Stress is a normal part of life and essential to our survival. But, high levels of stress can make it a challenge for us to be the sensitive, responsive and loving parents our children need. Fortunately, research is deepening our understanding of what it takes to be a sensitive parent in the face of the stress we all experience. One key findings is the importance of self-compassion to parental well-being and sensitive parenting. So, what exactly is self-compassion? And, how can we tap into it?

 

Emmy Reilly, doctoral candidate at the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota, joins Marti and Erin to discuss research on the important connection between self-compassion and parenting. She shares insights and tips on using self-compassion to support our parenting, and includes a good dose of research to back up her findings. You won't want to miss her wisdom on the value of turning the dial of compassion inward.

 

HOW CAN YOU BUILD SELF-COMPASSION AS A PARENT? 

What could you do in the next day or week to direct compassion inward? How might you show yourself more kindness when faced with challenging parenting situations? What could you say to yourself next time you feel tempted to judge your parenting or yourself? How can you shift into a space of acknowledgment without judgment?

 

WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SELF-COMPASSION?

❉ HELPING OUR CHILDREN BUILD SELF-COMPASSION: KEYS TO KINDNESS, GRATITUDE AND COMPASSION FOR OTHERS. We’ve all heard the question, “What kind of world are we leaving for our children?” But Dr. Shilagh Mirgain, a health and sport psychologist at the University of Wisconsin, turns that question on its head and asks, “What kind of children are we leaving for our world?” Whatever the ages of your children, don’t miss this inspiring and practical Mom Enough episode on how to help your children develop compassion for themselves and others, recognizing the common humanity, vulnerability and imperfection we all share.