Self-Compassion: Your Parenting Superpower with Kristin Neff
September 22, 2022
Dr. Kristin Neff, a pioneer in self-compassion research, discusses self-compassion as a key to in parenting as we raise children of all sizes.
Dr. Kristin Neff joins me in talking about self-compassion in parenting. As a pioneer in self-compassion research, she is a global influence in psychology research and the author of the bestselling book Self-Compassion.
Along with her colleague Chris Germer, she developed the Mindful Self-Compassion program, taught internationally, and co-wrote The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook. Her newest book is Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive.
From her personal experiences and research findings, Dr. Neff discusses the difference self-compassion makes in the ability to cope with stress.
Self-compassion allows us to recognize that we are not alone in our struggles and to do our best in good and bad times.
If we learn to be more self-compassionate, we can respond to our children in a way that is more mindful, motivating, and helpful. She emphasizes we are not helping anyone, including our children, by being harshly self-critical.
Self-compassion improves self-worth, reducing negative body image and eating disorders.
Contrary to popular belief that self-compassion undermines motivation, Dr. Neff explains that self-compassion leads to effective motivation.
It gives us a safety net to take risks and the security of unconditional acceptance.
Teaching self-compassion to others is easier than we may think. It’s a skill and a practice that we don’t learn naturally. It’s a superpower that will change your ability to handle the challenging moments in life.
In conclusion, Dr. Neff encourages everyone to try self-compassion and see its potential.

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What You’ll Learn About Kristin Neff and Self-Compassion
- Dr. Neff’s practice of self-compassion
- How to relate to ourselves healthily
- Self-compassion as a constant friend and an unconditional source of self-worth
- Being a motivating parent through self-compassion
- Discovering our intrinsic worth as human beings
- Dispelling popular misconceptions about self-compassion
- Mindful self-compassion programs and resources for children and parents
- Using and honing our well-developed skills of compassion
- Navigating our parenting life with the help of self-compassion
- The tremendous potential of the superpower known as self-compassion
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Resources:
Featured in this Show:
- Subscribe to this show
- Follow me on Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
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- Self-Compassion Website
- Center for Mindful Self-compassion Website
- Self-Compassion test
- Self compassion practices
- Tips for practicing self-compassion
- Dr. Kristin Neff: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
- Dr. Neff’s Books: Fierce Self-Compassion | Self-Compassion | The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook | Teaching the Mindful Self-Compassion Program
- Other Books mentioned in this episode
- Bluth, K. (2017). The Self-Compassion Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness and Compassion Skills to Overcome Self-Criticism and Embrace Who You Are. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
- Pollak, S. (2019). Self-Compassion for Parents: Nurture your child by caring for yourself. New York: Guildford Press.
- Child Temperament with Mary Sheedy Kurcinka
- Body Kindness for Kids
- The Shop on The Nourished Child
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Enjoy the Show?
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Jill Castle, MS, RD
Jill Castle, MS, RDN is a pediatric dietitian with over 35 years of experience and the mother of four grown children. She helps families raise healthy eaters and healthy kids at every size, with nutrition, parenting and lifestyle behaviors.
