Intuitive Parenting
We don’t come into this world as experts about how to be a good mum or dad. I’ve learned a ton from parenting books and experts who have really helped me to develop more loving and methodical parenting methods. My tally of mistakes is likely equal to the tally to things I get right as a mother on any given day. There are so many ideals and standards set for us as parents. It’s a tough job. Sometimes the right answers are elusive.
Though books and experts can be critical as we seek to find our way through this most mysterious of life experiences, they are not the be-all. There also exists an intuitive level to parenting that we can access if we are willing to tune in with love and trust. At times, when I find myself at my whit’s end with my children, I remember this.
Usually it takes me wearing out all my worldly wisdom before I turn to intuition. When one of my kids pushes disrespect to a new level, or when another child spouts wisdom from the heart that is well beyond their years, or when someone’s digestion is wonky no matter what the naturopath says, then I remember that it often takes just a little stillness, and a little “going inward” to figure out my next steps.
When we bring intuition into the realm of parent, we discover a layer of reality between parent and child in which children exist not as our charges, but rather as our equals. In this place they emit their own pure energy and personality, not to be formed by us, but simply to be experienced by us, and us by them.
On this elemental level, we are all pure spirit. As equals we have the opportunity to experience pure unqualified relationship. Here is where children can discover both their own humanity and the humanity of their parents. This is where a parent may (at moments) depart from the role of care-giver and be seen by the child as simply, Being.
Here our children can be our teachers, illuminating the best and worst of ourselves while they discover the best and worst of themselves. In this place they can also reflect their deeper needs to us and we have an opportunity to respond to their needs intuitively, even if what we discover here goes against popular opinion.
On this very sacred level we are all simply here to know and be known, to teach and be taught within an energetic flow that is about humanity, not parenting. Here, parent and child are two souls, looking into each other, requiring love from each other, and also experiencing pain as we grapple with the experience of Being.
As our little people charge ahead into school years, adolescence, and beyond, take heart and look beyond their developmental stages. Remember the intuitive level where you will continue to exist together. Trust this place. Go here to relate to them, at any age. This energetic level will never leave us. Regardless of age; here we are free to experience and grow together, becoming more aware human beings through relationship.
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