You can listen to this article, narrated by our Amy, or read on below.

My wife and I wrote a story, illustrating a classical parental worry:

This story really resonates with me. Through meditation, I've embraced practices focusing on love, kindness and compassion, and understanding the impact of our actions. These practices have been eye-openers, helping me to look past the immediate desires I have for my children. Instead of getting hung up on what I think they should be doing or achieving right now, meditation has taught me to consider their long-term happiness and well-being.

Like Liam's parents, my wife and I have stood at many crossroads, weighing decisions big and small. And each time, remembering to zoom out and consider the bigger picture has been invaluable. It's given me the clarity and confidence to choose paths that feel right, not just for the moment, but for my children's futures.

However, embracing this approach doesn't mean letting children do whatever they wish without boundaries. It's about carefully evaluating the long-term implications of our decisions as parents. For instance, if my children wanted to skip school to play video games or resolve conflicts through physical aggression, my stance, influenced by the principles learned through meditation, would be markedly different. These scenarios call for a different application of guidance, where the long-term benefits of education and peaceful conflict resolution are undeniable.

Meditation has taught me that when it comes to raising children, the ultimate goal is their happiness, confidence, and self-belief. It's about nurturing a child who feels supported, understood, and free to pursue their path with the confidence that their parents trust and believe in them.

Meditation has had a big influence on me when it comes to handling those moments of frustration that all parents know too well. It's a journey, but I've noticed a big shift in how often I find myself getting worked up over the things my kids do. There's a lot more smiles around the house these days. Sure, kids will swing from happy to upset in a heartbeat—that's just part of being a kid. But overall, there's a noticeable uptick in the happy moments.

Meditation has helped me see that children, like everyone else, are looking for happiness and they're counting on their parents to guide them there. And this wisdom makes me calmer and more compassionate. Here's the thing: meditation isn't just about finding peace in the moment; it's about gaining insights that stick with us, shaping how we live our lives and interact with our loved ones. Living by these insights really does make us happier. It's pretty amazing how it all comes together.

So, when my kid does something that might usually push my buttons, instead of jumping to frustration, I find myself responding with a lot more calm. I see that they're just trying to figure out how to be happy, even if they don't always go about it the right way. With a bit more compassion, I guide them towards better behaviour without getting all worked up.



Take bedtime, for example. It's the ultimate test for parents and kids alike. Everyone's tired, kids suddenly find their second wind, and there you are, trying to herd cats. I remember how I used to handle it: laying down the law, threatening consequences. And often, it just ended with everyone upset. These days I handle it with a lot more chill. Sure, I still make sure we stick to the routine, but I've mostly ditched the frustration. I've learned that I can be firm but gentle, helping my kids understand what's expected without loading them with my stress. And when I start to feel that frustration bubbling up, I can often notice it and steer clear of letting it drive my actions.

Meditation has given me a quiet confidence that's hard to put into words. I've discovered a source of strength that isn't swayed by external circumstances or the fear of making mistakes. Instead, my actions are now driven by a desire to benefit my children, knowing deep down that I am already doing my best. This shift in perspective has fostered an unexpected kindness and compassion towards myself that I hadn't experienced before.

When I slip up, as we all do, I acknowledge my mistakes without the added weight of self-judgment. This approach allows me to objectively examine my actions, learn from them, and move forward. Meditation has also taught me that we're all the result of countless causes and conditions that shape our behaviours and decisions. It's a humbling reminder of the complexity of our nature and the countless factors that influence us, many of which are beyond our immediate understanding. This wisdom encourages me to do my best in every moment. If I stumble, I simply acknowledge it, make amends if possible, and set an intention to improve.

Take, for instance, this one time, I misunderstood something one of my kids said about sharing juice at breakfast. I thought they were being selfish and made a spur-of-the-moment remark, but they were actually being considerate. After realising my mistake, I apologised right there, gave them a hug, and took a mental note to ask for clarification next time.

By doing our best in the present and accepting our imperfections, we embody the lessons we wish to impart to our children. Through meditation, I've learned that parenting, like life, is a continuous journey of learning, growth, and, most importantly, love not just towards others but also to ourselves.

I truly believe every parent can get something good out of meditation. It might take a bit of patience and some regular practice, but it’s very much worth it.

Remember, meditation isn't a magic wand. A few sessions won't instantly change habits that might have taken years to build. Don't hang onto the idea of a quick fix. Instead, enjoy the ride, step by step.

If you're curious about making meditation a part of your daily routine, there's a blog post I wrote that can help you get started. Why not give it a read?