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When I became a parent, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information and advice available on how to be a good parent.
I spent hours reading books, blogs, and forums, trying to figure out the “right” way to raise my child.
But as time went on, I realized that the most important thing wasn’t following a specific set of rules or guidelines – it was being intentional about my parenting.
By using a few key tools and resources, I was able to prioritize my family’s well-being, build stronger relationships with my child, and create a more fulfilling family life…and you can too!
As a parent, it can be easy to fall into the trap of simply going through the motions day after day.
However, intentional parenting is an approach that emphasizes being mindful and purposeful in how you raise your children.
While intentional parenting can be a challenge, there are many tools available that can help make it easier.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important tools for intentional parenting, and discuss how they can help you build a stronger relationship with your child and raise them in a more intentional way.
Time Management Tools
Time management is a crucial skill for parents who want to be intentional about their parenting.
With the demands of work, household responsibilities, and raising children, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and like there’s never enough time in the day.
Fortunately, there are many time management tools available that can help you prioritize your tasks, stay on top of your schedule, and make the most of your time. Here are a few examples:
- Calendar apps – These apps allow you to schedule appointments, set reminders, and keep track of important events all in one place. Some popular calendar apps include Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, and Outlook.
- To-do list apps – To-do list apps are a great way to keep track of tasks you need to complete. They allow you to create and organize lists, set deadlines, and check off completed items. Some popular to-do list apps include Todoist, Trello, and Asana.
- Time tracking apps – Time tracking apps can help you understand how you’re spending your time each day, and identify areas where you can be more efficient. They allow you to track the time you spend on various tasks and activities, and some even provide reports and analytics to help you analyze your time use. Some popular time tracking apps include RescueTime, Toggl, and Harvest.
By using these time management tools, you can better organize your day, prioritize your tasks, and make more intentional choices about how you spend your time.
This can lead to reduced stress, increased productivity, and more time for the things that really matter, like spending quality time with your children.
Communication Tools
Effective communication is an essential component of intentional parenting. It involves being present, listening actively, and speaking thoughtfully to your child.
However, communication can be challenging, particularly when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities or dealing with complex family dynamics.
Fortunately, there are many communication tools available that can help you communicate more effectively with your child and co-parent. Here are a few examples:
- Family communication apps – These apps provide a centralized platform for family members to communicate and share information. They may include features like messaging, shared calendars, and task lists. Some popular family communication apps include Cozi, OurHome, and FamCal.
- Co-parenting apps – If you’re co-parenting with an ex-partner, co-parenting apps can help you coordinate schedules, share information about your child, and communicate effectively. Some popular co-parenting apps include Talking Parents, Cozi, and AppClose.
- Parenting forums and support groups – Online forums and support groups can provide a space for parents to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. They can be a great resource for advice, tips, and emotional support. Some popular parenting forums and support groups include BabyCenter, What to Expect, and Parenting.com.
By using these communication tools, you can stay connected with your child and co-parent, even when you’re not physically together.
You can also get support and advice from other parents who are going through similar experiences.
This can help you be a more intentional and effective parent, and build stronger relationships with your child and co-parent.
Education Tools
Continuous learning is an important aspect of intentional parenting.
As your child grows and develops, you need to stay up-to-date on the latest research, trends, and best practices in parenting.
Fortunately, there are many education tools available that can help you expand your knowledge and improve your parenting skills. Here are a few examples:
- Parenting books and blogs – Parenting books and blogs can provide a wealth of information and advice on various aspects of parenting. They cover topics like child development, discipline, and communication, and can help you gain new insights and perspectives on parenting. Some popular parenting books and blogs include The Whole-Brain Child, Aha! Parenting, and Janet Lansbury’s blog.
- Parenting classes and workshops – Parenting classes and workshops (like these) provide a more structured and interactive approach to learning. They may be offered in-person or online, and cover a range of topics like positive discipline, communication, and child development. Some popular parenting classes and workshops include Positive Parenting Solutions, The Gottman Institute, and Parenting Beyond Punishment.
- Online courses and webinars – Online courses and webinars offer a flexible and convenient way to learn about parenting. They may be self-paced or live, and cover a range of topics like mindfulness, self-care, and child development. Some popular online courses and webinars include Mindful Parenting, The Parenting Junkie, and Dr. Shefali’s Conscious Parenting Course.
By using these education tools, you can stay informed and up-to-date on the latest trends and best practices in parenting.
You can also gain new insights and perspectives on parenting, and learn practical strategies for improving your parenting skills.
This can help you be a more intentional and effective parent, and build stronger relationships with your child.
Self-Care Tools
Self-care is an important component of intentional parenting.
As a parent, it’s easy to put your own needs last, but neglecting self-care can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased well-being.
Fortunately, there are many self-care tools available that can help you prioritize your own well-being and take care of yourself. Here are a few examples:
- Mindfulness apps – Mindfulness apps can help you reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. They may include features like guided meditations, breathing exercises, and daily reminders to practice mindfulness. Some popular mindfulness apps include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer.
- Exercise apps – Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, boost mood, and improve overall health. Exercise apps can provide a convenient and structured way to incorporate physical activity into your routine. Some popular exercise apps include Nike Training Club, FitOn, and MyFitnessPal.
- Journaling apps – Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection, introspection, and stress management. Journaling apps provide a convenient and private way to write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Some popular journaling apps include Day One, Journey, and Penzu.
By using these self-care tools, you can prioritize your own well-being and take care of yourself, which can ultimately make you a better and more intentional parent.
You can reduce stress, boost your mood, and improve your overall health, which can help you be more present and engaged with your child.
Print This Positive Parenting Guidebook – The 5 Pillars Of Positive Parenting
Listen… parenting with connection and positivity has been seen as permissive and lazy parenting BUT this is totally not the case.
I am a mom of 3 beautiful children and I’ve spent HOURS, DAYS, MONTHS, and YEARS researching this topic and seriously, it is my favorite way to parent.
Way better than what I grew up with – which was A LOT of yelling, spanking and frankly, neglect.
This little guidebook is a golden nugget that you can have for free – and print it out! Put it on the fridge, refer to it often. It’s really a great tool for kids of all ages.
Download Your Free Printout
- Download the guidebook. You’ll get the printable, plus join hundreds parents who receive my weekly parenting tips and ideas! (Sometimes I’ll promote a parenting program, but only the best ones that are in the positive parenting community, I promise.)
- Print. Print out the guidebook!
- Place it where you can see it. There is a lot of great information in this guidebook, even though it’s small. It’s power packed full of great stuff so put it where you can refer to it often.
