Curious about how tuning into your child’s emotions can transform both their world and yours? Join us for an eye-opening conversation with Marion Rose, PhD, a pioneer in Aware Parenting. Discover how this revolutionary approach goes beyond fulfilling basic needs and delves into the emotional depths of children, fostering their healing from stress and trauma.
In this episode, Marion reveals the power of emotional expression—be it crying or laughing—in nurturing a child’s well-being and fostering a more compassionate society. We explore how attentive parenting can uncover deep-seated emotions and the vital role of physical closeness and eye contact in comforting infants.
We’ll also delve into culturally inspired parenting practices and how adapting them to our unique contexts can enhance our approach. Marion’s personal stories and practical advice offer valuable insights for parents seeking a more empathetic and effective parenting style.
From setting loving limits to recognising the difference between hunger and emotional needs, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for every parent.
Don’t miss this chance to learn from Marion’s expertise and get a sneak peek into her upcoming book, “Sound Sleep and Secure Attachment with Aware Parenting.” Tune in to transform your parenting journey and enrich your family dynamics.
ABOUT OUR GUEST: MARION ROSE, PhD
Marion Rose PHD, Marion is an Author, Podcast Host, Psychospiritual Mentor, Level Two Aware Parenting Instructor and creator of The Marion Method for Psychospiritual Development, Parenting, and Entrepreneurship.
Marion has been studying psychology and consciousness since 1987 and has a PhD on postnatal depression and the mother-infant relationship from Cambridge University.
Marion is the mother of a daughter and a son and has been practicing Aware Parenting since 2002. She has been an Aware Parenting instructor since 2005.
Her approach is rooted in the belief that children thrive when their emotions are understood and supported, and that parenting with empathy and awareness can break cycles of trauma, tension, and disconnection. Marion has contributed significantly to promoting Aware Parenting, providing tools and strategies to parents around the world to foster emotional intelligence and healing.
IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
Table of Contents
The Core Principles Of Aware Parenting
- How Aware Parenting differs from classical attachment parenting.
- Aware Parenting prioritises understanding and connecting with a child’s emotional world rather than just meeting their physical needs.
- Holistic Approach: This approach integrates emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of parenting to create a nurturing environment.
- It encourages parents to develop emotional intelligence, recognising and validating their child’s feelings as central to parenting.
- It focuses on cultivating empathy in parents to better respond to their child’s needs and challenges.
The Impact of Emotional Expression In Children & Its Role In Stress + Trauma Healing
- Where do all the outpouring feelings and emotions come from?
- Aware Parenting recognises that children’s emotional expressions, such as crying and laughing, are crucial for healing from stress and trauma.
- Processing Over Suppression: Allowing emotional expression helps children process and release stress rather than suppressing it.
- What control patterns are and how do they interfere with our emotions? Common control patterns:
- Dummies or pacifiers
- Thumb sucking
- Breastfeeding
- Soft toys
- Blankets
- And so many more
- By validating and addressing emotional expressions, children develop resilience and learn to manage their emotions healthily.
How Crying, Laughter, and Other Emotional Releases Contribute To A Child’s Well-being
- Natural Emotional Outlets: Crying and laughter serve as natural mechanisms for emotional regulation and processing.
- Signalling Emotional Needs: These releases are indicators of underlying emotional needs that require attention and care.
- Facilitating Restorative Sleep: Proper emotional release helps children achieve better sleep by alleviating stress and promoting relaxation.
- Enhancing Overall Health: Supports a balanced emotional state, which is integral to physical and psychological health.
The Importance of Physical Closeness & Eye Contact in Comforting + Connecting With Infants
- Physical closeness and eye contact are fundamental for developing secure attachments and a sense of safety in infants.
- These practices reinforce the emotional bond between parent and child, fostering trust and security, and helping infants feel understood and valued.
- Building a Foundation for Emotional Growth: Essential for laying the groundwork for healthy emotional and social development.
Common Misconceptions About “Overtired” Babies and How to Address Their True Needs
- The term “overtired” often misinterprets a baby’s signs, which may actually indicate unmet emotional needs rather than just fatigue.
- Emotional vs. Physical Needs: Difference between physical tiredness and emotional distress, and the importance of addressing both.
- A holistic approach to sleep that includes addressing emotional needs to improve sleep patterns and overall well-being.
- Reducing Parental Stress: By addressing true needs, parents can reduce their stress and frustration related to sleep challenges.
The Role of Attentive Parenting In Identifying & Addressing Deep-Seated Emotions
- Attentive parenting involves recognising and addressing deep-seated emotions that may not be immediately visible.
- Encourages mindfulness and presence in parenting to better understand and respond to a child’s emotional state.
- Helps parents develop greater emotional intelligence, enhancing their ability to support their child’s emotional needs.
- Fosters a nurturing environment where children feel safe to express and work through their emotions.
The Influence of Indigenous & Cultural Parenting Practices on Modern Approaches
- The value of indigenous and cultural parenting practices that emphasise emotional connection and community support (“takes a village”).
- What did ancient Traditions/cultures do to process their children’s emotions?
- Integrating traditional practices with modern parenting approaches to enrich parenting strategies.
- Awareness of cultural differences in parenting and the benefits of adapting practices to fit individual family needs.
- A broader perspective on parenting that incorporates diverse cultural insights and wisdom.
How Adopting Aware Parenting Methods Can Enhance Overall Family Dynamics
- Aware Parenting fosters better communication and understanding within the family, enhancing overall relationships.
- It creates a more emotionally harmonious environment by addressing and validating everyone’s feelings.
- Encouraging Positive Behavioural Changes: Leads to positive changes in behaviour and emotional responses within the family.
RESOURCES:
Contact Links:
- Marion’s Instagram Account (@_marion_rose_) – HERE
- Aware Parenting Instagram Account (@awareparenting) – HERE
- Marion’s Website – HERE
- The Aware Parenting Podcast – HERE
Other Resources:
- Book: “The Aware Baby” by Aletha Jauch Solter – Paperback & Kindle
- Book: “The Emotional Life of Babies: Find Closeness, Presence And Sleep For You And Your Baby With This Compassionate Approach to Crying” by Marion Rose PhD – HERE
- Book: “Attachment Play: How To Solve Children’s Behavior Problems With Play, Laughter, And Connection” by Aletha Jauch Solter – HERE
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