The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children

As a relationship therapist and parent, I can say that this is the absolute best and most important parenting book there is. Dr. Shefali boldly accomplishes what no other parenting book has been able to fully achieve. She addresses the many challenges that parents experience with their children--at the causal level. She gets to the root of problems. The author shows us that our children are never triggering us. Conversely, what is getting triggered are our past wounds. That in every moment there is always a choice to react or respond. When we move into reactivity, this is about our own hurt and fear. Dr. Shefali masterfully helps us see that our children are here to show us where we need to grow. She says children are our "awakeners." In the excerpt below, the author explains the parent-child dynamic: "Our children are particularly effective mirrors, because although we can divorce our spouse and abandon our friends, our children are here to stay. It's in our relationship with them more than any other that we are challenged to examine those aspects of ourselves we would ordinarily deny or avoid. When we are able to look into the mirror they provide us with and address our issues, we not only clear the fog form our own vision, but also begin to see our children for who they truly are. In this way, we become a reflection of their authentic self." We are asked to consider questions like, "`Is my child in some way reflecting the way I tend to operate?'" With numerous examples, we are shown that the cost of addressing behavioral problems at the effect level is increased negative behavior. Through the author's profound insights and plethora of real-life examples, it becomes clear that our own fear, which stems from past conditionings, paralyzes us by keeping us from knowing how to connect with our children. That real change can only happen when we have heightened awareness or become conscious of our own behavioral patterns. This means noticing our thoughts and feelings and exploring our belief systems. When reading this book, you feel like the author takes you on an intimate journey of awakenings and opens your heart to a whole new way of seeing your essential role as a parent. The authors ideas are truly revolutionary and liberating. You are able to see and experience a real path to having stronger, deeper connections in all your relationships. In The Awakened Family, the author explains that we need to give up our expectations of how we would like things to be and to accept whatever enters the present moment. In the following passage, the author helps us to understand what acceptance means: "Acceptance of the present moment doesn't mean you are passive or resigned to things. It simply means that the sting of the emotional charge is taken out of the situation. Sure, you can correct your child and even assertively create boundaries if these are needed, but the entire exchange is executed without adding in the emotional charge of fear, panic, shame, or guilt." We are able to see that only when we learn how to "be" can we know what doing action, if any, is needed. Dr. Shefali so eloquently explains our responsibility as parents when she says, "It's our sacred responsibility as parents to remember that within every child is a deep desire to be seen, heard, and understood. Indeed, a child's deepest yearning is to know the answer to the question, "`Am I good, am I okay, am I worthy?'" When we are willing to open our heart to the author's message, we can only experience its resounding truth. Conscious parenting has personally transformed me and the way I parent my son. This is not a quick-fix philosophy; it is a way of living, finding more peace and joy in your life. Every parent, therapist, parenting coach, and educator should read this book and keep it close by for reference. With the brilliant insights that Dr. Shefali provides in her latest book, we can all become more awakened and join a growing consciousness that has the power to heal our world.

“The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children” is an absolute gem of a book that deserves nothing less than a 5-star rating. This insightful guide by Dr. Shefali provides a wealth of knowledge and practical wisdom for parents who aspire to raise empowered, resilient, and conscious children. From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the author’s compassionate and empowering approach to parenting. The book delves deep into understanding the needs of children and provides valuable guidance on fostering healthy connections, nurturing emotional intelligence, and cultivating a conscious mindset. The author’s expertise shines through, offering a refreshing perspective that resonates with both new and experienced parents alike. One of the standout qualities of this book is its ability to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The author not only shares compelling research and insights but also provides practical tools and exercises to implement in daily life. These actionable strategies have been invaluable in helping me develop a more conscious and nurturing parenting style. The book empowers parents with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate various challenges and create an environment where their children can thrive. Furthermore, “The Awakened Family” tackles important topics such as effective communication, setting boundaries, and fostering resilience in children. It tackles these subjects with clarity and sensitivity, guiding parents through difficult conversations and offering solutions that prioritize emotional well-being and growth. In conclusion, “The Awakened Family: How to Raise Empowered, Resilient, and Conscious Children” is a must-read for any parent seeking to create a nurturing and empowering environment for their children. This 5-star book is packed with invaluable insights, practical advice, and a compassionate approach that will positively transform your parenting journey. I wholeheartedly recommend it to parents who wish to raise resilient, empowered, and conscious children.

As a mother of two young daughters, this book resonates deeply with me. Dr. Shefali’s approach to parenting isn’t just about raising children. It’s about transforming ourselves as parents so we can guide our kids with more awareness, patience, and connection. Even though I haven’t finished the book yet, every chapter so far has given me powerful insights that deeply challenge traditional parenting methods (I particularly appreciate that part) and encourage a more conscious approach. Having read other books from her, I already knew she had a unique and empowering perspective, and this one is no exception. Can't wait to dive in further and discover more about me! Highly recommend for any parent looking to create a stronger, more mindful relationship with their children, especially the children of today!

