One of the things that I am often talking about with people in my guise as an ecomum, is taking life just that little bit slower, not rushing from place to place with your kids, feeling that if you don’t move you are missing out on something.
I am always encouraging the idea of just sitting down with your children and simply enjoying your time together. So it was a very pleasant surprise the other day to come across an article about Mindful Parenting (MP) and to know that there is a whole movement out there encouraging parents to slow down and connect with their children.
So what is it?
It is based on the Buddhist concept of “mindfulness” – the awareness of your thoughts, actions and motivations and how they affect others.
It is the opposite idea to “unconscious” parenting which sadly a lot of us do, that our reactions are quick and without thought leading to arguments and stress. Research has shown that MP can help reduce stress, anxiety and violence.
The idea with MP is to understand that there is no more important activity than spending time with your children, try to appreciate how your children see you, this is not about losing boundaries and spoiling them.
Don’t forget: Your kids need you, not extra activities.
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Author: Sophie Ohana
Being a mum at the best of times can be quite a challenge, so much to learn and so quickly, so when everybody is talking about being an eco-mum it can seem just like one more thing that is too much to take on. Well I am here to help and to show you how it can actually make being a mum just that little bit simpler. I grew up on an organic farm in England and in a slightly crazy eco-house, later studying conventional farming and learned all about agricultural chemicals, which was a real eye-opener. I first became pregnant just under three years ago and felt it was not a question of what but of how; there seemed to be nothing available to keep up with my idea of giving my baby the healthiest environment. During my first few months I found it ever more frustrating: the idea that I had to send to England for the basics, such as organic cotton clothes, bedding, nappies & toiletries. Hence Tinok Yarok was born. I started with a basic collection of organic cotton baby clothes for the first year and spiralled out to bring together everything green & eco for...
Wow, this is great. Thanks for sharing. I have a 19 month old, so this is perfect! 🙂