8. How to Find Presence as a Parent During Challenging Times

Listen to How to Find Presence as a Parent During Challenging Times with Cathryn Lokey, MS/Ed.S

It is March 2020 and we are in the middle of a pandemic. These are particularly challenging times, for all of us, there is no question.

How do we find peace and presence ourselves and with our children during these unpredictable times?

I cannot think of anyone more appropriate than Cathryn Lokey, MS/Ed.S, to dive into this complex topic with me. Cathryn worked as a school counselor for 12 years where she designed and implemented an innovative school-wide guidance and counseling program with a foundation in mindfulness. Cathryn recently gave a talk for the TEDxFSU conference, in which she spoke about her passion for children, the importance of compassion, and the vital need for courageous approaches to solving current social problems. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD in Learning and Cognition at Florida State University and conducting research on children’s perceptions of mindfulness and their experiences of its practices.

Discussion points

How do we talk to children about the current pandemic
How do children respond during times of stress
- Different approaches for times of mild and extreme stress
- How stress impacts our ability to learn
- Children sharing their feelings is a privilege
Permission to let go of parent guilt
- Should academic progress be the biggest focus right now?
- The most important thing we can learn from this experience is to love unconditionally
Recognizing our judgments about our own emotions
- All emotions have value
- Asking yourself, is this an appropriate emotional response to what is happening?
- Our brains are wired for negativity
What are the impacts of stress on the body
- TEDtalk How to Make Stress Your Friend
Our individual state is powerful.
- The science of Heart Math
- ‘We don’t always have to be “doing something” to make a big difference. When we release resistance and calm ourselves, doing our best, without judgement, it has an impact on ourselves and others and, some scientists say, the world.’ -Cathryn Lokey