Mindfulness in Motherhood

In this blog post I share how you can become more mindful while being a mum. I know that it isn't always simple!

Daily Moments

Sometimes, being in the moment can feel easy when you have moments of joy, awe or gratitude.

When something you perceive as being positive or exciting you might feel more able to focus your full attention on it. This could be a milestone in your child's life, such as their first steps or first day at school.

At other times, it can feel like your mind is always thinking about what's already happened in your day or what you need to do later.

If you've had a non-stop morning or a very early waking you might be counting down the hours until bedtime. On the other hand, if you have an event or important appointment happening later that day you might spend your time thinking about how it will go.

If you have a young child who has tantrums, you could be regularly thinking about the future and when the tantrum phase will end.

Your child could be neurodivergent and experience meltdowns. During these times, it might feel challenging to stay calm and present when your child is dysregulated.

This could be especially the case if you feel worried or anxious about what other people might be thinking if you're in public.

Exploring mindfulness practices can not only benefit your own mental health and wellbeing but your child's too.

How Mindfulness Impacts your Child

When you use mindfulness techniques, to help bring you into the present and as a tool to practise self-compassion, your child(ren) will sense your calm energy.

I'm sure you already know that children are like sponges and pick up on everything. This includes the energy of other people, and as you will be one of, or solely, their primary caregiver they'll spend a large amount of time in your presence. Therefore, they will absorb your energy.

Mindfulness helps you become more aware of your feelings and emotions. This can help you recognise any repetitive emotions and thought patterns.

During motherhood, there are many different thoughts about yourself and your child that will come to your mind. Some of these thoughts will be helpful and others will be unhelpful.

The unhelpful thoughts are what can cause you to experience self-critical thoughts or anxious thoughts when you guess what potentially will happen in future. Becoming aware of any unhelpful thoughts, and not judging them, can help you feel more peaceful within yourself. This can result in you having more patience and feeling more connected with your child.

Additionally, if you practise mindfulness techniques in front of your child(ren), they will see and potentially copy you or pay attention to what you're doing.

For instance, if they see you pause and take a deep breath before doing something, or reacting in a heightened way, they might copy you the next time they're feeling annoyed or worried about something.

Mindful Living

Living mindfully while looking after a child takes practice, and there will be times when it feels impossible to pause and simply be in the moment.

Your mind will often be jumping between thoughts about what you need to do next and not on the activity you're doing in that moment.

When I was writing my book ‘Mindful Living: A Guide for You and Your Family’ I knew that it can be hard for parents, and especially, mums to have much time to themselves.

I also guessed that when you do have time to yourself you probably don't think about spending that time sitting and listening to a meditation.

That's why I decided to write about ways to feel more present in everyday moments.

Through storytelling and reflective activities, you'll discover how to spend more time connecting to the present during busy family moments.

The eBook version is currently on sale for only £5.99, find out more and order your copy here.

Mindful Living: A Guide for You and Your Family is also available in paperback on Amazon or directly from myself here.

Online Course

Are you an additional support needs parent who wants to discover more about how mindfulness can reduce stress?

Mindful Living: A Guide for You and Your Family, and my children's books, is included as a bonus in The Mindful Reconnect for ASN Parents.

This 8 week self-paced course also includes meditations, and more, for if you want to create time to relax with more formal mindfulness practices.

You can dscover more about the course here.

Talks

I also offer a talk/workshop about how mindfulness can reduce stress for mums. Email me at hello@butterfly-minds.co.uk to discuss more.