After losing my sixteen year old “Goose” in 2015 I experienced one of the hardest things in life, especially for a parent , the death of a child. In some ways I am still recovering and healing from it after all of these years. I try to continue to learn what I can and grow from the experience.
In 2022, I was blessed with a second child, Sage.
They were a miracle pregnancy and born five weeks early. We spent their first week of life in the natal intensive care unit. I was reminded how precious life is, especially children’s lives.
When we brought them home I was reminded how much time and energy goes into raising a child. I mean, obviously, but I think parents can forget as children grow up just how hard it was taking care of them, especially in the beginning.
Forgetting how hard parenting can be is probably a biological coping mechanism for evolution.
I try to use my experience with Goose, learn what I can from it, and apply it to how I raise Sage. I am trying to avoid things I would have done differently, and be mindful to do them differently.
Being more present is a big practice for me, parenting mindfully. I want to be aware of the attitude, energy, actions and words I use with them and around them. They all have an effect, some better than others.
Children are constantly learning from their environments and especially witnessing and engaging their parents. Children are learning without a filter, forming their unconscious beliefs about themselves and the world. I
It is vital parents mindfully filter their actions and environments to successfully support healthy growth and development. This not only happens physically, but mentally, emotionally and unconsciously.
Infinitely easier said than done!
To all of the parents out there, you are all my hero’s for giving your time and energy to the most important thing in the world, our children, and the future of the planet and our species.