The Power of Unlearning: Why Humility is the key to growth as a parent

As parents, we all have our own ways of doing things and it's natural to hold on to certain beliefs and habits that have worked for us in the past.

But sometimes, these habits or beliefs can hold us back from being the best parents we can be.

That's where unlearning comes in.

Unlearning is the process of letting go of old or irrelevant knowledge.

It can be a powerful tool for breaking free from negative patterns and embracing new, more effective ways of parenting.

In this post, we'll explore the importance of unlearning and how it can help us become more open-minded, flexible, and effective parents.

Unlearning can be a natural process that happens over time as we encounter new experiences and information that contradict or expand upon what we already know. It can also be a conscious effort to actively seek out new perspectives or information in order to revise our understanding.

Unlearning can be especially important for breaking free from biases or preconceptions that may be holding us back from seeing things in a new light.

So, if unlearning is so good for us - Why the resistance? 

It may be helpful to consider our own personal reasons why we find this challenging.

1. Fear of the unknown or a fear of change.

When we have been holding on to certain beliefs or ways of thinking for a long time, it can be intimidating to consider letting go of them, even if they are no longer producing positive results. 

2. Lack of motivation 

Another reason may be a lack of motivation or interest in seeking out new information. It can be easier to stick with what we already know, even if it is not entirely accurate or complete, rather than putting in the effort to learn something new.

3. Undermines previous knowledge or experiences

 It can be challenging to admit that we were wrong or that our understanding of a subject was incomplete, and this may cause reaction that resists updating our understanding.

4. Cognitive Biases

Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts that help us make sense of the world but can also lead us to make judgments that are not entirely accurate or objective.

The key to unlocking our ability to unlearn is to develop our humility! 

Humility is often seen as a key to growth because it allows us to be open to learning and to accepting feedback, which is essential for personal growth. 

*Humility allows us to be open to new ideas and perspectives: When we are humble, we are more likely to be receptive to new information and to consider the viewpoints of others. This openness can help us learn and grow by exposing us to a wider range of ideas and experiences

*Humility helps us to admit when we are wrong or don't know something. This willingness to admit our limitations can help us learn from our mistakes and improve our understanding.

*Humility allows us to seek out feedback and support: Being humble can help us be more willing to seek out feedback and support from others, which can be crucial for identifying areas where we can grow and improve.

*Humility helps us to be more self-aware: When we are humble, we are more likely to be aware of our own strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness can help us to identify areas where we need to grow and to take steps to improve.

So, unlearning and humility are powerful tools. 

Let's not be afraid to challenge our assumptions or let go of old patterns & thinking when it comes to our parenting as it's through this process of unlearning that we can truly grow. 

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