Alright y’all, I have started this newsletter for those of you interested in reflecting on your parenting and moving towards, or deepening your practice in, a more partnership-based, relationship-based way of being with your kids.
Here’s a quick definition of what I mean when I say partnership parenting.
Once a week I will share short prompts for you to reflect on, and ideas for you to try out.
If you’re ready, here’s a bit of a longer one to get you started...
When was the last time you gave your kids your undivided attention?
Listen, we all are busy. Even during the times we are not physically busy, our brains are often on overdrive with everything that is going on. During this named pandemic we have adjusted our schedules, our lives, our communities, the way we work, and, for many of us, our family lives too.
Our kids feel both our stress and the stress of their world and daily lives changing. They may have bigger feelings right now, more frustrations, or be retreating inside themselves. They are experiencing stress and discomfort like we are, and for each person it comes out in different ways. That can add a lot of weight to being a parent or caregiver.
Amongst all the daily needs, the work, the meals, the naps (depending on how old your kids are... or if you have time to sneak one in yourself!), and everything else, when was the last time you had a chance to give your kids your undivided attention?
Any young person that is desiring that connection will feel this, but especially our younger ones. If you can give them a couple hours of your undivided time, they may feel more willing to give you the time alone that you need to get your work done, or to take a few moments for yourself. If you are honest in your needs - and your desire to spend quality time with them - that can really help the relationship and relax the collective stress.
If your kids want to, try making a plan with them for when you will spend your time together, and then let them take the lead on what you will do. Let THEM decide what they want to do with that time (within reason and possibility with our current situation, of course!) See if you can make this a consistent practice, and the notice if anything shifts in your relationship.
And don’t forget to find some time for yourself as well. More on that later.
Peace everyone,
Bria
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Thoughts? I want to hear how it went. What you’re thinking. What you’re questioning. What your ideas are. Send me your ideas, thoughts, notes! I would love to hear from you all!
Please share this link with friends who may interested in receiving this weekly prompt.