The Conscious Parent

in song, share jokes, or join in a game of who can get ready first.
You can also connect in all sorts of other little ways throughout the
day. For instance, when you pass your children in the hallway, you can
briefly touch their skin or perhaps squeeze their hand. At random
moments, reach out to them and tell them how crazy you are about them.
When you greet them out of school, do so with complete acceptance,
never criticism, and invite them to share their stories. When waiting in
line at the store or at a traffic light, connect by tickling them if they are
very young, or by telling them about your day and asking about their day
if they are older. Also, while they are gone during the day, you might
write them a letter or just a short note telling them you thought about
them and missed them.
It’s vital you enjoy your children’s humor and make sure you laugh
with them at least once a day. You can also allow them to teach you
something about yourself or themselves each day. When evening comes
and it’s time for bed, treat this time as sacred, allowing them to ramble
and unwind in your arms if they wish to. In this way bedtime becomes a
welcome ritual.
Since we are all unique individuals, how each of us manifests our
connection with our children will differ. The key is to be attuned to our
children’s inherent rhythms. When we flow with their natural way of
being, we find we are able to be more present, open, and engaged.
Watch a child, especially an infant or toddler, and you will find the
secret to living a conscious life. Children naturally inhabit the present
moment. Even though infants or toddlers are touted as having minimal
consciousness, it’s they who most embody the elements of conscious