Yes, the writing is a bit forced at times, especially the recreated dialogues with the parents/patients (who really talks like that?!) BUT if one is capable to see beyond the delivery, the message is truly revolutionary for your relationship with yourself and your kids. Not particularly useful for toddlers, but lays a good foundation for awakened living/parenting. This is a must read for any caregiver.

After a couple of years of internal stagnancy, I kept praying, longing and searching for a teacher, a sensei, a place, a thing, a major event or any external source of wisdom or spark that would finally help me see the light. These times were dark not only for me but for my family, with a lot of old school yelling, crying, punishing, shaming, because I felt out of sorts and depressed. My boys longed for connection and I could not find my way out of the dark. Then by an act of grace, I stumbled into the teachings of Dr. Shefali Tsabary and all has forever changed. The biggest gift I have received from her book is to realize that all I was longing for was here in my home, with my two greatest teachers, my children. Her book turned a light on in my heart, sparked the fire in my soul and has paved the road, step by step to face my childhood issues with courage and upmost love. Parenting in consciousness has truly catapulted me into the highest and most loving dimension of parenting for my children but most importantly, the healing of my wounded inner child. I am finally shedding the many skins of my past, I am finally being reborn into a human, and adult, that can connect from the present moment and not from the scars of my childhood but above all, one moment at time, I am finally becoming the parent I always had hoped and prayed to be. I have long ways to go, and I sometimes wish I had this book years ago, but for now I know and TRUST that under the loving guidance of Dr. Shefali’s book with its honesty, wisdom, love, examples, wittiness and compassion it will get easier and lighter and my family will be able to heal. I sincerely believe this book can change the World, one parent at a time. I am eternally grateful to this book, Dr. Shefali Tsabary’s work of love. Erika

I am knee deep in this book and all I can say WOW!! I have not been able to stop listening to this audio CD since it arrived yesterday morning. And I am just taken by the insights, the brilliance and how I am now understanding the WHY'S behind my behavior and best yet I am able to see that not only are there real solutions, but that the solutions lie within me. That true connection with my children and with all the people I love deeply in my world can be accomplished by being conscious, by being awake and now I have someone who can help to guide me there. I am just so excited by the changes I have already been able to incorporate with my kids, within my family and the impact is already being felt by all of us. Dr. Shefali's wisdom, her message, and her movement of Conscious Parenting is exactly what her cover states--it is a revolution. It is a revolution of such importance, that when you listen to her words, which echo the truth, and you put these truths into action, it can change your life and the lives of all that you hold dear.. This book is so important and I cannot recommend it enough.A MUST READ!!!

I've never posted a review before but feel so strongly about this book that I feel inspired to speak out!! Dr. Shefali's work has ushered me onto a journey of becoming awakened, conscious, and present with myself, children, marriage, and friends. Each page of her latest book, The Awakened Family is packed with volumes of wisdom, insight, and practical tools to apply into your life. My life has been changed! My three children feel seen, heard, valued, loved, and accepted as they are. Never before have I felt an excitement like this to evolve and learn more!! This book not only revolutionizes your family, but opens your eyes to become more self aware, heal yourself, and thus every single relationship in your life! No matter if you have children, a family, single, or married, this book is a MUST HAVE!! Everyone will benefit and can be transformed! I absolutely love the audio version as well so I can evolve on the go~ wherever I am! I am eternally thankful for the work of Dr. Shefali!!

Best parenting book I've read. And I've read a lot of them. Over the past few years, I saw my once sweet, caring son turn into a teenaged monster. He's 16 now and I can count on one hand the number of stress free days we've had over the past year. I almost took out a 2nd mortgage on my house in order to afford to send him to a rehab program. Thank god I just spent $18 on a book instead. Now brace yourself for what I'm about to say, because it's not popular and it took me a minute to get on board with, too: more than likely, your kids problems are because of you. Yeah, I know. I've read so many books that talk about how to change your child's behavior. But guess what? I'm sure you've already tried to change them and it doesn't work, or perhaps gets you even more difficult behaviors. This book tells you how to change YOU. Indeed, it is the only way to help your child and ultimately help you. The past two weeks I have seen a remarkable change in my child, and it almost 100% came from me changing my behavior first. Dr. Tsabary explains this concept without passing lots of blame or shame (this is the opposite of a helpful approach, by the way), but helps you reconcile your own past hurts and issues, often from childhood and the way you were parented. So there, blame your parents for your child's behavior. ha. No really, there is no need for blame. Just for acceptance of yourself and your child right here, right now. And a willingness to admit that you are part of the problem, but even more that you can be the solution! Our kids need us to change for them. My favorite quote so far: "In simple, everyday ways, as well as more profound ones, our children are constantly saying to us, "Wake up, look at yourself, transform yourself. Do this for YOU, so that I may be free of what burdens you."" Beautiful. <3