TOOLS TO POWER-UP YOUR PARENTING

The Power of "Pause"

A Proactive Parent State of Mind is essential to catch yourself when you are on the verge of going reactive and off the deep end. I know how hard it is when we are all upset and get triggered all over the place. We are creatures of habit and things trigger us to scream, yell, make threats and say things we later regret. Instead of allowing ourselves to go into the hot head mode we instead choose to "Press Pause" and create space to regroup and regain composure. We imagine a "pause" button in the middle of our forehead and press when necessary.

The heat of the moment is when you must press pause, because without this time you can really blow it by saying words that cannot be taken back, or taking an action you will later regret. You instead, take a break. Here are some ways to "Press Pause" and create a gap of time:

Ignore               Walk Away               Breathe Deeply               Take a Walk in Nature

Exercise             Listen to Music          Talk to a Friend              Get Centered and Calm

In this gap of time lies your power to choose how you will respond responsibly. This is where you power-up to address the situation in a calm and dignified manner. During this gap in time, as a
Proactive Parent, you:

REHEARSE yourself     PLAN your approach

IMAGINE possible outcomes from your choices

THINK things through and get to the root of the problem

CHOOSE words and tools you will use to teach your child well

Lois Wallin-Sanchez, M.A. - Certified Parent Coach / Consultant - Certified Life Coach
(503) 957-8972   |   www.proactiveparentcoaching.com