Parenting Paused

Let's dive into some thought-provoking ways to view our children.

In this episode, you'll be challenged to explore the power of interpretations and conclusions in your parenting journey.

Your experiences shapes your perspectives, and it's crucial to recognize how your conditioning and beliefs influence the way you interpret your child's behavior.

I found it challenging to be present without jumping to conclusions and to truly listen to my daughter's feelings and expressions.

Remember, every child is unique, and their actions are not always a reflection of disrespect or defiance. By embracing curiosity and open-mindedness, you can build stronger connections with your children and foster an environment of understanding and love.

Listen now for more insights and join the conversation!

Are you struggling with limiting your children's computer use? Here's a Purejoy take on the matter. Rather than being the enforcer of limits, how about empowering your child to discover their own boundaries?

As a parent, I realized that my own experience of being constantly limited as a child led to resistance and a lack of self-awareness. Deciding to break that cycle with my own child, instead of imposing restrictions, I focused on supporting her self-regulation and helping her understand her own limits.

It wasn't easy, especially with concerns about the impact of excessive screen time. But I learned to work through my triggers and approach it differently.

By shifting my perspective, I recognized that her computer use wasn't about me. It was an opportunity for her to learn and grow.

As an adult, I could guide her in self-regulation, rather than imposing my own fears and limits.

Listen, now.

Parenting is a journey of love, growth, and discovery. It's a constant learning process, and one lesson that's been on my mind lately is being mindful of our own expectations when it comes to our children.

It's only natural to have dreams and hopes for our kids. We want them to thrive, to find their own happiness, and to lead fulfilling lives. However, it's important to pause and reflect on whether these hopes align with our child's true desires.

It's essential that we give them the space and support to explore these without imposing our own aspirations onto them.

Let's all take a moment to reflect on our own expectations and ensure we're providing a space for our children to blossom into their authentic selves. Together, we can raise a generation of strong, confident, and uniquely beautiful individuals.

Imagine yourself supporting your children in building their internal house, and just like any house, it's crucial to have a stable foundation. But here's the thing - to support them in building a stable house your internal foundation is equally important.

This week on Parenting Paused I share my personal journey of discovering that my own foundation was shaky, and how that affected my parenting. I learned that instead of focusing solely on supporting my daughter in creating a strong foundation, I needed to turn inward and examine my own cracks. Only when my own foundation was strong could I provide the stability and support she needed.

So, if you find yourself constantly triggered by your children's behavior, it may be a sign that there might be cracks in your own foundation. Take the time to reflect, inquire, and strengthen your self-awareness, self-compassion, and regulation. You'll be amazed at the impact it can have on your parenting journey.

Listen, now.

As summer approaches, I can't help but feel nostalgic for the free, open summers of my childhood in Mississippi. 🌞 Back then, we'd hang out, ride our bikes, and our parents trusted us to be okay. Nowadays, times are different - with cell phones and constant tracking, there's a lot more structure and perhaps less freedom for kids.

This summer, I'm challenging myself (and you!) to relax the structure a bit. Let's find time for unstructured play, for creativity to blossom from boredom, just like it did in those long summer days of our own childhoods. 🍃 Remember, summer is about freedom and relaxation. Let's embrace that energy and give our kids (and ourselves!) a taste of that old-school summer freedom. 💖 #SummerNostalgia #ParentingTips