I really liked Gwyneth’s latest Goop focused on mindful parenting… (it's not online yet, but should eventually show up in the ‘Be’ section) especially these words from Camila Batmanghelidjh:
“As a parent contemplates the most important tasks, they need to take on board both the sophistication and the simplicity of being with their child in a thoughtful way. Your children don’t need excessive material goods or constant trips and gifts. The best present you can give them is the availability of your mind…
So learn the art of just thoughtfully being there: noticing them, praising them or maybe doing simple things together. It could be a bedtime story, cooking and washing, or going to the park together. You could read books or newspapers to your child or simply notice what they’re doing. While they’re with you, they could draw, do their homework or just lounge around.”
And this passage from Cynthia Bourgeault:
“For eighteen years my own mother managed, scolded, imposed manners, dragged us kids off to Sunday school, arranged lessons in necessary social graces, chaperoned parties and supervised homework. And yet, for all that gray blur of duty, the one day I truly remember from my childhood was the day she simply gathered up her beloved oil paints and marched us off to a local arboretum. As my brother and I explored the gardens, I watched her a short distance away, poised before her easel, golden sunlight streaming down her face, completely entranced in what she was doing. How I loved her in that moment! And the unspoken lesson on following your bliss has remained with me for nearly six decades.”
It’s amazing that even though I inherently know these things (the importance of being present with the girls and making sure they know what I love, what truly brings me joy), I still get so caught up in the daily tasks of child rearing and managing our home that I forget how essential they are…
