Mindful Parent Happy Child

Where Parents Grow and So Do Their Kids

A brief history . . .
This book has been in the works since 1997 when the author, Pilar began a literature review for her dissertation topic. From her prior years of experience working as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with teens and adults struggling with issues like addictions, abuse, and eating disorders, Pilar knew the influences for any self-destructive behavior went back not just to the relationship between parent and child, but to the parenting styles of their parents.

During this time, Pilar was studying and practicing mindfulness meditation and their psychological benefits. The evidence is clear, mindfulness practice promotes the development of certain qualities, such as:

• increased attunement with self and others
• inner calm and balance
• clear-minded decision-making
• sense of wellbeing
• self-acceptance and compassion
• greater acceptance and compassion toward others.

Pilar realized that if mindfulness practice helps individuals develop these qualities, parents with these qualities can increase the level of the parent-child connection – a life-long bond. After all, studies show that teens have greater resilience against risky behaviors when they feel connected to their parents (and teachers) (Resnick, et al., JAMA, Sept. 1997). During her literature review, Pilar came across Jon and Myla Kabat-Zinn’s newly released book, Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting.(1997) This groundbreaking work set in motion a new field of psychology which has been researching the effects of mindful parenting practices on parents and children.

Pilar’s dissertation project turned into a Mindful Parenting Curriculum pilot study. This study is now being organized into a parenting book called Mindful Parent Happy Child: A Guide to Raising Joyful and Resilient Children. Read an excerpt of this book now. This book draws upon the latest research in Interpersonal Neurobiology, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Integral Psychology, Buddhist Psychology and eastern contemplative practices.

As the book is being written, Pilar invites you to share your thoughts and parenting experiences, which you will find on the contact page. You can also join her mailing list to be personally informed of talks, classes and book signings.