Speaking as to a child

Today’s Parent Pause is about something simple but surprisingly hard:Speaking to ourselves the way we’d speak to our own child.If our child showed up tired, overwhelmed, or tearful, we wouldn’t scold them or tell them they should’ve done better.We’d gather them up, offer comfort, maybe make a snack, and remind them they’re doing brilliantly, because that’s what love looks like.And yet, when it’s ourselves?We’re often much harsher.The inner critic pipes up, telling us we should be coping better, managing more, being less tired.So today’s gentle invitation:When that critical voice kicks in, pause.Ask: How would I speak to my child if they felt like this?And then offer ourselves the same kindness, patience, and encouragement.Because it’s not the perfectionism or the inner whip-cracking that makes us better, it’s the generosity. The breathing space. The softness.Thanks for pausing here today. Go gently. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit kimmccabe.substack.com/subscribe