Transformational Parenting Philosophy
There is a lot of room for interpretation within the Transformational Parenting philosophy and we want it to be a guiding force rather than strictly adhered to as some sort of impenetrable doctrine. Please embrace what works, explore, and ask for clarification as necessary.
- Transformational Parenting can be simply summed up in one statement: Making the most of parenting now, in the present, through deepening your connection with yourself, your child, and the Creative Energy of Life.
- Children and parents originate from an undefinable Source of Life which embodies Love. Each child and parent is an expression of this Source of Life and Love although it may be necessary to develop the awareness that this is true. The work of Transformational Parenting is compatible with all religions and also with those who do not embrace any type of religion as it is not based on any particular religion, but on threads that support respect, responsibility, and love.
- Transformation of one’s parenting is possible and probable regardless of how a parent has parented up to the point they commit to the Transformational Parenting journey. The past is valuable for reflection, but does not predict the future when transformation is desired. Parents can start wherever they are because all they truly have is now.
- The experiences we define as problematic or difficult with children are actually opportunities in disguise. Parenting itself is a grand series of these opportunities which result in one huge possibility: to realize one’s true nature which is one of peace, love, and joy.
- The Transformational Parenting journey is defined by the following components which go hand in hand with each other: awareness that something is not working and a desire for harmony, willingness to entertain new ideas and further one’s understanding of him or herself and children, commitment to be with what comes up (feel emotions fully while acknowledging any message they are giving when applicable), willingness and commitment to practice releasing resistance (beliefs, thoughts, and behavior patterns that are not helpful), development of self-love and love for others.
- A parents greatest freedom and point of empowerment is within his or her own mind, body, and spirit. Attention to thoughts and emotions is paramount for the Transformational Parenting journey.
- A place of peace exists within each parent. This is the basis or foundation of the person and can be experienced through conscious relaxation or meditation. Practicing techniques to enhance the ability to connect with this place of peace within allows the parent to bring it into parenting and everyday experiences to enhance life.
- Parents carry the innate ability to be the expert on their own children even though this ability may need nurturing to be fully realized.
- Children and parents have an innate characteristic of self-preservation although this function may need nurturing to be fully realized.
- It is not the parent’s responsibility to control their child(ren). It is the parent’s responsibility and opportunity to influence children in a way that respects and enhances the child’s life and the world as a whole.
- There are practices throughout humanity that nurture well being and encourage harmonious parenting simply by embracing them, some of which include: empowered childbirth, breastfeeding, close contact to encourage healthy connection between child and caregiver(s), baby wearing, elimination communication, intuitive eating, nourishing the family’s rhythm, and compassionate communication. Parents can benefit from Transformational Parenting with or without having used these practices in their life. Parents who benefit from Transformational Parenting are encouraged to explore the connection creating aspects of these practices and can do so at any point, even beyond the years when some of them would be actually practiced (i.e. breastfeeding and baby wearing).
- A child and parent’s natural and desirable state is one of complete well being. Undesirable behavior in children (or their parents) signifies an imbalance which the person is trying to resolve to get back the balance of well being. It is first important to address one’s basic physical needs: rest/sleep, eating/drinking, elimination, and connection to the parent and source of Life. Acknowledgment of the child or parent’s feelings is paramount and in itself can resolve an imbalance. The acknowledgment of feelings becomes easier as one is able to accept his or her own feelings. The next step is simple guidance towards appropriate behavior.
- Children and parents function optimally when their basic bodily needs of eating, drinking, rest/sleeping, eliminating, and connection are honored.
- Support for the Transformational Parenting journey does facilitate easier transformation for the parent and can include: thoughts and practice, acknowledgment of and deliberate connection to the Source of Life, and outside people who are truly accepting and affirm the steps the parent is taking to transform their parenting.
- Parenting in the present is simple, fun, and brings harmony to all areas of life.
