Introducing the Self-Aware Parent
Monday, January 18, 2010
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Cathy Cassani AdamsRecent posts
Practice makes perfect when dealing with kids' emotions - 5/6/2013
The best ways to praise your child for a job well done - 4/15/2013
Be yourself with or without the kids around - 2/26/2013
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Welcome to my blog - so happy to be here! Communicating with others is what I consider "soul work." I have something to teach, but I also know I have plenty to learn.
Recently someone referred to me as one of those "woo woo" people - someone who believes in energy, intuition, spirit, and that the universe is conspiring to help us. If you know me well, you hear me use these words all the time, so I guess "woo woo" is a description I will accept.
I view life with a very close lens and I see most experiences as an opportunity for awareness and growth. But don't roll your eyes yet - I have plenty of days where I put the lens down and read People Magazine, watch Friends reruns, or daydream about Edward Cullen. I try to straddle the fence between the world of spirit and everyday reality with the goal to bring them closer together. I am searching for a comfortable place - a way to relax and enjoy life while recognizing its full potential.
I spend the majority of my moments with my children and they are my greatest teachers. Children are the real deal - the definition of authenticity and truth. They are creative, full of emotion, and they are always here, not in the past or future, but here. I have as much to learn from them as they have to learn from me.
To be an effective parent to these little buddhas it is essential that I take care of myself. For me this is not a luxury or an option, but an essential part of life. Self care can be a challenge in this culture, but it's the first step toward real happiness. Dates with my husband and dancing with my girlfriends is a great start, but the most vital part of my self care is silence. This world is busy and loud, and silence is the only way I can hear myself and tap into my own inner wisdom - I have it and you have it. The trick is finding time and space to listen.
I share parenting stories and I enjoy hearing other people's perspective. Everyone, adults and children, just want to be heard and validated. If we could all work on our listening skills and allow others to have their own point of view I think the world would be a much calmer place. Sharing your story opens up new possibilities to realize your dreams and raise your children to do the same. To focus on what you have rather than what you don't and to pull from your strengths rather than hyperventilate over weaknesses. To embrace who you are and let go of who you think you're supposed to be.
If you want these things, stay connected to this blog because I want these things, too. Check out my website for more information www.cathycassaniadams.com, follow me on Twitter (@selfawareparent) or become a fan of my Facebook page The Self-Aware Parent. The greatest gift you can give your children is you, so I challenge you to make YOU a priority.
Cathy Adams is a certified parenting coach, yoga instructor and mother to three girls.
See more of Cathy's stories here.
Contact Cathy at cathycadams@sbcglobal.com
Life is What You Make ItBy Judy on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 As an older fan of Cathy's work, I am constantly reminded of my early days as a parent. I had the privilege of being what was called a "stay at home mom", but I thought that meant always giving up what I needed to my children and husband. It was not until I was complaining to my husband one day about being "trapped" at home with the kids each day that he said wisely to me... "Life is what you make it". I was very angry with his response at first, but it really made me think. I had always been independent before and filled my life with many interests. Why was I NOT doing it now? Cathy's advice that the caregiver MUST take care of herself/himself first would have given me the motivation to not "lose" myself just because I was a mother. I look forward to this new blog. |
Interesting TopicBy C. McFadden on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 This new blog feels like it will be a breath of fresh air. Love the idea of finding that balance between "new-age" and "real world." There is a time and place for both in parenting I think - look forward to reading more on the subject! |
opportunities for growthBy shayne on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Thank you! I really like when you said how you see most experiences as opportunities for awareness and growth. I too try to see my life experiences, especially negative, as an opportunity for positive growth. The key for me is to willing to accept this kind of raw honesty and awareness. I am always learning more about myself, when I'm honest. (that is key) In fact, most of my growth has been motivated by painful realities. Thanks for the reminder to find the time to be quiet. That can be difficult living in a busy environment. |
ParentBy Deb on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 I'm very happy to see this blog and plan to check out the postings. Thank you, Chicago Parent, for providing this important insight to parents. |
Let's hear it for the 'woo woo' lifestyleBy Candi Eichstaedt on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Cathy has much knowledge to offer to parents and extended family. She looks at life through a very beautifully colored lens. I will definitely be tuned into this blog. |
So excited about this blog!By Pogbear on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Being a parent extends way beyond the front door of a family's home. Surrogate parents are aunts, uncles, grandparents, and friends. I fall in the 'aunt' category and LOVE reading anything Cathy writes. Also being a retired educator, I just wish I could have had her articles as a refernece when I was trying to help guide parents. Kudos to Chicago Parent for including Cathy's blog. I may not be a parent, but I WILL be tuned in. |
Thank you!
By Laurie Werner on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Your blog is a breath of fresh air - and a reminder of what I'm working on. I'm a single mom of 2 boys - 9 and 12. I'm really working on focusing on the small gifts and noticing the positive things in each day. I'm giving THANKS and developing an increased sense of gratitude for what I have in my life - and not focusing on what I don't have. And there is a lot to be thankful for! The biggest being my 2 healthy wonderful boys! Thanks for your thoughtful words.