Being a Happy Parent
Parents who are not happy often were raised by those who were not happy. They are perpetuating a cycle that can be stopped. Taking responsibility for being happy, despite stress and worry, can work wonders for creating strong, happy families.
First Step, Recognition
Margaret Paul, Ph.D. of innerbonding.com teaches the importance of being a happy parent. Stress and worry exists, there is no questioning that, but that does not mean we must dwell on such things. Focusing on solutions, rather than the sources of stress and worry will help create more empowering feelings. Recognize that people choose their emotions. It is important that parents model and actively teach this to children.
Outer Satisfaction vs. Inner Harmony
Keeping the house in order, helping children manage their schedules, and making sure bills are paid are certainly important things for parents to do. Recognize though that these are outward activities. Managing the outer activities is important but if these things are done and negativity or sadness still abound inside, it’s time to take a closer look.
Questions Lead to Answers
When the exteriors of life are under control; care the home, the job, the family, but there are still feelings of anxiousness inside, it’s time to take a closer look. Ask yourself why you’re feeling the way you do. The answers may not come right away, but give it a bit of time and answers will come to you. Whatever answers come to you, address them. Work through them. For most things you have only three choices, act on it, defer it to a definite time or file it away.
We Move in the Direction of Our Most Dominant Thoughts
When you think and behave in ways that are loving to ourselves and others chances for happiness are much greater. Recognize that your emotions are completely the result of your own thoughts and actions. You can choose to be discontented or you can choose to be pleased. Things around you may not be exactly as you would like them, but how you react to situations is entirely your choice.
Separate Children from their Actions
Children will sometimes do things parents don’t approve of. This is natural. Realize that these actions are paths that the child is taking. It is a parent’s job to help children learn from the choices they make. Never stop loving. Always be encouraging. Children control their own action and parents control their responses to these actions. Children are not what they do. Keeping this in mind will help maintain a healthier, happier frame of mind.
Stay Tuned In
When you start to feel negative, stop. Count the many more reasons you have to be happy. Learn to access a spiritual source of inner guidance to help you through to a more peaceful place. Rather than dwell on negatives, take actions that bring peace. Parents set the tone of the home. Being at peace with oneself is a sure way to create a happier home.