably see them soften too. It takes A LOT of patience! Always a few tears (on my part too!) but with your actions and words changing to a softer state of being you can begin to change your child’s intense reactions too. When we can begin to think mindfully about how we wish to parent our children we will then be able to become more accepting of the things in life that we cannot change (such as their fiery temperament!) and begin to be more about living in the now. When we stop fighting fire with fire, we can then begin a new journey into mindful parenting, a journey into contentment, doing exactly what we are designed for. Being in the moment with our children. The Fun way to become bilingual!  French  Spanish  Mandarin  German for 2-12 year olds • fun before & after-school programs • lots of fun activities, drama, music & games • experienced and enthusiastic teachers • supported by fantastic fun activities online at Babelzone – visit our website for a FREE TRIAL Contact us to start a language program at your kid’s childcare, or a before or after school class at your child’s primary school. 0430 286 590 [email protected] www.lcfclubs.com.au INDOOR LASER-TAG CENTRE Family Friendly Entertainment NEW Mini UV Putt Putt & Family & Kids Escape Room Birthday parties Laserblast offers 6 great Party Packages to suit your needs CALL US TO MAKE A BOOKING Also available for Families, Groups & Vacation Cares, Large or Small. Rain, Hail or Shine. 4392 5278 www.laserblast.com.au Unit 6, 132 Chelmsford Rd, Charmhaven have your party in our PLAYGYM or our entertainers can come to you! Nikki Smith is a Registered Nurse and a Qualified Child and Family Nurse. A mama of three beautiful daughters with a strong belief in raising our children consciously and intuitively. Nikki is the founder of Earthway Parenting andhas developed and is facilitating Post Partum Care and Tuning into your Toddler Workshops. Nikki also provides in home, one on one consultations according to the unique needs of your family focusing on gentle parenting for your infant and/or toddler. You can find more information here www.earthwayparenting.com.au SHOP: Licensed Partyware, DIY Helium Kits, Costume & Party Hire Jumping castles and ball pits 310 Mann Street, Gosford Ph: 4322 4418 www.JJcc.com.au AUGUST/SEPTEMBER – ISSUE 101 9