As we welcome August, a month often associated with transitions and preparations for the upcoming school year, we want to highlight the work of educators and parents who work with youth and celebrate how the practice of self-compassion can support them in this role.
This time of year can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety, and practicing self-compassion can be a powerful way to navigate these emotions. Parenting with self-compassion involves nurturing ourselves as we nurture our children. It's a gentle reminder to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we offer to our kids. By acknowledging our shared human experience, we recognize that it's okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Staying present with our children, whether through shared activities or simple everyday routines, fosters deeper connections and emotional resilience. This journey is about creating a compassionate and supportive environment for both ourselves and our children, inviting us to return to our own practice of self-care and mindfulness as we navigate the beautiful complexities of parenting.
Being an educator or parent is a demanding and often stressful role. By practicing self-compassion as adults, we can model healthy emotional behavior for our children and youth. As a mom of two young teenagers and an educator who spent twenty years working in high schools, self-compassion was my foundation for supporting myself while helping my kids.
Here are a few gentle reminders of how we can support ourselves when moments get tough with our teens and youth:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel overwhelmed or frustrated. Recognize these feelings without judgment and remind yourself that it’s normal to have them.
- Practice Self-Kindness: Speak to yourself in a supportive and encouraging manner. Replace self-criticism with words of kindness and understanding.
- Mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and avoid getting caught up in negative thoughts about the past or future. This can help in responding to your child’s needs more effectively.
- Model Self-Compassion: Let your children see you being kind to yourself. This teaches them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that they should treat themselves with the same kindness.
Some of you may be wondering how you can help your children and teens develop self-compassion to support their emotional well-being. Here are a few ways I bring self-compassion into my family and work:
- Encourage Open Conversations: Create a safe space for your children to talk about their feelings. Listen without judgment and validate their emotions.
- Teach Mindfulness: Introduce mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, to help them stay grounded and present.
- Again: Model Self-Compassion: Demonstrate how you practice self-compassion in your daily life. Share your experiences and how you deal with difficult emotions.
- Encourage Positive Self-Talk: Help them reframe negative thoughts and encourage them to speak kindly to themselves.
- Normalize Imperfection: Emphasize that making mistakes is part of learning and growing. Encourage them to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
I’m thrilled that we have an upcoming offering for parents this August and more coming up in the next few months for you to join us on this journey of self-compassion with youth and teens. Whether you are a parent, guardian, educator, or mentor, embracing self-compassion can create a nurturing environment for both you and the youth you support.
May August be a month of kindness, understanding, and growth.
Lisa Baylis, CMSC Education Director, Certified MSC Teacher
