A Mindful Reset for Parents

As parents, we often put our kids' emotions before our own. But suppressing how we feel takes a toll. Letting our children see and understand our full range of emotions allows for deeper connection and healing.

Jul 1, 2024
 
As parents, we often put our kids' emotions before our own. But suppressing how we feel takes a toll. Letting our children see and understand our full range of emotions allows for deeper connection and healing.
When your child throws a tantrum, take a beat before reacting. Close your eyes and take three deep breaths. Recite the Yogena Chittasya mantra: "The mind can be trained through yoga practice." Feel yourself centering inward.
Then, respond with empathy while still setting boundaries. Say, "I know you're angry. Let's take a break together." Validate their feelings, even when correcting behavior.
Model healthy emotional expression for your children. If you’re stressed, admit it out loud. Say, "Mommy is feeling worried right now. Can you give me a hug?" If you make a mistake, apologize sincerely. Explain when you need alone time.
As one mother shared:
“I started telling my kids how I was actually feeling instead of always saying ‘I’m fine.’ They began opening up so much more, and I didn’t feel like I had to hide my humanity.”
This week, reflect on one emotion you tend to conceal from your kids. Try voicing it calmly and constructively. Know that your openness and honesty foster their emotional intelligence. And reduces your own inner burden.
You are human, after all. And your humanity is beautiful.
 

Here is a quick summary on mindful parenting:

What to do:
  • Take deep breaths when kids have tantrums before reacting
  • Respond with empathy while setting boundaries
  • Model expressing emotions calmly and constructively
What to hear:
What to say: "I express my full humanity around my children, teaching them emotional intelligence with openness."
 

Listen to the Yogena Chittasya Mantra

Video preview
 

Download this mantra