How Will I Be A Mindful Parent?

"The greatest gift to give your child is yourself." - Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Myla Kabat-Zinn


The above sentence cough my attention early last 7th of July 2009 while reading the Lifestyle Parenting section of a broadsheet, and since I really got no time to read that morning I just take note of the author and the article and take note to find it on the net for some reading later that day. It was Titled Are You A Mindful Parent? Roots and Wings by Cathy Babao-Guballa.

I am "bagito" (amateur) when it comes to parenting and I try to learn it day by day with the help of my son, and everyday seems to be an examination day specially now that he is in naughty stage aww! Armed with big scream and made-up cry which he mustered successfully in getting what he wants owh! He is really getting a bit bratty these days and fright strikes me that I may no longer cope with his continuous learning in Bachelor of Brattiness. I carefully choose the kind of discipline to impose, a scoop of diplomacy and a sprinkle of spanking, but sometimes a big serving of spanking is more likely served since my string is short that I tend to lose quickly on virtue of patience and who would not every time he throws his toys on our TV set or better yet to his playmates.

I sometimes think if how will I raise him, should I be strict since at this early he is showing signs of a future frequent trip in principal's office, or should I loosen up and have the tons of patience to instill in him right values and conducts. Right now it is my dilemma and reading Ms. Cathy's article I find the book "Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting" a must-read one which somehow can help me unravel the tricks and trade of parenting. Better head-off to the nearest bookstore this weekend, need to buy the book.