029: Calm and Connected Parenting Tips

Today I’m talking all about connected parenting.

My daughter struggled going to school this morning and I wanted to share how I supported her and her poor little nervous system.

Here are some of the strategies I implemented:

1. Long strong cuddles (at least 20 seconds)
2. Deep breathing
3. Asking gentle questions
4. Validating her emotions and feelings: “Stop, Drop, Empathy”
5. Helping her with tasks she was struggling with (getting dressed)
6. I sat next to her in the back of the car on the way to school and held her hand
7. I told her all the reasons I love her (she was STOKED by this, it totally engaged her)

I also:

• Try to keep my cup full (our kids bounce off our own emotions and behaviours)
• Respond with empathy and gentleness
• Recognise that parenting is fucking hard and that we are all doing our best by our kids

In this episode I mention:

• Hiro Boga
• Dr. Carrie Contey
• Steve Biddulph
• Patty Wipfler
• Magda Pecsenye