Can we just be honest about something? Everybody just thinks they're supposed to know how to be a parent, and then they freaking hand you this kid in the hospital, and you go home, and you're like, where's the manual? If you have been struggling with parenting, and you are struggling to run a business it's not for the faint of heart.

Today's guest, Holly Swenson, is an award-winning and best-selling author of "Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow", a revolutionary book on conscious parenting.

She's also a wellness blogger and perpetual student of life. Formally trained as a registered nurse and mother to four incredible sons, she brings her wisdom and lived experience to the forefront of her writing as a means to help others on their parenting and personal path.

In today's episode, Holly drops tools, tips and talks about the five rights of parenting, which is a pattern and a method she picked up from being a nurse.

Holly says becoming an author stemmed from having her four children and wanting to create a book that would serve other parents.

"I think parenting is one of the most intense initiations you will ever face in life," says Holly. "You know, it's awesome, it's beautiful, it's joyful, but it can be messy and trying."

She says self-awareness is a good first step, as many parents are so busy and don't necessarily have the time to slow down and pause. When you're giving and giving for your family, you can forget to check in on how you're doing as a person.

Holly drew from her background in nursing to develop the 5 rights of parenting – an homage to the 5 rights of medication administrating. This check in asks that you're doing the right thing and not causing harm (the right medication, the right time, the right dose.)

In the same vein, the 5 rights of parenting is a way to touch base with how you're presenting as a parent. They work to ensure you're doing the right thing and not causing unnecessary harm to your child or yourself in the process. Here are the 5 rights of parenting:

Right now: This speaks to being in the moment with your child and being present. Right intent: This is being intentional about the choices you make, the guidelines you set, and how you treat your child. If you don't know why you're doing what you're doing, it might be time to reevaluate your parenting strategy.

Right use of speech: This can be one of the toughest rights to implement. As a parent, your voice is a tool of creation; you have the power to uplift or tear down.

Right use of power: This is something that you want to wield with care. You are the one responsible for setting boundaries, the discipline, and as the parent have the final say in whatever you might arise.

Right use of love: Holly says when you let your child know how much you love them and are there for them, it will help plant their spirit in deep, rich soil as they grow. "Reflection is really that superpower in personal growth and in parenting," says Holly. Reflection helps you take more ownership of who you are as an individual. Holly says even when you're going through a hard time, rather than avoid the moments, try to align yourself and work through it. Try to become braver, stronger, better, kinder.

Connect with Holly Swenson : https://www.liveyourglow.live | On Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/hollyswenson_liveyourglow/

Other GoG episodes you might want to check out:

How to Deal With Mom Guilt and Balance https://sarahwalton.com/albiona/

Top Strengths of the Highly Sensitive Entrepreneur https://sarahwalton.com/highly-sensitive-person/

You can check out our podcast interviews on YouTube, too! http://bit.ly/YouTubeSWalton

Thank you so much for listening. I'm so honored that you're here and would be so grateful if you could leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts by clicking here, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking "Write a review." Then, we'll get to inspire even more people!

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