- maria edgeworth
i attended a wonderful parenting class last night offered by explorer elementary, finn's school. they have monthly classes and every time i've walked out of one - i am SO energized and motivated - to be a better parent.
i knew explorer was unique. some ways are obvious - their teaching methods, the curriculum and the huge emphasis they put on the connection between social-emotional learning and academics. when c left a good architectural firm to go work for high tech high (explorer is part of this charter school system), it was so much more than a bigger paycheck.
the school INSPIRED him and he wanted to be a part of it. he would go on and on about his new employer, and i was happy he was happy, but being a new mom, i only half-listened as school years seemed so far away. now that finn is in kindergarten, i'm learning the culture and what makes explorer so special. offering parenting classes is just one of many things. the focus of last night's class was on 'being mindful'. the class began with a question to us all - what is mindful parenting? the simplest definition: being in the moment-to-moment, nonjudgemental awareness
i left the class with a new passion to be a more 'mindful' parent, and a deeper understanding on why it is so important. if i practice mindfulness, i will be able to see my boys more clearly - as they really are - without my own fears, insecurities, expectations, etc that often get in the way of parenting. my relationship with the boys will grow and i'll be able to see what's truly called for in each moment to be a more effective parent. and what parent doesn't what that? *wink*
