Peaceful Parenting

"We’ve seen countless parents frustrated by the combative exchanges they have with their children. Their conflicts are especially intense around daily activities such as going to sleep, waking up, and completing homework. Indeed, many parents today find themselves engaged in what seems like a constant power struggle with their kids [...] Based on our years of observation, we believe the way through these conflicts lies in shifting the way parents use their power, from using power over kids to using power with them. [read more]

Title: Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves: Transforming parent-child relationships from reaction and struggle to freedom, power and joy
By: Naomi Aldort Stages: Any
"Anger is a strong, hot feeling. Every parent would happily give up scolding, punishing or threatening if she only knew how to ensure that her toddler/child/teen would thrive and act responsibly without such painful measures. Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves is the answer to this universal wish. It is not about gentle ways to control a child, but about a way of being and of understanding a child so she/he can be the best of herself, not because she fears you or seeks your approval but because she wants to, of her own free will. The book is full of real life stories, often leaving the reader moved to tears or laughter and relieved to discover that there is a kinder way." --Publishers

List down all the big/small repeating patterns that you have found difficult dealing with your kids and yourself. Sit down with that list when you are at peace within. Re-write it as a story of things that you would do differently with love and peace; and post it in places that you can remind yourself of it everyday. Transforming yourself will transform the relationship.