I hope you enjoy these conversations as much as I did!
In our latest episode of "Conquering Chaos: A Mom's Guide to Self-Care and Sanity," we delve deep into the concept of intentional parenting with Mariah Hovland from Wisconsin. Mariah shares how she and her husband have crafted a parenting style that caters to the unique dynamics and emotional needs of their three children, Berkeley, Parker, and Nash. The discussion centers around the importance of understanding each child's personality and fostering an emotionally safe environment where they feel understood and supported.
Intentional parenting is not just a buzzword; it is a conscious approach to raising children that involves deep self-awareness and continuous self-improvement. Mariah emphasizes the significance of early self-awareness in shaping her parenting style. She shares her journey of introspection and therapy that began in her early twenties, a period marked by emotional chaos and the realization that she needed to do things differently. This early commitment to understanding her emotional needs set the stage for a more intentional and purposeful approach to parenting.
Creating a harmonious home is not just about physical safety; it is about ensuring that children feel emotionally secure. Mariah and I discuss the challenges and blessings of doing the deep emotional work required to meet our children's emotional needs. We highlight the importance of presenting a united front as parents and adapting our strategies to suit each child's personality. For instance, Mariah describes how her two daughters, who are both strong-willed but in different ways, require different approaches to manage their emotions. Her oldest daughter tends to shut down when she gets angry, while her younger daughter is more expressive and needs gentle reassurance.
One of the pivotal topics we explore is the importance of self-advocacy and open communication within the family. Mariah shares a personal anecdote about a family dinner where a lack of hamburger buns led to a valuable lesson in self-advocacy for her daughter. This seemingly small incident underscores the broader impact of teaching children to express their preferences and reconsidering ingrained family rules and expectations. By encouraging open communication, we can help our children feel more empowered and confident in advocating for their needs.
Transforming family dynamics with purpose involves continuously evolving and adapting our parenting styles. Mariah reflects on how her husband, initially unfamiliar with the concept of intentional parenting, has gradually embraced this approach. They have both learned to slow down, observe, and respond thoughtfully to their children's needs rather than reacting impulsively. This shift has helped create a more supportive and nurturing environment where their children can thrive.
Another critical aspect of intentional parenting is building emotional connections within the family. Mariah and I discuss the desire to foster strong, positive relationships with our children by engaging in meaningful and sometimes difficult conversations. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that our children do not have to heal from their childhood as we did. By being intentional and involved in their lives, we hope to build deep connections that make our home a place of comfort and joy for years to come.
The journey of intentional parenting also involves recognizing and addressing our own emotional triggers and patterns. Mariah shares her experience of rewiring her brain to respond rather than react to emotional stimuli. This process of creating new neural pathways requires continuous effort and commitment. By doing this deep emotional work, we can model healthy emotional regulation for our children and create a more emotionally safe environment for them.
In conclusion, intentional parenting is a transformative journey that requires self-awareness, continuous growth, and a commitment to meeting our children's emotional needs. Mariah Huglin's insights and personal anecdotes provide invaluable guidance for parents striving to create a harmonious and nurturing family environment. By fostering open communication, encouraging self-advocacy, and building meaningful connections, we can empower our children to become emotionally resilient and confident individuals.
Join us in this enlightening episode as we explore the power of intentional parenting and the steps we can take to transform our family dynamics with purpose. Tune in now to "Conquering Chaos: A Mom's Guide to Self-Care and Sanity" and discover how you can build lasting, positive relationships with your children.
I’m Mariah, a certified life coach for mothers, women, and young adults. Whether you’re entering a new chapter of motherhood, on a journey of self-discovery, or simply growing up I’m here to help guide you back to yourself through those sometimes heavy feelings into lighter, brighter, and more freeing chapters.
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