Did you know that 50% of single moms have one child? Or that 30% of single moms have two or more children? We have our hands full but sometimes being busy leads to stress.
Everyone feels stressed from time to time. A stressor can happen once, last for a short time, or occur often. It usually takes time to notice when minor or major stressors affect our health. But, it takes even more time to see how our stress impacts our relationships with our kids.
But, lucky for us, we have the power to be more mindful as parents.
What are Mindful Parenting Habits
Being a mindful parent isn’t about having a particular mindset. Mindfulness means learning how to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Some of the best mindful parenting habits help us:
- Develop stronger bonds
- Encourage positive behaviors
- Make time for ourselves and our kids
These habits benefit our kids and ourselves in enormous ways.
How to Add Mindfulness to Your Bold Boss Mom Journey
1. Develop Stronger Bonds
First, forget any advice that tells you that too much love, attention, physical affection, or emotional connection will spoil your kids. We are human and thrive on being loved and nurtured. Developing strong bonds with our kids builds their resilience, sense of self-esteem, and ability to be more mindful.
The best way to build stronger bonds with your kids is by spending time with them. But, not the kind of time where you are present but not fully there. For example, don’t include times when you are doing something together but, most of your attention is on your phone. Those quick chats in the car between pick-ups and drop-offs don’t count either. Our kids need us be attentive, engaged, and supportive as much as possible. Showing these behaviors builds trust that establishes stronger bonds.
2. Encourage Positive Behaviors
We all want our kids to develop into successful and contributing adults in our society. One of the best ways to make sure this happens is by encouraging positive behaviors in our kids. Positive behaviors help us focus on connecting and coaching our kids rather than controlling and punishing them.
As single moms, there are many ways we address misbehaviors. We may get upset, angry, or even make threats. The best way to encourage positive behaviors is to stay calm, take a breath, and guide our kids with love and support.
3. Make Time for Ourselves and Our Kids
As stated above, we live busy lives that may lead to stress. Sometimes, we don’t give people our full attention or even know what is happening around us. But that tends to happen when you are one person doing the most, right?
Regardless, to be more mindful means making time for ourselves and our kids. We need breaks from our day-to-day activities or chores. Our kids also need breaks from their busy schedules. Being a mindful parent means making time to enjoy the present moment, even if it’s just to close your eyes for a few minutes. When we show our kids to stop and focus on themselves for even a second, it helps develop their natural instinct to live in the present moment too.
Conclusion
Just because we live busy, complex, and even stressful lives doesn’t mean we can’t be more mindful. Being mindful helps us develop stronger bonds with our kids and encourage positive behaviors. We even learn how to make time for ourselves which teaches our kids this healthy habit too.
Remember, the best mindful parenting habits focus on raising healthy, honest, and whole kids.
What are some of the best mindful parenting habits you have?
