EMBRACE PARENTHOOD LIKE you’ve never embraced it before. Your dear little ones will grow up–sooner than you think. Life will never be like it is today. For many of you, that’s a relief–I know, yet one day you will have a pristine kitchen, you will have a clean car, and you will have plenty of time to make four course meals. And it won’t matter to you! You will long for the mess, long for those crazy-making moments in the morning and evening, and yearn for art work to walk in the door each afternoon. Sure Life is crazy. It’s time to own it and make it your crazy.
TIME IS A GIFT. In fact, it is one of your most precious resources. It’s up to you to protect and defend it. Before you say, “Yes,” to one more activity ( four yourself or your kids), ask yourself if it’s worth it. When are you making time for you, your spouse/partner, your kids, your friends and family? Be ever so mindful of who “gets” you. Time grows relationships. You need it to nurture those relationships that are dear to you. Make time for what you value.
BELIEVE IN SOMETHING greater than yourself. When you acknowledge and live a life believing that there is Someone or Something greater than you, a Higher Power, then you are humbled, kinder, and more forgiving to yourself and others. Offer up your struggles as you do your best to live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life. Managing family life is difficult and often times lonely, when you turn to the Divine, there will always be Someone at your side.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF. Give yourself grace. Yes, you could have, would have, and should have. Now, move forward. Life is too busy and too all consuming to berate yourself for opportunities overlooked, or those botched. You are human. In fact, your imperfect role model sends a powerful message to your kids that parents are human. You are not all knowing and all doing! You work hard each day to juggle the demands of family life as best you can. Some days you may feel like a rock star, others, not so much. Embrace it all–the good, bad, and the yucky. Keep your sense of humor and make tomorrow the first day of the rest of your life (and please be kind to yourself in the process)!
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT AS YOU RAISE YOUR FAMILY. Asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to do everything by yourself. In fact, you may even think that the more you do alone, the better the parent you are. I promise you, you were not meant to do everything alone. One of the most powerful success factors to managing the demands of family life is support. Ask for help. You will be happier and feel more successful when you share your journey
CREATE A HOME YOUR KIDS LOVE LIVING IN. Encourage them to share the happiness in your home and invite their friends over. Your house doesn’t have to be the biggest, the fanciest, or the one with the pool table, all you need is to create an environment that is happy, healthy, safe, comfortable, and welcoming. Be the Mom or Dad that loves when the kids ask, “Mom can I have everyone over after the dance?” Without hesitation, happily answer, “Yes! I’d love to have your friends over!” Make certain everyone is clear on your boundaries. Be present–close at hand to supply more bottles of water, cookies, or chips. Welcome your kids’ guests as they arrive. Introduce yourself, get their names, and be the last one to thank them for coming over as they walk out the front door. Treasure those times. Your kids will grow up fast. Don’t let the time pass you by…
Tweet! Tweet!
