The gifts of imperfect parenting
The inspiring Brene Brown has produced a CD that resonates so loud a clear to me. Being an imperfect parent is a gift.
How great is that - I'm all ears!
I like to share resources that encourage me to let go of my own story and open up my heart to being a mum that I am proud of. The work of Brene Brown I have previously shared and I believe she's the best resource when it comes to living and parenting. You can find her TED talk and other video's here including her interview with Oprah.
The essence of her work lies in embracing courage, vulnerability and wholeheartedness in ourselves and like the ripple effect when a pebble is thrown into the water, it sends messages of love and change deep into the DNA of our children. You can't give what you haven't got.
Sometimes I think I'm the best parent when the kids are not around; my children have asked why am I a much better mum to the kids at ballet than I am at home? Of course I reply with a very witty and sarcastic comment as I try to hide the stab of parent failure; grilling myself for not being the perfect mum.
It was a true gift to hear that I don't have to be perfect (which was a blessing, considering the day before I started listening to these CD's I sent my kids to school on a pupil free day!)
Instead I'm embracing imperfection to help teach my kids to have the courage to be authentic, the compassion to love themselves and others, and the sense of connection that gives true purpose and meaning to life.
I can't recommend enough this CD (talking book) The Gifts of Imperfect Parenting - you can purchase from Book Depository for $18.00 with free post and you don't need to find time to sit down and read the book, just download to your iPod or play in the car - parenting therapy on the go - Perfect easy!
I have two double CD's to give away - if you would like a chance to win one please be courageous and leave a comment with your perfect example of imperfect parenting.
J O Y
Comments
- "Thanks for your big heart comments on the Big Steps blog, I have a double CD to send to you both.
I hope you love Brene Brown and these talking books as much as I do.
Lots of love and courage
Kate B xx"
By Big Steps Little Feet on Mon 3rd, June, 2013 at 07:23 PM - "By trying not to parent as our parents have in the past and refrain from smacking, I decided to use 'time out' as a form of dealing with 'difficult' behaviour. On one occasion my son's tantrum ended in him biting me and the only way I felt I could deal with him and his screaming was for him to have time out outside our front door. This lead to a concerned neighbour ringing my doorbell and informing me that there was a screaming child outside my house and was everything ok? I was so embarrassed words can not describe the hole I wanted to crawl into ........."
By Shenoha on Mon 3rd, June, 2013 at 04:08 PM - "Despite my best efforts I’m sure I am the unwitting poster girl for Imperfect Parenting. From forgetting enough nappies for my newborn baby and resorting to serviettes and a plastic bag, to letting my now-toddler fall asleep at night on her fold-out sofa (fail #1) in the lounge room (fail #2) in front of the TV (hat trick!) - on more than one occasion. I say 'I love you' waaaay too much but feel irreconcilable guilt when I raise my voice. Birds Eye and Latina feature heavily in her diet. I haven’t even entertained the thought of toilet training. For all of my own imperfection, I have the most beautiful, happy and loving child on earth. So I must humbly concede that I'm doing something right. Thank goodness for that!"
By Tully Rosenberg on Fri 31st, May, 2013 at 04:44 PM
