Mindful Parenting Online Workshop #4

1. Do I want what’s good for my child or what’s best?

It is natural for parents to advise their children to pursue the safe, predictable, and practical route. Parents do this because they don’t want their children to experience uncertainty or discomfort. This is a good path. But, is this the best path?

2. Do I measure my success as a parent by the quality of the relationship, or by how effectively I can control my child?

Winning parents understand that it’s more important to build a relationship with their child than it is to find innovative ways to control their behaviour. Just because your child obeys your instructions doesn’t mean that you’re a world-class parent. It just means that your child is obedient.

3. Do I recognise that I’m responsible to my child not for him or her?

Parents often think that they’re responsible for their children. Responsible for their academic performance, for their behaviour, for their social etiquette. But NO. Parents are only responsible to their children.

4. Do I focus more on what my child does or on whom he/she is becoming?

Winning parents understand that every great student, musician,athlete, entrepreneur, technician, salesperson, etc came to a point where they committed to greatness. Commitment involves making a choice. You can’t force someone to be great. That’s why successful parents don’t coerce their children into taking action. Instead, they allow their children to make choices and to take responsibility for those choices.