As you transition to a less punitive view of parenting, it may be helpful to post the following parenting tools and reminders around the house, on the refrigerator or wherever you are likely to see them everyday.

The first question most parents ask after learning about Conscious Parenting is – “Okay I get it, but what do I say now?”

There is a natural hesitancy to try any new technique, especially any action that may be judged negatively by others or perceived to be coddling or indulgent.

Choosing a new set of parenting tools such as respectful communication, cooperative problem-solving and incorporating sensory tools for stress relief are at the crux of shifting your beliefs about children and parenting.

Parenting Tools

• Conflict Resolution
  Peaceful conflict resolution is seriously lacking in our homes and educational systems. It is time to familiarize our children with the tools and processes of getting clear about what they want and need. Teach them to know how they feel so they can approach conflict with enough self-satisfaction and confidence to be open to hearing and considering other perspectives, and prepared to creatively solve problems.
• Language Guide
  Most of our language trips up the connection process because we are stuck in patterns of laying blame, denying responsibility or shifting our focus to right and wrong behavior rather than staying focused on resolution and cooperation.
• Self-Tests
  Be honest. Self-awareness leads to great shifts in understanding. Take time to get to know your shadow side and learn to be okay with ALL of YOU.
• List of Needs
  At the core, we all have the same basic needs that dictate our emotional states and drive our behaviors. Unmet needs lead to stress and disconnection. This parenting tool will help you identify some needs which may be unknowingly sabotaging your interactions.
• Stress Regulation
  A core issue affecting families and kids today. We need more tools to help us manage our stress and help our kids learn to manage theirs.
• Positive Feelings Guide
• Negative Feelings Guide
  Our emotions, like our needs, dictate what choices we make and how we process and perceive events. Our feelings do not have to control us, but we must become aware of what our emotional states are -in order to shift them.

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