Gail Silver: Blog

October 2010,

I've just returned from a wonderful speaking engagement at the Alpha House Parents association meeting. I spoke to the benefits of yoga and mindfulness for children and read an excerpt from Anh's Anger. Thank you for coming out everyone! What a great crowd! I have posted some of the mindful parenting tips that I shared. Try one or try them all.  Enjoy! 

Mindful Parenting Tips

1) If you have a small child, allow him or her to set the pace of your walk.

2) Challenge yourself to see the world through the eyes of your child.

3) Create a quiet space or peace zone in your home. This should be a speech free space where you or any family member can retreat at any time, even if only for a few moments.

4) Try to look your children in the eye when they are speaking to you or when you are speaking to them.

5) Schedule a sitting time for yourself when your home is quiet: early in the morning before anyone is awake or in the evening after everyone has gone to sleep. It does not have to be long. Even a few minutes of mental and physical rest can set mindful tone.

6) When sibling conflicts arise, sit together with your children. Allow each child a reasonable amount of time to express what has transpired. During this time the other child sits silently and listens too, knowing that they will have an opportunity to be heard. After each child has had a turn, ask him or her to express what the other has said and to then work together to resolve the conflict with your role being the passive facilitator.

7) Encourage verbal expression of emotions and feelings. You can do this by setting a good example and practicing thoughtful speech with your partner and with your children.

8) Try to limit the use of electronic devices such as computer, video games and television to designated times of the week or day.

9) Encourage yourself and your children to pause and take a breath before responding to one another.

10) Each moment is an opportunity to begin again. Apologize for your own actions when appropriate and encourage your children to take responsibility for their own mishaps.