Empathy: The Heart of Motherhood
How often are you thinking, “ I’m doing something wrong” ? Building your personal empathy muscle is KEY in surviving this transition in life. We are all trying to do EVERYTHING and trying to do it perfectly… All while figuring out how to be a parent… It’s hard for all of us. It’s a challenge to speak to yourself kindly to say the least.
This week, Maia LeaJames joined our support group to discuss co-regulation and parenting. But the whole conversation came down to empathy. Empathy has a profound impact on child development and family dynamics. Think about a situation you were in as a child. Maybe you spilled something. Did your parent get angry? Did they yell? Or did they say something like, “Oh we all spill sometimes, let’s clean it up together.” How might that have changed how you approach mistakes?
Now… try this. Talk to yourself with the same empathy that you would your best friend.
Remember that empathy plays a vital role in the parent/infant bond… not just in the newborn period but BEYOND. How? Check out these 5 ways.
Understanding and Validation:
When a parent demonstrates empathy, you acknowledge and validate your child's emotions and experiences. By showing understanding and acceptance, the child feels seen and heard, which deepens your emotional connection.
Emotional Regulation:
Through empathy, you help your child navigate complex emotions. Our internal voices come from our socialization. By providing a supportive and empathetic environment, you can teach your child how to recognize, express, and regulate their feelings, fostering emotional resilience and strengthening the bond of trust between you.
Building Trust and Security:
Empathy creates a sense of safety and security for the child. When you respond empathetically to your child's needs, fears, and concerns, they learn to trust that their caregiver is there to support and protect them. This trust forms the foundation of a strong, secure attachment bond.
Promoting Open Communication:
Empathy encourages open and honest communication between a parent and child. By listening actively and responding empathetically, the parent creates a safe space for the child to express themselves without fear of judgment or rejection. This open communication fosters mutual understanding and strengthens the emotional connection between you.
Empathy as a Teaching Tool:
Through empathetic interactions, you are teaching your child important values like kindness, compassion, and understanding. By modeling empathy in your own behavior, you instil these qualities in your child, promoting empathy as a fundamental aspect of your relationship and fostering a deep and lasting bond.
Overall, empathy serves as a powerful tool for enhancing the quality of the parent-child relationship, fostering mutual understanding, trust, and emotional connection that lays the groundwork for healthy development and lifelong attachment.
AND… Remember to be empathetic to yourself too.
Check out Maya’s instagram for FREE events and parenting consults! https://www.instagram.com/wholemom.maya/
