Ground Yourself During a Tense Parenting Moment

How do you collect and ground yourself during a tense parenting moment? How will you survive the storm of your child's big emotions? 

Try a visualization, meditation or breath pattern and practice until it becomes part of you.

Nichi's pug Millie gives her comfort when life is a challenge. Millie sat in on our chat on the Mindfully Parenting Atypical Kids Podcast. 

I know you will relate to Nichi when she asks, "How do I extract myself from my kids so I can ground myself? I need something quick that helps in the moment." 

My answer isn't earth shattering... 

Try a resource anchor, or emotional balance tool. 

Your anchor can be any visualization, meditation or breath pattern that you practice a lot until it becomes part of you. Then, you can reach for it to anchor you when the seas get stormy.

Practice when you're alone, then in a calm time with your kids, then during the aftermath of a storm, and then finally during. It is not instantaneous. Give yourself permission to take time with this.

You are the one you can most readily affect, so keep the focus on yourself.

We also discussed systemic issues that parents are often made to believe we are responsible for. It can feel really lonely. You are not alone.

I’m so happy Nichi agreed to share our chat with you. Her four-year-old made an adorable appearance at the end.

Cherished Memory Meditation: 

Recall a time you felt held and seen by someone you trust. A time you felt supported, beloved and cherished in your wholeness for exactly who you are. Reach back as far into your past as you need to. Settle your body back into this memory. Recall the sensory impressions associated with that memory. Plant yourself or bathe yourself in the memory. Drink it in. Imagine filling up with the memory. Keep the same memory and practice it often to activate neural pathways. 

Remember, you are not alone. 

I’m not trying to fix anyone’s parenting challenges, I have enough of my own. It can really help to know we’re not alone. Others are dealing with the same issues and trying to be better parents any way they can. Find a way to connect with other parents. 

HERE is your invitation to the Summer Self-Care Club: https://withribbon.com/m/7226

Our podcast is young, and it needs your love to grow up strong and well adjusted! ;) 

If you benefit from the strategies, connection and support this podcast offers, and you want to ensure it reaches other parents walking alongside you on this path, please go to Apple Podcasts and give it a review. 

I would LOVE to hear from more parents. Leave a voice message to inspire a future episode! 

--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/oceansmama/message