On the Coast – Families Issue 102 I October/November 2019 | Page 31

What I can say though, is that I come
back to empathy. When I can meet their
needs, this eases both of us into a calmer
state of being. It is never too late to start
parenting mindfully and with empathy.
Empathy is at the heart of what it means
to be a human being. It is the foundation
for learning how to love others as
they are, to take a step back
and try to ‘see’ things as
they do.
To care about
another’s feelings,
is the beginning
framework
for healthier
relationships. “There
is no doubt that
parenting challenges
us, it can take us to a
dark place that we didn’t
even know existed when we are
triggered by our children’s behaviour.
But does this mean that in being a
parent we can no longer reclaim our ‘joy?’
Let’s look at the word ‘meaning,’
Defined by Wikipedia as: ‘the existence of
an individual human being or animal.’
Take the existence of your child as an
example, meaning means to look at what
you have achieved with your parenting
journey, the giving, the selflessness, the
sacrifice and love, all of this experience
brings with it joy and a sense of purpose
in your parenting journey.
There are numerous experiences that
we can have with our child/ren to feel
more joy and more happiness in our
everyday together:
Connection
When we connect and listen, we show
our children that their feelings are
important.
When we create time for meaningful
connection examples such as, reading
with them, playing, cooking dinner
together, making and playing with
playdough and even something as simple
as a walk-in nature disconnected from
our phones and our screens.
If this reconnection can take place
every day, it makes them feel loved, and
connected to you, without this sort of
uninterrupted connection how do we
earnestly get to really know each other?
Simple things such as knowing each
Formulating The Future One Thought at a Time...
other’s favourite colours get lost amongst
Workshops Early
Learning Centre Mentoring
Workshops
the ‘busy,’ I get it, I do, but we must do
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better in order to be better.
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More than anything else
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though, your children
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want you. They want
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they want to play,
read books, colour
in, eat and laugh
together. They want
the reassurance in
knowing that when
they need you, you will
be there.
In the simplest of ways,
we are showing them that they
are important to us, because even on our
busiest day we can still find the time to
STOP and CONNECT.
Hug
Hugging creates a burst of the ‘love’
drug called oxytocin, big hugs also give
you a burst of dopamine and serotonin
these are all-natural brain chemicals that
create bonding and promote a positive
sense of being, so hug, hug and do more
hugging!
Foster an attitude of Gratitude
If we can appreciate the simple things
in our lives such as drinking our
coffee while it’s still hot or having an
opportunity to sleep in uninterrupted,
our sense of wellbeing and joy is
increased.
Today, think of two simple things that
you are grateful for, or better yet, journal
it and write it down! When we physically
write something down, we tend to hold
onto that feeling and sense of peace for
the rest of our day.
Let’s grow our children with
simplicity, slow and connection because
peace really does begin at home, and this
truly reflects reclaiming your joy as a
parent!
Clare Marcangelo
CHILDREN’S NUTRITIONIST
Caring, practical treatment
plans for your family.
Specialising in childhood behavioural
issues, learning and anxiety.
Working with families for over 20 years
COVERED BY MOST PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS
Phone [phone] to book or go to
www.erinanutrition.com.au
FOR MORE INFORMATION
ATMS29747 ABN 89456352713
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
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER – ISSUE 102
31