Parent Awareness is a family-focused program that provides support and education to parents and children to encourage the healthy, positive development of youth and families in Darien, Norwalk and surrounding areas. For parents, being self-aware is key for connecting to their kids.

 

When parents aren’t self-aware, they might get caught up in their own emotions instead of being present with their children. They also might not recognize that they’re unconsciously repeating the patterns of their own childhoods in their parenting today.

 

The evolution of the Parent Awareness has paralleled a national focus on using parent education as a positive, proactive approach to address topics such as alcohol and substance abuse, stress and anxiety, Internet safety and social networking, self-esteem and self-reliance, and media literacy.

Self-awareness helps parents to make intentional choices. Naumburg notes, “Quite simply, the more self-aware we are, the more likely we are to behave in ways that are congruent with whom we want to be and how we want to interact with the people in our lives, including our children.”

Below are tips and insights for developing self-awareness.

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• Practice mindfulness.

• Talk to family members.

• Pay attention to your triggers.

• Pay attention to your body.

• Keep a journal.

• See a therapist.

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Advice and Guidance:

Whether you’re searching for a new job, are interested in a career change or just want to reinvigorate your professional life, having guidance is essential. But mentors can be hard to come by in today’s dog-eat-dog world.

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Learn as much as you can about your chosen field from every perspective. Take on jobs or responsibilities that you’re not crazy about so you can learn. The more well-rounded you are in your field, the more effective you will be at work and the more attractive you will be to prospective employers.

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Our relationships with our family are more valuable and long-lasting than any career. It’s loving others and being loved in return that gives real purpose and satisfaction in life. Marry someone with the same values––it will make critical decisions that we need to make together so much easier.

The most important is to be focused. Of course, there will be many bumps along the way, but don’t get distracted by the zigzags in the road. Vision and passion are very clear; if you believe in something, other people will too.

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Don’t forget about “me” time. Schedule a window of time for yourself, like any other appointment, if you have to. In the end, taking personal time will make you more productive at work.

Always remember that hard work is necessary to achieve your biggest dreams. Your social life will suffer at intervals, but remember your goals and know that this is part of the journey toward achieving your dreams.