It’s easy to focus on disciplining our children. Â After all, they’re young and immature. Â They make mistakes, and lots of them. Â Kids need to learn how to behave in the world, and adults have the experience and knowledge required to guide them. Â Right?
Sort of. Â Except that sometimes it’s hard to follow our own rules.
How can I teach my kids not to yank toys away from each other if I reach down and yank the offending toy away myself? Â How can I tell my daughter not to yell at her sister when I yell when I’m angry, upset or irritable? Â Over and over again I read research that confirms the power of modeling in shaping young children’s behaviour. Â Children do what we do, not what we say, so why do we focus so much on specific parenting techniques?
2011 is my year for taking a new approach. Â A mindful, healthy approach that focuses on my own discipline with a sense of playfulness. Â Playful self-discipline is not about being a perfect parent, or about driving myself into the ground with ever more to-do lists. Â It’s about being the kind of person I want my kids to look up to. Â It’s about challenging myself to be more aware and intentional, about developing my self-control and about having more fun.
I believe that focusing on my own self-discipline will help me be a calmer, happier parent. Â I hope that will radiate outwards to help the rest of the world be a little calmer and happier too.
Each month I write weekly posts around a particular theme. Â You’re welcome to join in!
A Year of Playful Meditation on Self-Discipline and Parenting
Getting Started on the Path of Playful Self-Discipline
January – Physical Health
Changing My Mind About Flossing
February – Mindfulness
Cultivating Mindfulness Through Meditation
March – Organization
April – Uncertainty
Following Bliss Through Uncertainty
May – Communication
Communicating With Eye Contact
June – Challenges
In Which The Deities Responsible for Challenges Laugh and Laugh
Challenges, Manifestation and Goals
July – Beauty
August – Responsibility
Doing the Dishes and Other Responsible Things
Parental Responsibilities, Good Intentions and Real Life
September – Emotional Health
Resources for Emotional Health
October – Gratitude
 November – In Ireland