I am really excited about our upcoming class with Jenny Krainess, June 11 9-10pm EST:
The Nurtured Heart Approach: Creating Inner Wealth In Every Child
Jenny is an incredible Nurtured Heart Instructor, teacher and parent. I wanted you to get to know Jenny, so I interviewed her.
Here it is:
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My name is Jennifer Krainess and I live in Cleveland, Ohio with my husband and four teenagers! I became a Nurtured Heart Approach Advanced Trainer four years ago. As a mother, and a Kindergarten teacher, I found tremendous success and profound change in my home, my children, my students, and myself.
What is the most important thing parents should know about parenting?
I don’t think that there is “one” thing. However, two concepts are key. First, relentlessly chase the positive behaviors, attitudes, and interactions that your children engage in by not only “catching” them, but creating them, as well. The second thing is that as parents, we sometimes hold onto negative feelings for a long time. After a consequence is delivered, live in the moment and free yourself from hanging onto the negative feelings. Additionally, if you, as a parent make a mistake or lose your cool, live in the moment as well, and don’t beat yourself up over it! Use your resolve to forge further and appreciate yourself for your perspective on how you want to move forward.
What is your basic parenting philosophy?
Children are seeking relationship, as well as feedback, with the most significant people in their lives. In the home, these are Mom and Dad. When a child or teen is engaged in positive behavior we oftentimes take it for granted as the way it is “expected” to be. However, when things are not going right, our antennae go up and we become very engaged with the child and provide a much richer, intense lesson in order to get things back on track and provide a teachable lesson. Yet, this is a less than opportune time to teach! Clarity of rules is always in order, but leave the teaching moments for the time when your child or teen is actively engaged in a behavior that demonstrates the lesson you would like to impart. For example, teach responsibility when the plate is cleared, as opposed to pointing out irresponsibility on the time it is neglected.
What do you love most about being a parent?
I think that the opportunity to be part of another human being’s life in such a powerful way is incredibly awesome. Each day is another step up that we take in our own personal growth and though at times it may be extremely challenging, it is a blessing.
Being a teacher and a Nurtured Heart Instructor puts you in the position of helping parents all the time. What is the biggest problem that parents have today?
I think that very often parents are too hard on themselves. We are our biggest critics! Additionally, it is a challenge to balance being involved in our children’s growth while maintaining boundaries for children to slip up a bit and chart their own path. The two are sometimes interconnected, as parents sometimes feel that if their child doesn’t perform/behave/interact well, it is somehow a HUGE reflection of themselves. While parents are in a key position to influence, teach, and direct their children, it is crucial to remember that children are their own distinct human beings with many different thought processes, personalities, etc. Parents can play a decisive role in their children’s growth and development by keeping this in mind while guiding and appreciating them for all the greatness inside of them. Step back a bit, be okay if something doesn’t go right, be there to redirect, and appreciate your child!
Want to learn more from this great instructor?
Join us on Tuesday, June 11, 2013: 9-10pm EST
The Nurtured Heart Approach: Creating Inner Wealth In Every Child
Can’t wait!