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What is Conscious Parenting all about anyway?

Louise Hurley • June 10, 2024

What is conscious parenting anyway?

We’ve all been bombarded with parenting advice over the years, much like the shifting recommendations on sleep safety. For instance, my mother, who parented in the 80s, swore by placing babies to sleep on their tummies—a practice now considered unsafe. Just like sleep advice, parenting methods evolve with new research and insights. Conscious parenting, though it may seem like another trend, is grounded in both ancient Eastern philosophies and modern Western psychology. It focuses on being present in the moment and recognizing that misbehaviour in children and dysfunction in adults often stem from unmet emotional needs. This approach calls for self-reflection and personal growth on the part of the parent. The core principles of conscious parenting include self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy. Unlike traditional “gentle” parenting, conscious parenting not only addresses the underlying needs driving a child's behaviour but also examines the parent's reactions and responses. By understanding and managing our own emotions, we teach our children to do the same, fostering a healthy emotional environment. Did we grow up with this approach in the 80s and 90s? Probably not. But that’s where conscious parenting steps in, emphasizing personal growth and self-reflection. Parenting is not just about raising children but also about evolving as individuals. Conscious parenting is more than a set of practices; it’s a paradigm shift. By fostering mindfulness, empathy, and mutual respect, it nurtures both the child’s and the parent’s development. The benefits are profound, leading to stronger, healthier, and more resilient families. As we face the unique challenges of modern parenting, embracing conscious parenting principles can create a more harmonious and fulfilling family life. Join us on this journey—you won’t regret it!

Throughout the years, we've all faced a deluge of parenting advice, much like the changing recommendations on sleep safety. In the 80s, my mother championed the practice of laying babies to rest on their stomachs—a method now deemed risky. Just as sleep guidance shifts, parenting approaches also evolve with fresh research and insights.


While conscious parenting may seem like a passing trend, it is rooted in ancient Eastern philosophies and modern Western psychology. This method emphasizes living in the present and understanding that children's misbehavior and adult dysfunction often originate from unmet emotional needs. It demands introspection and personal development from the parent.


The fundamental tenets of conscious parenting encompass self-awareness, emotional control, and empathy. Contrary to conventional “gentle” parenting, this approach not only addresses the foundational needs driving a child's conduct but also scrutinizes the parent's reactions and interactions. By comprehending and managing our emotions, we instill these skills in our children, creating a nurturing emotional backdrop.


Were we raised with such an outlook in the 80s and 90s? Likely not. This is where conscious parenting steps in, prioritizing personal evolution and self-examination. Parenting is not solely about nurturing children but also about progressing as individuals.


Conscious parenting transcends mere methods; it signifies a shift in mindset. By fostering mindfulness, empathy, and mutual regard, it nurtures the growth of both parent and child. The benefits are profound, leading to more resilient, healthier, and more connected families. As we confront the distinct challenges of contemporary parenting, adopting the principles of conscious parenting can foster a more harmonious and enriching family life.


Embark with us on this journey—it's an experience you won't regret!

You know what to do, so why can't you do it?

By Louise Hurley • July 2, 2025
You Know What to Do, So Why Can’t You Do It? If you know me at all, you’ll know I’m a cold weather girl. It remains a mystery to me how I’ve managed to live this long in the Arabian Gulf. Well, okay -not a complete mystery. Long live air conditioning! But the point is: I don’t do well in the heat. Parenting in the Heat of the Moment (Literally) One of my biggest parenting flash points? Parenting in hot weather. Anyone with a toddler knows that buckling them into a car seat can be a challenge. Especially if you’ve just cut their soft play session short and they really didn’t want to leave. So when my kids hit that “I’ll do it myself” stage-the slow crawl from outside the car to their seat- I’m just standing there, sweating buckets. That’s when I start to get impatient. Aggravated by the 40-degree sun. These are the moments I flip. Honestly, it’s like rage surging through my body. “Hurry up, for the love of all things holy!!” I snap. I force. I yell. All the things I know I shouldn’t be doing. And of course, this escalates into a power struggle. It doesn’t speed anything up. It just drains everyone. By the time I collapse into the driver’s seat, I’m depleted. Tomato-red. Drenched in what I like to call pressure sweat. But most of all? I’m wracked with guilt. Because I know what these kinds of reactions can do. I’ve read the books. I follow the accounts. I know better. Yet here we are. It’s Not a Knowledge Gap. It’s a Nervous System Gap. Even though you know, rationally, that yelling doesn’t help, many of us find ourselves doing it anyway. Not because we’re bad parents. But because we’re human - and triggered. Parenting books rarely talk about this part: What’s happening inside your body when you’re reacting. This isn’t about needing more parenting tips. This is about your nervous system. When you're under stress, your thinking brain—the part that remembers all those gentle parenting nuggets-shuts down. And your survival brain? It takes over. So no, you’re not failing. But you are flooded. Let’s normalise this: • You’re not broken. • You’re not a monster. • You’re not ruining your children. You’re dysregulated. What Conscious Parenting Actually Means Let me be clear: I’m not asking you to become a matcha-sipping, yoga-practising parent who never loses their cool. Being a conscious parent doesn’t mean being calm all the time. It means: • Being aware of what’s happening inside you • Returning to connection after rupture You’re not aiming for perfection. You’re aiming for repair. Because when you model: • How to apologise • How to take ownership • How to reconnect after a meltdown …you’re teaching your child the emotional skills they really need. Mindsight: The Skill That Changes Everything Most of us are operating on autopilot. Reacting, reacting, reacting. Conscious parenting introduces the idea of mindsight- A simple but powerful skill. Mindsight = noticing what’s going on inside your own mind, so you can respond instead of react. Take a breath and ask yourself: • What’s one moment this week you wish you could rewind? • What were you needing in that moment? • What was your nervous system trying to protect you from? This is where the real work begins. You Don’t Need More Pressure. You Need Support. The books, blogs, and saved Instagram posts? They’re great. But what you really need is a space where you feel: • Seen • Understood • Supported That’s what 1:1 coaching offers. You’re already a loving, dedicated parent. Now you need the support to implement what you already know- With nervous system tools and real-time guidance that meet you where you actually are. 💬 Ready to go deeper? I’d love to invite you to reach out or book a free connection call. Or, if you're just getting started, download my free Conscious Parenting Guide-it’s the perfect first step. You don’t have to do this alone. And a few small tweaks can truly change everything.

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If you feel like simply getting out the door on time (tie your shoes… where’s your coat… do you have your lunch??) is a battle, the reality is that you are locked in a power struggle with your child.