The greatest gift you can give to a friend is to care about her/his kids. Show interest and follow their progress though life. When the time comes, be there to celebrate them or console them–just be there. Tell them how proud you are of their courage, hard work, and accomplishments. Recognize their gifts and cheer for them. That is what friends do for each other. I am so proud of the kids that my friends are raising. Let your friends know you are, too. Make it a great weekend!
Raising a healthy, happy, responsible and loving child requires more than relying on your instincts.
Like any job, learning new strategies and skills will increase your effectiveness, as well as your enjoyment.
The following posts will help illustrate how to Keep Your Kids Happy, Healthy, Safe, and Cozy.
Work really hard to be the mother who doesn’t criticize other mothers. None of us walk in each other’s shoes. We all know life is hard, why rub each other’s noses in it? Remember, when you criticize, your kids hear you. They are watching and learning how to treat others. Raise your kids to be supportive and lead by a strong example. “We don’t compare, we only support.” Is a great family and life motto to help you and your kids live a life rich in building others, not tearing them down. Say this motto to your kids to encourages strength and discourages criticizing and comparing within your home and outside of it. Build a world where support is the norm. Praise it in your home and your kids will carry it out into the community. You can absolutely do it!
Your job as a parent doesn’t end with your kids–it can’t. No parent can be everywhere at all times to insure their son or daughter is making healthy and safe choices; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Don’t be afraid to respectfully step up and step in. It takes courage and a caring heart to confidentially go to another Mom or Dad and share information you would want to know if it were your child. Don’t be the parent who looks the other way; thinking, “Kids will be kids.” It’s those kids who one day may never reach adulthood because no one ever cared enough to step in. Be the parent that other parents can count on. You can absolutely do it!
The one thing your child wants from you, more than anything, is to be seen. When your kids are little, they aren’t shy to ask for it, “Mom, look at me!” or “Dad watch me,” yet as they grow, they stop asking and find ways to get your attention. The trouble is, they’ll take it any way they can get it. Your job is to anticipate this human need and to proactively gaze their way–really see them. Your gaze means more to your kids than any treat, toy, or activity. Don’t let them get to the point where they have to act out, put themselves at risk, or bully others to get it. See your kids and let them know that what you see is spectacular!
No matter who you know, where you live, or the title after your name, if you are a parent, you struggle. Every parent struggles! We struggle with not knowing–wondering if we are doing all we can, if it’s right, or the best thing for our kids. This parenthood thing isn’t a walk in the park. It’s hard! We are all equal when it comes to knowing what exhaustion, frustration, joy, and sadness feels like. You are not alone in your struggles– every parent stands alongside you. You are not alone!
As our kids head off to school today, we are all reminded that every day is a gift. No matter how hard we work to keep our kids safe, tragedies happen. Life is fleeting. Each and every day every parent takes a leap of faith as they kiss their kids good-bye for the day. With the tragedy in Boston, and a few weeks ago, the one in the Birmingham airport, our kids are such gifts and we never know what is next. Hug your little ones today, call your older ones, and remind them what blessings they are to you. Never stop reminding them.
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