Buddhism’s acceptance in Western culture is growing, and some of its tenets are now being discussed in relation to parenting. The concepts of “Zen,” “compassion,” and, of course, “mindfulness” are the ones that immediately spring to mind. But what do these ideas actually signify in real-world situations?
Here are five key ideas from Buddhism that will support you as you begin your parenting journey.
1. Realize that a strong mind is one that is stable.
Buddhism holds that everything in life is continually changing. Because of this, stability comes not from outside factors but rather from how we respond to unpredictable events: we may choose to develop a stable mind.
2. Encourage the idea of transience in your life.
The majority of us in our culture tend to avoid the notion that things are always changing. We enjoy regularity, routine, and habit. However, the Buddhist idea that everything is ephemeral and in continual motion has enormous insight.
3. Recognize and accept your anxiousness.
Buddhists are aware that there is perpetual worry due to impermanence. Anxiety is a normal sense of being alive in a transient environment, not a warning that something is wrong. Therefore, neither we nor our children can “fix” this feeling within ourselves. Every everyone has anxiety on sometimes, and when we recognize and accept it, the misery we experience as a result of it vanishes.
4. Simply pay attention to all of your child’s feelings.
Buddhism teaches us to be aware of life’s changes and to accept what is. Emotions are neither “good” nor “evil,” for this reason. Buddhists understand that emotions are only messengers carrying information about the current situation.
5. Have faith in your kid’s resiliency.
There is loss and disappointment in daily life. It is a natural instinct for parents to cushion and shield their kids from life’s rough edges.
Source:mindbodygreen
