As I sit down to write this article, I am reminded of a recent incident with my 7-year-old son, Rohan. He refused to eat his vegetables during dinner, throwing a tantrum and insisting on having pizza instead. My husband, Raj, and I could have easily lost our temper and forced him to eat. But we chose a different approach – Conscious parenting.
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Empathy and Understanding
I knelt down beside Rohan and said, “Hey buddy, I know you’re really upset right now. It can be frustrating when we don’t want to eat something. Remember when we went to the park yesterday and you didn’t want to leave? You felt sad and didn’t want to leave the swings. It’s kind of like that now with the vegetables.” He looked up at me with tears in his eyes and nodded. I continued, “But the thing is, our bodies need vegetables to stay healthy and strong, just like how our favorite toys need batteries to work.” He thought about it for a moment and then said, “Okay, mommie, I’ll try a little bit.”
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Open Communication
Raj joined the conversation, asking Rohan about his favorite vegetables and how we could make them more appealing to him. Rohan suggested adding cheese, and we compromised on adding a small amount to his vegetables. I was proud of Raj for encouraging Rohan to express his thoughts and for finding a solution together. We also talked about how sometimes we don’t like something at first, but it might grow on us later. I shared with him how I used to dislike spinach but now love it in smoothies.
Encouraging Independence
We encouraged Rohan to take ownership of his food choices. We explained the importance of vegetables and allowed him to choose one or two servings from a selection of steamed vegetables. This helped him feel more in control and invested in his meal. We also let him help with meal planning and grocery shopping, so he could pick out his favorite fruits and vegetables.
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Positive Reinforcement
When Rohan finished his vegetables, we praised him, saying, “We’re so proud of you for trying something new! You’re growing up to be a healthy and strong boy.” We also gave him a high-five and a big hug. Our positive reinforcement encouraged him to continue making healthy choices. Later that night, we had a special treat – a family movie night with popcorn!
Conscious parenting isn’t just about mealtime. We apply these principles in various situations:
- When Rohan gets upset during a playdate and doesn’t want to share, we empathize with his feelings and encourage him to use his words to express himself.
- When he resists going to bed, we explain the importance of sleep and establish a consistent bedtime routine that works for him.
- When he makes a mistake, like accidentally breaking a toy, we use it as an opportunity to teach him about responsibility and problem-solving.
The Power of Conscious Parenting
This incident taught me the power of Conscious parenting. By choosing empathy, understanding, open communication, and positive reinforcement, we avoided a potential power struggle and instead, created a positive and supportive environment for our child.
My Husband’s Support
I’m grateful to have a supportive partner like Raj. He not only encourages me but also models Conscious parenting himself. Together, we’re raising Rohan to be a confident, independent, and compassionate individual.
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The Benefits of Conscious Parenting
- Increased empathy and self-awareness
- Improved emotional regulation
- Better relationships with parents and others
- Increased independence and self-confidence
Scientific Benefits of Conscious Parenting
Research has shown that conscious parenting can lead to:
- Improved brain development
Reduced stress and anxiety
Better social and emotional skills
Conclusion
Conscious parenting is a journey, not a destination. It takes patience, understanding, and empathy. But the rewards are well worth it. By sharing my personal experience, I hope to inspire other parents to embrace Conscious parenting and nurture a strong, loving relationship with their children.
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