Slow parenting
Slow parenting was given a nod today on US National Television as part of a segment on slowing down during a recession. The recession has brought lots of attention to the idea of slowing down because, while some people are choosing it, still others are being forced into it.
At Slow Family Living we get asked quite often if we started this whole thing in response to the recession. A resounding no is the answer to that question but we do see how offering the tools may have a different place than we originally thought. As the recession continues we find we are talking to more and more people who just don’t even know where to begin. I think those that find the cause because they are seeking out the change are easy to help. A few simple tools and they are well on their way. The willingness and desire perhaps being the larger part of the battle to slow things down.
Those that come reluctantly however because of job loss or cut in pay or just increase in the cost of living, need a lot more hand holding. They are swirling a bit from the whole concept of slowing down, which seems so anathema to their normal way of experiencing family life.
To them I say start now. Because now is the only thing we have truly got. Start by looking your family members in the eye. Start by scheduling a day at home. Start by shutting down the tv and computer and ipods when you are all at home. Start by reading a book aloud to each other. Start by playing a game or dancing or singing together. Start small. And just that small bit of connection and fun will be a bit more than you would have had if you didn’t start at all.
You don’t have to change your whole life. Just change how you’re doing it today.
Recent posts by this author
- Don't. Forget. To Breathe. - January 20th, 2010
- Slow to connect - November 24th, 2009
- Slow family in the field - October 22nd, 2009
- Fall connections - October 2nd, 2009
- Lingering in summer mode - August 13th, 2009
