You know I L-O-V-E LOVE Brené Brown, right?! If I could go to happy hour with her and Tina Fey my life would seriously be complete. One of the things I love most that she’s written is the Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto.
We know B.B. (totally calling her that because in my head we’re besties) is the thought leader on compassion, empathy, and vulnerability but did you also know she has a thing or two to say about parenting?
In her book, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent and Lead, B.B. shares her ‘Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto’ and it’s too freaking good not to share…enjoy, my friend!
The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto
Above all else, I want you to know that you are loved and lovable. You will learn this from my words and actions–the lessons on love are in how I treat you and how I treat myself.
I want you to engage with the world from a place of worthiness. You will learn that you are worthy of love, belonging, and joy every time you see me practice self-compassion and embrace my own imperfections.
We will practice courage in our family by showing up, letting ourselves be seen, and honoring vulnerability. We will share our stories of struggle and strength. There will always be room in our home for both.
We will teach you compassion by practicing compassion with ourselves first; then with each other. We will set and respect boundaries; we will honor hard work, hope, and perseverance. Rest and play will be family values, as well as family practices.
You will learn accountability and respect by watching me make mistakes and make amends, and by watching how I ask for what I need and talk about how I feel.
I want you to know joy, so together we will practice gratitude.
I want you to feel joy, so together we will learn how to be vulnerable.
When uncertainty and scarcity visit, you will be able to draw from the spirit that is a part of our everyday life.
Together we will cry and face fear and grief. I will want to take away your pain, but instead I will sit with you and teach you how to feel it.
We will laugh and sing and dance and create. We will always have permission to be ourselves with each other. No matter what, you will always belong here.
As you begin your Wholehearted journey, the greatest gift that I can give to you is to live and love with my whole heart and to dare greatly.
I will not teach or love or show you anything perfectly, but I will let you see me, and I will always hold sacred the gift of seeing you. Truly, deeply, seeing you.
P.S. I’m not crying, YOU’RE crying! And if you loved this message go ahead and share it with a friend who you think’ll love it too!
Here for you, mama!
Julianne
Julianne Curtis is a Fort Collins birth, postpartum, and bereavement doula who helps families all across Northern Colorado with all services related to growing families. Julianne blogs about parenthood and beyond, including her love for B.B.
If you have questions or need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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