Guilt and regret are often very powerful forces when it comes to parenting. You can help to limit their power over you (and by extension, your parenting) by practicing self-compassion. This means acknowledging your mistakes and misfortunes calmly, without harsh judgments. Be aware of what is causing you pain, and understand that your pain is not unique to you alone. Try to forgive yourself for your shortcomings, and be kind to yourself. Doing this can help you align your actions with your values.
Key Takeaways:
- It’s important to practice self-compassion by acknowledging and accepting your shortcomings and regrets without harsh judgment.
- Learn to be aware of your feelings of frustration or anxiety, acknowledge that everyone has similar inner demons, and be kind to yourself about dealing with them.
- There are days and times when practicing mindfulness will be harder than others, but that is alright — you can and should do the best you can but accept that you won’t be perfect.
“Under the influence of life’s daily stresses and strains, the connection between our intentions as a reflection of our values and our attention is all too easily weakened or lost, like a cell phone call that loses clarity or gets dropped.”