Understanding the Three Principles for Parents

A Note for Parents

The stories on this site are inspired by the Three Principles understanding first articulated by Sydney Banks.

In the early 1970s, Sydney Banks had a profound insight into the nature of human experience. He realized that people do not experience life directly, but experience their own thinking, moment by moment, brought to life through consciousness and guided by Mind.

This simple realization became known as the Three Principles of Mind, Consciousness, and Thought. It is not a method, technique, or system, but a description of how experience works from the inside out.

The Thought Explorers is inspired by this original understanding and shares it through gentle stories written especially for children and families.

Parents often tell us,
“I love this, but I still have questions.”

That makes sense.

The Three Principles offer a simple understanding, but they point to something deeper than advice or techniques. This page answers some of the most common questions parents ask when they’re first exploring The Thought Explorers and the Three Principles.

What are the Three Principles?

The Three Principles describe how all human experience is created, moment by moment.

They are:

Mind – the source of wisdom and insight
Consciousness – what makes experience feel real
Thought – the moment-to-moment creation of experience

Together, they explain why feelings change, why calm returns naturally, and why nothing is broken in our children.

Is this therapy or psychology?

No.

The Three Principles are not therapy, techniques, or strategies. They are an understanding of how experience already works.

Many therapists, educators, and coaches draw from this understanding, but it does not involve diagnosis, treatment, or fixing anyone.

Do I need to teach the Three Principles to my child?

No.

Children don’t need lessons. They learn through experience and example.

As parents begin to see more clearly where feelings come from, conversations naturally shift. Children often start noticing their own experience without being told what to think or feel.

Will this stop big emotions or meltdowns?

Big emotions are part of being human, especially for kids.

The Three Principles don’t remove feelings. They change how we relate to them.

When children see that feelings come from thought and pass on their own, emotions often move through more quickly and with less fear.

Does this mean behavior doesn’t matter?

Behavior matters, but it makes more sense when we understand what’s behind it.

Behavior is often a signal of how much thinking is happening in the moment. When thinking settles, behavior usually shifts naturally.

This understanding helps parents respond with clarity instead of reaction.

Is this positive thinking?

No.

This is not about controlling thoughts or trying to stay positive.

Thoughts come and go on their own. When children see that thoughts are temporary, they don’t need to fight them or believe every one.

Calm doesn’t come from better thoughts.
It comes from less attachment to thinking.

What ages are The Thought Explorers books for?

Most stories are written for children roughly ages 4–10, though parents often say they find just as much insight in the stories as their kids do.

The understanding behind the stories has no age limit.

Is this religious or spiritual?

The Three Principles point to an inner wisdom that everyone has access to, regardless of background or belief.

Families from many different religious, spiritual, and non-religious traditions find this understanding practical and helpful in everyday life.

Do I need to change how I parent?

No overhaul required.

Many parents notice that as their understanding deepens, they naturally:

• React less

• Listen more

• Trust their child’s resilience

• Feel calmer themselves

Change happens quietly, without effort.

What if I don’t fully understand this yet?

That’s normal.

This understanding unfolds over time. Clarity doesn’t come from memorizing ideas. It comes from noticing your own experience.

The stories are designed to support that discovery gently.

Where should I start?

Start with a story.

Read together. Laugh together. Notice moments of calm returning on their own.

Understanding grows from experience, not effort.

Nothing is wrong with you or your child.
Nothing is missing.
Wisdom is already there, underneath the noise.