How to Parent With Heart

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By Michelle Starkey
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Trust your instincts

Parenting can be very challenging when we use too much thought and logic rather than our feelings. Learn three simple ways to parent with heart and make your experience more peaceful, loving and satisfying.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Good listening skills
A sympathetic ear
Patience

Step 1

Be a good listener

Listen to what your child is telling you. Put down the book, close the laptop and eliminate all distractions. Give your undivided attention whenever the opportunity for connection arises. Even if your child is non-verbal, he or she has something to say. Pay attention, everyone needs to be heard.
Step 2

Be sympathetic and understanding

Empathize with your child. Try to understand what he or she is feeling. Acknowledge frustrations, anger, fear, guilt and shame as well as the pleasant emotions. Recall how you felt when you were a child and give support and encouragement when needed. The tools of empathy and sympathy enable you to parent with heart.
Step 3

Take a deep breath and relax

Respond rather than react. Be patient when difficulties arise and take time to fully integrate them before reacting. Get a feel for the entire situation and take a few deep breaths if necessary. Often, the first reaction to a broken item, sibling squabble or apparent misbehavior is a negative one because it comes from the mind. Become more peaceful and loving while parenting by tapping into the heart before responding. Parent with heart, it's where it all starts!

Comments

soulfulparent said

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on 10/13/2009 We some times forget that our children are still people with feelings. We model how to handle the feelings by remaining open, loving, respectful and compassionate. You can be effective but still come from the heart!
Sandra Huber-The Soulful Parent
www.thesoulfulparent.com