Most of us will agree that 2021 was a significant improvement from 2020. With increased health support and face-to-face education, parents could take a deep breath, but I know how difficult it has been. We’re ready for a brighter, better, and more hopeful 2022. These daily parenting tips will help you embrace them every day.
Daily Pause
We live in a strange and uncertain time, filled with many changes that can be disorienting. To be with these changes, we need to stop. Give yourself a daily pause every day. You can:
Breathe and Feel Presence in your Body
This is simple: take a moment to breathe into your body daily. Close your eyes, and breathe straight down past your belly button. Sometimes touching your belly helps. Bring your hands or feet to life by feeling them. Stay in the present if your mind tells you you can’t feel anything, are bored, or want to move on. You’ll feel alive and energised. If you do this daily, you may notice how calm you feel.
Everyday Self Talk or Mantra
Thoughts are our first creation and enter our minds as we wake up. If you want to change 2022, you have to manage your thinking. Try this simple exercise, write the thoughts you want to think, for example:
I am calm, joyful, peaceful and creative
You can choose one day to work on and say this at least three times during the day. I do this every day, and it works for me!
Take time offline every day.
Every parent I work with worries about children’s online activity and their own. Although technology has many benefits, it also takes away time from us and harms us. The blue light from screens affects our 24-hour cycle. Here are the dangers, according to a Harvard Study. They found it suppresses melatonin twice as long as natural light, shifting circadian rhythms by twice as much (3 hours versus 1-1/2 hours). This means it takes longer to go to sleep. Additionally, exposure may be linked to other diseases, such as:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Cancer
Start a family rule of no technology after the sun goes down.
Connect with your child for 10 minutes a day.
Often, we think playing with children is frivolous. However, you may believe it isn’t something you should get involved in. Being a playful parent and making time to play with your child has many benefits. Play with your child every day for 10 minutes. Provide your attention and presence. There are no screens, TV, or telephone calls, just you and them during this time. Let them lead the way. To strengthen the relationship between children and their parents, I’m glad Paediatricians in America prescribe outdoor playtime and time outside. Even if your child is a teenager, sitting with them in their room or taking them out for a drink is still essential.
Be Creative, dance, draw, and sing.
Everyone needs to feel alive and joyful, so do whatever you make happy daily.
Let go of Goals and live with Intentions.
What’s the difference between Intentions and Goals
Goals are focused on the future, leading to a destination or specific achievement. The shape of it feels defined; either you win or lose. A sense of failure can arise and tell you,” why bother anyway”.
On the other hand, intentions are in the present moment. Intentions are lived each day, independent of reaching the goal or destination. They are about the inner relationship between yourself and others. Being intentional allows you to focus on how you want to be in the moment, independent of whether you are “winning or losing.” The first thought within you often ignites the spark of energy that you hold towards moving towards something you want. It is as much about the journey as the destination! It does not mean you don’t set goals; intentions and dreams can work together. They are a balanced relationship!
Some Simple Examples of Parenting
- Getting more help from family members
- Increasing kindness to self and others
- Allowing more gratitude
- Be kind to yourself when setbacks happen
- Having more patience
Model the habits you want to see
Surprisingly, acting yourself is the most effective way to motivate children to behave in a certain way. Let them respect you for who you are and what you do for them, and they will follow you. Involve everyone in household chores. It would help if you gave your children some age-appropriate, meaningful responsibilities that contribute to the family’s daily activities. Hold a family meeting to determine how you will share your living space, and list all the tasks needed each week—more at my blog here, Family Meetings.
Daily Thankfulness
Just like you, I sometimes get annoyed by life’s irritations.
Robert Emmons, psychology professor and gratitude researcher at the University of California, Davis, explains that there are two critical components to practising gratitude:
- We affirm the good things we’ve received
- We acknowledge the role other people play in providing our lives with goodness
Allow yourself to recognise these two components every day.
It helps to have something to look forward to in Jan and Feb, since they can be challenging months. It is never too late to change. Are you willing? I hope this year contains the seeds for a beautiful 2022.
Remember: parenting is hard work, and you deserve support. And when it all starts to feel impossible, ask for help. If you need help and support, contact me for a consultation or join my newsletter community. With gratitude Catherine
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