In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to raise children that are RESILIENT to the effects of the world around them, and to be mindful of their thoughts and feelings. We’re all learning just how much our thoughts shape our reality, as well as the beliefs we hold about ourselves. Why this information isn’t taught to each and every child in school from an early age is beyond me. Because of this, it’s our job as parents to teach the good stuff at home.
Affirmation Cards
I truly couldn’t do this without the help of our Love Powered Co affirmation cards. They’ve been absolutely essential to beginning deep conversations with my nine year old son, and setting the foundation for a lasting connection between us. Our family owns every single deck! Each one comes with tips and tricks, or even games to play, in order to begin the process and make it FUN. When our kids become older we want them to find it easy to talk to us. As parents, we hope they’ll tell us what’s bothering them or even what great things may have happened that day.
A quote by Catherine M. Wallace comes to my mind often: “Listen earnestly to anything your children want to tell you, no matter what. If you don’t listen eagerly to the little stuff when they are little, they won’t tell you the big stuff when they are big, because to them all of it has always been big stuff.”
Toddlers
While my toddler can’t communicate her feelings through words just yet, bringing out these affirmation cards is seriously one of her favorite activities. We have a calming corner set up with The Time-In Toolkit from Generation Mindful, which includes posters and stickers. Right now, my daughter just looks at the pictures and pulls a card that I read to her. She almost always pulls the “I am Light” card at least once which is more than true about her little soul. Because we’ve made this a part of her routine early on, she’ll think of it as completely normal as she grows!
Older Children
Years ago, when my son was a toddler I didn’t have these mindfulness tools, although we did play with tarot cards. I’ve always taught him about the power of affirmations and changing our beliefs. For those that are unable to afford these at this time as well, just start the discussion. Show your children examples of negative thinking, and teach them the power they hold to create the world around them. Be mindful of your actions and day to day, and remember they’re always watching your example.
Let them see your full range of emotions – the disappointment, sadness, and even anger! By doing this, you’re teaching them it’s all okay (which it is!). Negative emotions aren’t “bad”, they’re just a way of your system regulating itself. Staying stuck is when problems can occur, or when we decide to hide these parts of ourselves out of shame. However, if we’re taught early on that we can feel all of these feelings without fear and let it all out, these periods will pass. Then, we’ll be able to move on as resilient, mindful children – lighter, freer, and able to take on whatever life throws at us next.
Read more on the importance of mindfulness and what else is in my personal toolbox:
- How to Practice Mindfulness with a Busy Lifestyle
- Why We Shouldn’t Worry When Things Go Wrong
- Breaking Through Resistance of the Mind
- Let Go and Watch Your Life Transform
- A Tip for Quieting the Mind
