As parents, we're inevitably going to do things that are painful for our children. When we do, what can we do to repair the connection and help them heal from the experience? And why is loving limits with guilt and shame important?

Aware Parenting: Shopping trips, children, crying and tantrums by Marion Rose, Ph.D.

Conversations with Aware Parenting Instructors: Lael Stone by Marion Rose, Ph.D.

Psychospiritual Parenting: Helping children stay centred in themselves by Marion Rose, Ph.D.

The more we can see that the reasons for our children behaving in ways that we don't enjoy is similar to the reasons for ourselves behaving in ways that we don't enjoy, the more compassion we can have for both of us, and the more likely we are to be able to respond empathically and effectively too!

There's such power in remembering our own childhood, putting ourselves in our child’s shoes and imagining how they might be experiencing our response.

In this conversation with Aware Parenting Instructor Helena Mooney, we talk about how she came upon Aware Parenting, the difference it's made in her own mothering journey, and how she loves sharing it with other parents - especially around the power of play and understanding and responding compassionately and effectively to tantrums. You can find out about Helena's work at: http://www.birthandparenting.com.au/

This is the first in a series of interviews with Dr. Aletha Solter, the founder of The Aware Parenting Institute and author or 5 books. You can find out more about her work at www.awareparenting.com