As parents, we all have had those moments of thinking, “I can’t believe I just did that!” The parenting we experienced in childhood has a way of sneaking up on us, for better or worse, in interactions with our children. But there is power in remembering and becoming more aware of how our bodies and minds respond when our toddler throws a tantrum or our teen talks back or we just can’t find five minutes for ourselves. Scott Harman, clinical social worker at St. David’s Center, joins Marti & Erin to talk about how he helps parents build awareness and overcome negative patterns. This topic also draws on Marti’s years of research at the University of Minnesota – and it prompts some personal memories for Marti & Erin!

 

Think of two or three things your parents did that you’d like to continue with your own children. Now think of parenting behaviors you’d rather not carry forward. What kinds of situations seem to trigger those negative behaviors? What steps could you take to break that cycle? Share your thoughts in the REPLY space below!