First things first, this is not a Travel, but a Parenting blog. However, if you think whether these two mix well or not, we highly recommend you to first find the answer to this most common and million-dollar question, Is Traveling with a Baby a Good Idea?
Spoiler alert, we think it’s a great idea, and we have miles of experience to back our belief. Today, we share the secret sauce of being globetrotters with a little kid in tow. We’re often asked how we handle the tantrums, the changing rituals of diapers, seasons, and moods, and today, we are finally spilling the tea. So, read on to raise strong babies, who’re intelligent and observant, creative and energetic, and with a spirit to explore!
Parenthood is a rollercoaster ride, complete with thrilling highs, unexpected twists, and moments that leave you breathless. If you’re a new parent, you’re probably striving to balance being both a guide and a friend to your child, all while maintaining your sanity. The good news is, there are some amazing books that we constantly go back to, that help us navigate this wild adventure with grace and insight.
Let’s dive into the depths on how these books can transform your parenting journey.
1. The Art of Talking with Children by Rebecca Rolland
Key Lesson: Conversations That Connect
The Art of Talking with Children isn’t just about talking; it’s about connecting. Imagine your child comes home from school looking a bit down. Instead of the usual “How was school?” followed by a monosyllabic “Fine,” Rolland encourages us to dig deeper. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was the best part of your day?” or “Did anything surprise you today?” These questions invite your child to share their experiences and feelings, fostering a deeper connection.
Rolland’s approach is like tending to a garden. You’re not just watering the plants (or in this case, talking), but also ensuring they get enough sunlight and nutrients (active listening and empathy). It’s about creating an environment where your child feels heard and understood, which in turn, helps them grow into confident and emotionally intelligent individuals.
Consciously imbibing this culture has helped us create an individual who trusts that there is a safe space to be vulnerable at times, excited over little things and know there is a match in the energy, and more importantly, someone to talk to. Just Imagine the quality and depth of all she takes in when in the new surroundings during numerous travels!
Next time your kid starts a story with “Guess what?”, respond with a dramatic gasp and say, “Tell me EVERYTHING!” It’s a surefire way to show you’re all ears.
2. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read by Philippa Perry
Key Lesson: Healing Old Wounds and Building Strong Bonds
Philippa Perry’s book is like a time machine that not only takes you back to your childhood but also gives you a chance to rewrite the script. She emphasizes the importance of understanding your own upbringing and how it shapes your parenting style. By reflecting on the past, you can break the cycle of negative patterns and create healthier dynamics with your children.
Perry’s wisdom is akin to having a heart-to-heart with a wise friend over coffee. She encourages parents to be kind to themselves and acknowledge that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Her insights are practical, like using empathy as a tool to de-escalate tantrums, and thought-provoking, like considering how your own unresolved emotions might affect your interactions with your child.
When we are out on the road, treating our little baby as a tiny adult helps us to be more emphatic and close-knit as a family and a team.
So, the next time you find yourself about to say something your parents used to say (and you hated), imagine a giant STOP sign. Pause, take a deep breath, and channel your inner Oprah: “What’s really going on here?” Trust us, this practice really is a lifesaver!
3. Active Parenting by RamG Vallath
Key Lesson: Engaging and Empowering Your Child
RamG Vallath’s relatable literature is like the user manual you never got when your child was born. It’s packed with actionable advice on how to be an involved and proactive parent. Vallath’s approach is about striking the right balance between being a guide and giving your child the autonomy to learn from their experiences.
One of the standout lessons from this book on parenting is the concept of “positive discipline.” Instead of resorting to punitive measures, Vallath advocates for setting clear boundaries and using logical consequences. This helps children understand the impact of their actions and encourages them to make better choices in the future.
A regular ritual at our home is turning chores into a game. It helps us work as a team and complete tasks faster, which translates into more quality time at home, and more exploring time when traveling!
You can take it a step further! Create a “chore bingo” where each completed task earns a bingo square. The winner gets a special reward, like choosing the movie for family night. Who knew cleaning up could be so competitive?
4. The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Dr. Tina Payne Bryson
Key Lesson: Integrating Left and Right Brain Functions
The Whole-Brain Child is a masterclass in parenting for understanding how your child’s brain works. The authors break down complex neuroscience into bite-sized, practical strategies that help you nurture a well-rounded child. Their approach emphasizes integrating the left (logical) and right (emotional) brain functions to foster balanced development.
One of their most valuable concepts on his teachings of parenting is “name it to tame it.” When your child is overwhelmed by emotions, helping them label their feelings can significantly reduce the intensity of their reaction. This technique not only validates their experience but also teaches them emotional regulation.
Following this simple rule of naming the emotion has not only helped in connecting with our baby more deeply, but as a happy side effect, her vocabulary has increased as well! The impressed smile of numerous co-passengers will vouch for that!
You can do it too! As a start, use storytelling to teach lessons. Say your kid fell down and hurt their knee. Instead of hitting the floor, first hug the child and validate their emotion, and then say “the floor is hurt too, it’s also crying… can you make it feel better?” Then, have the child treat the floor like a friend. Instantly, you taught them empathy, compassion, and perhaps even first-aid! 🙂
Bringing It All Together: The Parenting Approach We Follow
Combining insights from these four books creates a holistic approach to the parenting style we follow. Here’s how you can apply their lessons in your daily life:
- Foster Open Communication: Make time for meaningful conversations with your child. Use open-ended questions and active listening to strengthen your bond.
- Reflect and Heal: Understand how your own childhood experiences shape your parenting. Use this awareness to break negative cycles and build a nurturing environment.
- Engage Actively: Be an involved parent who empowers your child through positive discipline and logical consequences.
- Integrate Brain Functions: Use techniques like “name it to tame it” to help your child manage their emotions and develop a balanced brain.
Remember, even superheroes have off days. When all else fails, put on your favorite superhero cape (yes, you have one) and remember that you’re doing an amazing job, one step at a time.
Parenting is a journey filled with challenges, but it’s also an opportunity to grow and learn alongside your child. By embracing the lessons from these insightful books, you can create a loving, supportive environment where both you and your child can thrive. So, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), dive into these books, and let the adventure of gentle parenthood unfold. Cheers to raising the next generation of compassionate, resilient, and emotionally intelligent individuals!
