For a peaceful home, for a peaceful world
For a little while now I’ve wanted to write about why I hate the word “discipline” when used in reference to something parents to do their children, and why I am increasingly rejecting the notion that as parents we need to discipline our children at all. And yes, I’m even including “gentle discipline” in this…
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Last month in The Peaceful Home we were exploring inner work, mindset, and mindfulness for parents. As the days grow darker and nights get longer, I am feeling a real sense of drawing inwards, of craving space for reflection and meditation, carving out time to read, plan, and ponder, and really focus on my own…
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I receive a lot of messages and emails asking for support on how to parent peacefully whilst navigating challenging situations. Here are three common parenting issues and some thoughts on how to approach them. “My son just will not cooperate in the mornings. It’s a fight to get him dressed each day, and getting him…
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An issue that I often come across on peaceful parenting forums and threads goes something like this: “I am a gentle parent. I don’t punish or bribe, I try my best to keep calm, and I have a strong connection with my child. When they act in a way that is unacceptable, I am loving…
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Today it is pouring in London. The candles are out, our cat is furious, and we’ve been reading about rain as we listen to the thunder rumbling outside, watching as flashes of lightning light up the room. I’m not complaining – we could use the rain. But it feels like an odd day to be…
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Are you a playful parent? This week I am writing about the power of play. My aim when working with parents is always to help them find more ease and joy in their parenting, and play is something that puts a big fat tick in each of those boxes. Play can be a powerful way…
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I am often asked about my view on punishments, and why we don’t use them. I hope this blog post sheds some light on why we choose not to use punishments and aim for a gentler, more respectful path when it comes to discipline. Ten reasons why I don’t use punishments: 1. I choose to…
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I usually encourage parents to listen to their instincts when it comes to their children. When working with pregnant women, I suggest that the most important thing they can do is to listen to their bodies and trust their gut feelings (these are rarely wrong – hence why most midwives will tell women that they…
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A “yes space” is simply a space where you don’t feel like you have to always be saying “no”, “don’t touch” and “don’t climb” to your children. Creating “yes spaces” in your home allows everyone to feel more relaxed. Your children are free to touch, explore, move, climb, and look after their own needs, and…
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