Ground Yourself During a Tense Parenting Moment

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 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 a meltdown. 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: sights, sounds, tactile feelings, smells and tastes. 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.

Don’t like ads? Become a supporter and enjoy The Good Men Project ad free

. . .

Kate Lynch is a meditation coach and inclusive yoga teacher. She specializes in supporting anxious parents of atypical kids with the tools that help her get through the day. Kate works privately and in small groups to provide personal attention and support. Connect at healthyhappyyoga.com.

—

This post was previously published on A Parent Is Born.

***

Join The Good Men Project as a Premium Member today.

All Premium Members get to view The Good Men Project with NO ADS.

A $50 annual membership gives you an all access pass. You can be a part of every call, group, class and community.
A $25 annual membership gives you access to one class, one Social Interest group and our online communities.
A $12 annual membership gives you access to our Friday calls with the publisher, our online community.