A Case Study in Space: The Bookcase Realisation

In this post, we are looking at a real-life example on how it is possible to navigate our daily interactions with our children with mindfulness, and how these daily interactions can truly form a habit for the parent. 

A Case Study in Pausing: The Bookcase Realisation

The other day. I was at a client’s place and we were working with her two-year-old son. He had just swept about fifteen books off the shelf onto the floor.

Together, we invited him to keep the books. And you know what? He did it. He picked up every single one and put them back.

My client was completely shocked. Because, to her, this was the first time he had ever done that.

She looked at me and had this incredible realisation. She said, 'Lara, I realised that normally, my mouth goes "let's keep" and my hands immediately start cleaning up for him.'

She had never actually paused and waited for him to take action. Even though she was 'narrating' and 'showing him' what to do, she was actually building a habit for herself to nag, rather than building a habit for him to contribute.

It makes you think, doesn't it? If she hadn't caught that moment, she might have spent years concluding that her son just 'doesn't listen,' when really, he just needed the space to act.

Parenting is a mindful journey, and it isn't easy. It’s about finding that middle ground where your voice is a gift, not a distraction.

So here's your reminder for today:

Narrate less, observe and respond more.