3 Easy Ways to Raise Conscious Children

Posted on Jun 7, 2015 | 0 comments

Sometimes I worry that by providing my children with a ‘comfortable’ life they are becoming self-centered.

We get so caught up in which snack they want, which show they want to watch, homework, playdates, getting to the right sports practice, on time, so they can win the upcoming weekends game… and on and on it goes.

So, in order to keep it real I do what I can to be conscious and share consciousness with my children at every opportunity. It is way easier than you think and it really works!

Here are my first 3 easy ways to raise conscious children:

1 of 3 easy ways to raise conscious children-

Walk the talk, lead by example. It is no secret that our children usually want to be just like us, whether they admit it or not! So the best way to get anything done is to lead by example – don’t just tell your children to behave in one way, show them. Things like recycling at home, volunteering, donating old clothes/toys, finding penpals for your kids, traveling more, complimenting and appreciating things are all great ways to show your children how to live consciously – how to be aware of the world around them.

2 of 3 easy ways to raise conscious children-

Identify the difference between needs and wants. Take any and every opportunity to decide whether it is a need or a want that is being requested, together. Start this as young as possible. Share stories from other parts of the world where children have to struggle for basic needs as examples and discuss this with your children. I take every chance with mine to explain whether it is filling a need or a want, where ‘that’ came from, who worked for it and to appreciate that we have it. I will provide all of the basic needs for my children, but I encourage them to work to provide their wants. For example – my son really wanted this particular video game which we identified together as a want not a need. So hubby and I came up with a list of chores for him to do to earn it. Within 2 weeks he had earned his game, loves it and felt so proud of himself that we have continued on with the chores/allowance system!

3 of 3 easy ways to raise conscious children –

Empower and appreciate. Empower your children with the ability to make their own choices. We ask my son each week at allowance time – we can take you for ice cream to spend your money now or you could save up for another video game, what would you like to choose? And be ok with whatever their choice is. Or ask your child if instead of receiving birthday presents this year since they already have so much, how about picking a charity for our friends to donate to, to help our local community? Picking a day each year or however often you can and volunteering at a soup kitchen or to help on a community clean-up project together as a family is also a great way to be conscious – let your children choose which project they would like to participate in! Taking time each day to appreciate each other and all that we have is so important in raising our children and staying sane! We really are very fortunate with everything available in today’s society, remembering that and appreciating that each day will not only keep you feeling happy but will invite more good things to happen while setting your children on the path to success!

I know this is working well because the other night, my daughter and some friends were playing with some balloons leftover from a party that they each were taking home. One of her friends popped both of hers and ran crying to her mom. My daughter came running over to me very concerned telling me to hurry and cut off one of her balloons to share with her friend who was crying. She was the only one to offer and boy did my heart burst with pride.

What are your great ways to raise conscious children? I will be sharing more in the upcoming weeks and look forward to reading yours!

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

#ConsciousLiving