When working with developing humans, we’ll experience moments of overwhelm and stress.
However, when these emotions escalate into full-blown reactions,
they stop our ability to be present and mindfully connect with children.
These emotional triggers can stem from:
- past experiences,
- current stressors, and
- our own present thoughts and beliefs.
It's important for us to acknowledge and address these triggers so we can break the cycle of passing them down to future generations.
This helps create a healthier environment for ourselves and children, promoting positive relationships and emotional well-being.
Here’s are 5 ways as a mindful parent, you can bring awareness to your triggers and stop them.
1. Identifying Your Triggers
To disarm your triggers as a parent,
it's crucial to first recognize what sets you off.
Two simple practices are:
- Keeping a journal, or
- Mindfully reflecting on your emotional reactions.
Both of these ways can help you can gain insight into their root causes.
By first understanding these triggers, it empowers you to then address them effectively.
2. Recognizing the Signs of Being Triggered is Key for ‘Mindful Adulting’
Once you've identified your triggers,
it's important to learn how to recognize the signs
that show you're becoming triggered.
These signs may manifest as:
- physical sensations — like tension or a racing heartbeat, or
- emotional responses — such as anger or frustration
Recognizing these cues allows you to take proactive steps
before your emotions spiral out of control.
3. The Importance of Self-Care
Disarming your triggers requires putting self-care first.
When feeling overwhelmed, it's easy to neglect our own needs and well-being; however, taking care of yourself is vital in preventing emotional reactions.
Engaging in self-care activities like:
- exercise,
- meditation, or
- simply carving out time for yourself.
They all help you rejuvenate and equip you the challenges of being an adult working with children.
4. Mindfulness in Parenting
Practicing mindfulness is key in preventing triggering situations altogether.
Mindfulness involves being fully present and aware of:
- your thoughts,
- feelings, and
- surroundings at any given moment.
This awareness enables you to respond with clarity
rather than getting caught up in reactive emotions.
I understand that it’s easier said than done,
but minfulness is essential in mastering the art of diffusing triggers.
Mindfulness empowers you to step in between a stimulus and your response.
3 recommended books on Mindful Parenting are:
- Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel and Mary Hartzell
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
- Raising Good Humans by Hunter Clarke-Fields MSAE
5. Making Conscious Decisions is The Result of Being Mindful While Working with Children
Lastly, it's crucial to make conscious decisions about
how you will respond when feeling triggered.
This can involve:
- taking a step back,
- practicing deep breathing techniques, or
- simply acknowledging your feelings without acting on them immediately.
By making deliberate choices before the interaction,
you regain control over your emotional responses
and become a more mindful and present.
In Conclusion
Being the ‘psychologically wise adult in the room’, means being aware of and in control of our emotional reactions.
By identifying and disarming our triggers,
we can be more present and effective in our parenting journey
while creating a happier, more peaceful family dynamic.
