If they love something, they will work towards it. Our aim needs to be to help them find their own feet, their own path, which is the way for them to become self-regulated. Can you explain how parents can achieve this?ĭr Shefali: Parenting is not about raising children in our own image. PC: So, in a way, you are saying that parents should raise their children to be 'self-regulated, independent and autonomous'. We work with our children, not by controlling them, but by allowing them to flourish from within. By connecting in this manner, we know how to handle each situation. This is precisely what 'conscious parenting' facilitates! We listen to, tune in, and pay attention. Does that mean there is no one right way of parenting?ĭr Shefali: Each child is indeed unique, which means she must be approached in an individual manner and not in a formulaic way. PC: You have always stated that 'each child is different'. This is how a self-defined, self-disciplined life develops. Everything children require for a successful life is within them - our task is to provide a nurturing environment that draws it out, rather than imposing society's ways on them. This, in turn, equips parents to help children discover and develop their resilience, creativity and character. Parenting consciously is about first growing into parenthood, by allowing our children to show us the ways in which we aren't yet mature. Failure to truly connect with children is the root cause of their behavioural issues. Without awareness, we fail to connect, because we hear what we want to hear, or we set up a mental debate with what our child is saying. As I attuned myself to clients, I began to spot the real issues, all of which revolved around a lack of awareness - both of their children, and indeed of themselves. I found that traditional approaches, either of strict discipline or a more laissez-faire approach, simply weren't working. Tell us a bit about its inception and meaning?ĭr Shefali: The idea of 'conscious parenting' grew out of a combination of my own experience as a mother and those of my clients. You are also the messiah of 'conscious parenting'. You are one of the most revered names in the parenting space, globally. PC: Thank you for taking time to chat with ParentCircle. ParentCircle catches up with Dr Shefali Tsabary, author of The New York Times bestseller, The Conscious Parent, to learn more about the parenting tips that even have Oprah Winfrey's commendation. One that is spoilt for technology, but is desperately short on time one that is bombarded with research-driven mumbo jumbo, but misses on the bigger picture one that is constantly racing to be the best, yet has no time to stop and smell the roses!īringing the focus back to the simpler joys and gratification of being a parent, is the parenting style which is as natural in its beauty as the dimple in a child's cherubic cheek. We are a new generation of parents today.

Dr shefali the conscious parent