finding space to listen: how centering prayer is shaping my parenting
This month I started a new practice—centering prayer.
To be honest, I wasn’t sure how it would go. Sitting in silence doesn’t exactly come naturally to me. My mind likes to run, plan, solve, and prepare (especially when it comes to my teens and young adults). But what I’ve found is surprising: the more I give myself this space, the more I notice subtle changes in how I show up as a mom.
One of the biggest shifts has been in how I listen.
For example, as my sons begin to live their best college life, I’ve noticed myself stepping back. When they call (on those rare occasions—hehe), instead of jumping in with solutions or trying to fix, I’m simply listening. And something amazing has been happening. As I listen, they start to talk through their own next steps. They begin to land on their own solutions. It’s like they just needed me to hold space, not hand them an answer.
This is new for me. My default has always been to guide, fix, or offer advice. But centering prayer has softened that instinct. It’s given me a little more margin inside myself so I can be present without rushing to fill the silence.
And it reminds me so much of what I do in my life coaching sessions. My role isn’t to hand teens the “right” answer but to create space for them to reflect and process. Each teen has it in them—they have their own passions, their own values, and their own vision of what matters. When given the chance, they discover the goals that feel meaningful to them. My job is simply to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and allow them to uncover what’s already inside.
And here’s the best part—it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need hours of silence or a monastery to get started. Just 5 minutes a day. Or 10, if you can. Simply sitting, breathing, and allowing yourself to rest in God’s presence.
I encourage you to try it. Notice what shifts in you. Maybe you’ll find yourself reacting less, maybe you’ll feel calmer, or maybe you’ll discover that your family dynamics start to soften in subtle but powerful ways.
✨ Because sometimes, the greatest gift we can give our kids isn’t more words or solutions—it’s the quiet, steady presence of a parent who knows how to listen. ✨
If you’re curious how this kind of listening and reflection could support your teen, I’d love to talk with you. In my life coaching sessions, I create a safe, supportive space for teens to reflect, discover their strengths, and set goals that truly matter to them. If that sounds like something your family could benefit from, let’s connect. Schedule a discovery call with me in the link below.
