Intuition is an unexplained phenomenon interchangeably known as instinct — a perceptive insight or impression. Intuition is a very natural process and one that you can train yourself to recognize and act on. Each of us is developing our own parenting style day by day — one that suits our own desires, needs, interests and personality. As we work out our own personal parenting style, our greatest tool will be a finely tuned intuition.

Carly Simon wrote a song called “Mother’s Intuition” with the lyrics: “She’s smart enough; she’s wise enough, to add up two and two. A Mother, with her intuition, will know just what to do. A Mother has a feeling ...” Simon understood her song describes what each parent has within them — the ability to listen to their heart instead of opinions of well-meaning outsiders. A parent is best qualified to know what is best for their child. Intuition always has our best interests at heart.

How do you recognize your intuitive gift? Below are several ways you know your intuition is speaking to you. It’s like getting direct knowledge without relying on any evidence or rational thought.

1. When you have a feeling, and you sense your hair is rising on the back of your neck, letting you know that you are in some kind of danger.

2. You know something is bothering your child even though he says everything is “OK.”

3. It’s the feeling you have when your child is ill and you sense it even though you’re not with your child.

4. It’s a nagging feeling deep in the pit of your stomach that tells you something is just plain wrong.

I’ve heard stories from my clients telling me they knew or sensed something was not right with their child. At first, they didn’t know what, but when the phone rang and the school nurse told them their child is ill and needs to go home, they understood the source of their discomfort. Is this coincidence? I think not. Your intuition is working for you all the time. It’s not a paranormal activity, it’s actually a natural instinct that can be refined and relied upon.

Intuition can be improved, developed and tuned into all day long. Listen daily to that tiny inner voice that is telling you something. I once had a car accident because I didn’t listen to this tiny voice. As I was driving, I heard, “go to the right lane.” I whispered to the voice that it didn’t make sense as I was going to make a left turn a couple of blocks ahead. Moments later, a car hit mine. Now, I listen to my inner voice without second-guessing what it tells me. I understand that was my guidance and I could have avoided a lot of grief had I just listened to it.

Recent studies have found that people who actively use their intuition make accurate assessments of people, surroundings and events in mere moments. And studies have further shown that the assessments made, when evaluated, are quite accurate. Trust in their own intuition and you provide yourself with a gift of self trust and a strengthening of your intuitive powers.

Think of this inner voice as your “parenting partner” and turn to it when you have decisions that matter in your life. Test your intuition out each day by asking yourself, “What road should I take home from work?” “What would be healing vitamins for me to take this morning?” “What’s the correct way for me to behave during my weekly meeting?” Inwardly asking yourself questions daily helps to build up your courage in accepting your own inner voice of advice. Act on your instincts. The more you do this, the more you benefit from its guidance for you and your family members.

Linda Milo is “The Parent-Child Connection Coach.” For more information, visit www.empoweringparentsnow.com. To book a free parent coaching session, write linda@empoweringparentsnow.com.