Parenting with intention is a powerful way to align your daily actions with your values and goals as a parent. But with all the busyness and chaos of parenting how do you even begin? In this blog post I share practical steps you can apply in your daily life.
Using the Thrive Together Parenting framework—built on the pillars of Connection, Identity, and Intention—you can create a clear roadmap for parenting with intention.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Reflect on Your Values
Start by asking yourself: What is most important to me as a parent? And What lessons or values do I want my child to carry into adulthood?
Make a list of your core values, such as kindness, independence, or perseverance.
Reflect on whether your current parenting actions align with these values.
Step 2: Identify Challenges
Consider recurring parenting challenges and reflect on what’s driving them. Step back from the situation and imagine it like a movie; watch what’s happening for you and for your child. For example:
Is your child testing boundaries? or Is getting out the door in the morning a challenge?
Are you feeling frustrated or unsure of how to respond?
How is your child feeling?
What does your child need in these moments?
By understanding the underlying causes of challenges, you can create intentional responses that address the root of the issue rather than just the behavior.
Step 3: Use the Thrive Together Framework
The Thrive Together framework can guide you in setting meaningful intentions:
Connection: Building Strong Bonds Ask yourself: How can I connect with my child today?
Set an intention like:
“I will focus on creating a calm, welcoming space for my child to share their feelings.”
“I will add moments of connection into the morning routine.”
Identity: Understanding Yourself and Your Child Ask yourself: What does my child need, and what are my triggers as a parent?
Set an intention like:
“I will pause when I feel triggered, reflect on my emotions, and respond with empathy.”
“I will remember that my child is having a hard time not giving me a hard time.”
Intention: Aligning Actions with Values Ask yourself: What message or value do I want to teach my child?
Set an intention like:
“I will use consistent boundaries to teach respect and responsibility.”
“I will give my child age-appropriate choices when possible.”
Step 4: Create a Weekly or Monthly Plan
Write down your intentions using the three guiding questions:
Connection: How will I prioritize connection this week/month?
Identity: What does my child need, and how can I support them?
Intention: What values or lessons will I emphasize this week/month?
Step 5: Practice and Reflect
At the end of each day or week/month, reflect on how your intentions played out.
What went well?
What could you adjust?
Parenting with intention isn’t about getting it “right” every time—it’s about learning and growing alongside your child.
Breaking the React and Regret Cycle
Intentional parenting helps you pause before reacting. The simple act of taking a breath and reminding yourself of your intention can transform a stressful moment into a teaching opportunity. When you have a plan and respond with intention you can feel confident and connected regardless of the situation or your child’s behaviour.
Closing Thoughts
Setting parenting intentions is a practical way to bring mindfulness and purpose to your parenting journey. Start small—focus on one or two intentions this week—and watch how even small changes can lead to big transformations.
What intentions will you set this week? Share your ideas in the comments and inspire other parents in our community!
Thrive Together Parenting provides tools and resources to help you navigate parenting with confidence and purpose. Learn more at www.rmcouse.ca.
~Rose Couse~
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