Your Ultimate Tool for Stress-Free Parenting

To me this is the most important skill set that you to practice as a parent. In a toddler and
guardian yoga class yesterday, the teacher asked this question what advice would you give to
new parents?

I’m Sandy Woznicki, stress and anxiety coach and I love working with parents
because they see that the work that they do on themselves helps them show up as better parent
and is an amazing example for their kids.

I think the most important skill set that we need to practice as parents is emotional regulation. Our little monsters, beautiful angels, are not born knowing how to regulate their emotions and their nervous system. They need us for that.

But in order to do that, you need to know what triggers you and how you typically react to those
triggers. And you need to be able to catch yourself being triggered so you can actually do
something about it, which is to either step away and process it or if you catch it in time to be
able to calm and ground yourself right then and there in the moment.

With practice, impatience, and self-support, you can get to a place where these things just don’t trigger you like they used to. And that’s when you know you’re getting control over how you feel.

Emotional regulation helps you stay in control when your kids are acting bananas, or if your partner does something that triggers you, or if plans change unexpectedly is something that triggers you. It helps them to calm back down and to feel safe. It shows them what it looks like to stay in control.

Our kids need to see examples of what it looks like to be able to calm and regulate your emotions. When we are in control of our emotions, we have access to all of our tools for communication, empathy and understanding.

And being able to regulate our emotions is so important to keep ourselves from getting burnt out. In the 21-day Meditation in Action Emotional Transformation, we teach the Notice Acknowledge and Redirect Pattern to learn how to develop more emotional regulation.

This is where you’re going to learn mindful self-awareness so that you can catch
yourself getting triggered. To be able to acknowledge and process this emotional reaction in a
really healthy way and then to redirect your energy and your focus with grace and with control.

Source: The surprise side benefit of regulating your own emotions

Keep reading or watch this Reel to learn this ultimate tool for a stress-free parenting.

Why Emotional Regulation Matters

Babies aren’t born knowing how to control their emotions or nervous systems; they rely on us to teach them this crucial skill. To do that, we need to start with ourselves. Here’s the kicker: you can’t teach what you don’t know. Therefore, emotional regulation becomes not just essential for your child’s development but for your growth as a parent.

So, what exactly is emotional regulation? It’s the ability to manage your emotional responses, especially when faced with triggers, and it’s a game-changer in parenting. When you’re in control of your emotions, you can stay calm even when your little ones are acting like adorable terrors or when life throws curveballs your way.

The Three-Step Path to Emotional Regulation

• Notice: The first step is self-awareness. Recognize your triggers and emotional responses. Are you quick to anger when your toddler throws a tantrum in the grocery store? Does your partner’s actions sometimes send you into a tailspin? Noticing your emotional reactions is the first step toward change.

• Acknowledge: Once you’ve noticed your emotional response, it’s time to acknowledge it. Don’t beat yourself up; instead, give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Emotional reactions are natural, but how you handle them matters.

• Redirect: With awareness and acknowledgment in place, it’s time to redirect your energy and focus. Rather than reacting impulsively, take a moment to breathe and regain your composure. This isn’t just about suppressing your feelings; it’s about responding thoughtfully and consciously.

Becoming a Role Model for Your Children

Why does emotional regulation matter so much in parenting? Because your kids are watching. When they see you stay calm and composed in the face of adversity, you’re teaching them a valuable lesson. You’re showing them what it means to regulate their emotions and handle life’s challenges with grace.

Moreover, emotional regulation equips you with essential tools for effective communication, empathy, and understanding. It’s the key to maintaining your own mental and emotional well-being amidst the demands of parenthood.

The bottom line

By practicing mindful self-awareness, you can catch yourself in the act of being triggered, acknowledge your emotions in a healthy way, and redirect your focus with poise and control. It’s a game-changing skill that can transform your parenting journey.

Parenting isn’t about being perfect; it’s about progress. So, take a deep breath, embrace emotional regulation, and watch as both you and your children thrive.

Where to go from here:

1. Work with me 1:1: For leaders and parents feeling lost trying to grow and heal on their own, ready for a guide on their journey out of anxiety into the happiest, most Zen-Badass version of yourself from the boardroom to the family room.
   
2. 21 Day Meditation-in-Action emotional transformation (now only $37). In as few as 4 minutes a day, learn how to retrain your mind for resilience, peace and focus.
   
3. Free Training – Learn the 4 Shifts to Ease Anxiety and Find Your Inner Zen-Badass: Access the free mini-but-mighty Graceful Resilience® training to learn the skills to become calm, confident and in control over your emotions so your career and relationships thrive.