Raising Thoughtful Kids: Mindful Parenting Strategies with Laura Linn Knight

If I have a favorite story within Pause Breathe Reflect, it's the Tortoise and the Hare. In this week's Story of Connection on The Kintsugi Podcast we revisit this story with Laura Linn Knight, a mindfulness coach, parenting expert, and author. Laura shares her journey from being an overwhelmed parent to discovering non-reactive parenting, mindfulness techniques, and her take on the classic story with her new book, 'The Boasting Hare Learns to Let Go.' 

Key Takeaways:

• Non-Reactive Parenting: Laura Linn Knight emphasizes the importance of taking time to connect one-on-one with your child, especially during calm moments, to prepare for challenging situations.
• Mindfulness Practice: Practicing mindfulness regularly, rather than only in moments of high anxiety, can help maintain a sense of calm and effectively handle stressful situations.
• Understanding Child's Perspective: Laura highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating your child’s feelings, helping them feel heard and supported.
• Role of Prefrontal Cortex: Recognizing that children's prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, isn’t fully developed until their early twenties can help parents approach situations with more patience and understanding.
• Preventative Measures: Implementing mindful practices during non-stressful times creates a foundation that helps manage reactions during more intense moments.

Quotes from Laura: 

• "What's really important is that we do a lot of this kind of work together in times when they're not overwhelmed." 
  
• "I’m not just going to meditate on the day when my anxiety level is like a 99 out of 100... I’m going to meditate in all those calm moments, and then it really works." 
• "We need to act like a prefrontal cortex for our kids, providing scaffolding so they can learn the tools they need to succeed." 

Actionable Tips:

1. Slow Down and Connect: Make time to listen to your children’s concerns and validate their feelings.
2. Practice Regularly: Incorporate mindfulness and meditation into daily routines, not just during crises.
3. Teach Through Play: Use role-playing and interactive activities to teach children how to handle stressful situations.
4. Acknowledge Imperfection: Embrace and communicate the idea that making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing.

About Laura Linn Knight:

Laura Linn Knight is a mindfulness coach, parenting expert, and author dedicated to helping families cultivate mindful, non-reactive parenting techniques. Her work focuses on providing parents with the tools to foster a loving and supportive family environment.

Connect with Laura Linn Knight:

• Website: LauraLinnKnight.com
• Instagram: @LauraLinnKnight
• Book: Break Free from Reactive Parenting and The Boastful Hare Learns to Let Go