Raising Our Children Raising Ourselves-Chapter 4 Emotional Safety

[foodmachine]

Chapter 4 starts with the line, "Children can only release stress and maintain emotional well-being when they feel completely safe to express themselves." (p. 157) Aldort goes on to point out the relationship between emotional safety and freedom of self-expression. She asks us to ask ourselves, "Are other people safe to express themselves and to make mistakes around you?" (p 157)

One of the cards I have stashed around the house says, "This is a house where it's ok for things to go wrong." This goes hand in hand with Kohn's UP principle #12 (see Unconditional Parenting book club - Chapter 7) "Don't be rigid".
Being flexible helps create a safe environment for my family.

[foodmachine]

Forgot about that mantra. Thanks for digging that up. I would book club this book again in a second if anyone if up for it...after the holidays.

[foodmachine]

I can start right away since I read the book already. Start a new thread for Chapter 1 when you're ready and then PM me.

[P.J.]

I got this book a few weeks ago and am just starting chapter 2...I would love to discuss it. I have also been listening to a few of Naomi Aldort's CDs and am deeply touched by her. So far, in this short time, I have noticed a small, subtle, but real shift in my way of thinking about parenting and consequently my actions and relationship w/my son (7 months). Are there any others out there reading this book at this time I wonder? Naomi Aldort is a wellspring of wisdom and truth about children, I feel blessed to have discovered her so soon on my parenting journey.

[NettleTea]

I'm up for this. I love Naomi's book and would cherish reading it again.

[squealmummy]

Yes I love this book too. It transformed the way I parent and really calmed me down as a mother. Hard to keep to the philosophy every second of the day in day out... but trying hard. I recommend it to open thinking parents regularly.