What Buddha’s Teachings Can Teach You About Being a Mother
Buddha wasn’t a parent, but his wisdom is a goldmine for anyone raising a child. I know, because his words have grounded me time and again.
Here’s the thing: Buddha’s teachings aren’t about being perfect or doing it all right. They’re about showing up in the most authentic way possible. And that’s exactly what your child needs from you.
1. Your Child Doesn’t Need Perfect. They Need You.
Buddha said be a light unto yourself.
Your child isn’t waiting for a perfect mother—they’re waiting for you. The real you. The one who is willing to get it wrong, apologize, and try again. The one who stays steady, even when things get tough.
I’ve learned that my child watches me. He watches my every move, my tone, my reactions. Before you ask your child to be better, ask yourself: Am I showing up the way I want them to show up?
2. Compassion Beats Control Every Time.
I’ll be honest, some days I’m ready to lose it. My son can push my buttons like nobody else. But you know what Buddha would say? Meet them with kindness, not control.
When your child is having a meltdown, it’s easy to jump to stop it! But what if, instead, you just sit down, put your arm around them, and say, I’m here for you?
It’s a small shift that can make all the difference. When you meet your child with softness, you help them feel heard—and that's what they need most.
3. Ditch the Distractions. Be Present.
Buddha talked about mindfulness—being fully present in the moment.
Look, we all get busy. But are you really there with your child when you’re with them? Or are you checking your phone, making a mental to-do list, or half-listening?
I’ve been guilty of this too, until one day my son said, Are you even listening?
That hurt. But it was a wake-up call.
Now, I make a point to put the phone down. I look him in the eye. I listen. Fully.
That’s what mindfulness in parenting looks like: Not perfect, just present.
4. Discipline Is Not About Control. It’s About Teaching.
We think discipline means punishment. But Buddha’s middle way is all about balance.
When your child does something wrong, don’t react immediately. Pause. Look at the situation. Don’t punish—teach. Guide them through the mistake, but show love, not anger.
Discipline is not about control. It’s about teaching respect—for themselves, for you, and for others.
5. The Tough Phases Won’t Last Forever.
Buddha taught that everything is impermanent. That means everything—good and bad—changes.
The tantrums? The messy eating? The whining?
It won’t last forever.
And when you remember that, it makes the hard days easier to bear. When I’m in the middle of a meltdown, I whisper to myself, This too shall pass.
6. Just Listen.
Sometimes, the best thing you can do for your child is listen. Not lecture. Not fix. Just listen.
When your child talks to you, don’t interrupt. Don’t offer solutions. Just hear them out.
You’ll be surprised how much that simple act can heal.
7. Peace Comes from Within.
Buddha was a peaceful soul, not because life was easy, but because he found peace within himself.
Peace in your home starts with peace within you. When you’re calm, your child feels calm. When you react, they react.
So, What Do You Do with All This?
This Buddha Purnima, give yourself the gift of being present.
Stop trying to be the perfect mother. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be there.
Be the calm in your child’s storm. Be the steady hand they reach for. Be the love they can count on.
So, here’s your challenge:
This Buddha Purnima, pause. Sit with your child. Listen. Laugh. Let go of the pressure to do it all right.
Parenting isn’t a race. It’s a journey. And it’s a journey you don’t have to walk alone. You’ve got this.
So inspiring..i m calm and listen and present for my children