Conscious Parenting
Parents: Give Yourself a Time Out
by Rosa Santana children, the best way is for us we are, in other words, we can actually
to become conscious parents. be present enough to be able to emu-
What does that mean? late the behaviors we would like to pass
Many parents want to know along to our children. Starting with nu-
how to be a better parent. The definition of the word con- trition, we can make conscious choices
What is the secret? Say yes to scious is: “aware of one’s own exis- that our children can learn from. For
children more often? Say no to tence, sensations, thoughts, surround- example, if a parent loves okra, that
them? Do we give them every- ings, etc.” If we become aware of who love will be transmitted to the child,
thing they want? Or should
they earn material things that
have you ever noticed
overweight families? If
the parent is setting the
example of inactivity and
detrimental food choices,
the child will follow that
same path. A family that
is active will encourage
children to experiment
with different sports
and activities such as
swimming, beach volleyball,
yoga, etc. The child will
associate family time
with feeling good, and
so the chances of the
child searching for those
endorphins will be great.
satisfy them? Being a good
parent actually can mean
teaching by example. Many
parents complain that their
children don’t like vegetables.
Upon examination, it turns out
those parents never gave their
kids vegetables, because they
don’t like them. And how about
parents who smoke (anything)?
Guess what... their kids are
probably smoking (whatever)
too. If we want the best for our
August 2009 43
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