TREAT YOUR DAUGHTERS THE SAME WAY YOU TREAT YOUR SONS. When you send the message that their gender does not determine their value, success, or happiness, your kids will grow up believing that it’s their abilities that matter, not whether they are a boy or girl. Boys cry, girls run fast, boys like pink, girls can lift heavy objects, boys enjoy cooking, girls like blue, and the list goes on and on. Praise creativity, curiosity, strength, compassion, and sensitivity. Allow your child’s interests and passions to determine their journey, not society’s perceptions of what success looks like for a boy or girl. Your kids are so much more than that!
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.
HOW YOU THINK, MATTERS. If your children believe they can, they will! A simple strategy to raise your kids with self confidence, self esteem, and critical thinking skills is to encourage THEM to find a solution–not you. No matter your child’s age, It’s easy to want to jump in and solve all of life’s problems, yet how will your kids learn that they are capable unless you allow them to self advocate and do for themselves? How will they know that you think they are capable if you do everything for them? Before you jump in to “solve,” ask them, “What’s a solution?” and then listen. You will be amazed at what you hear. Praise their ingenuity and creativity and then praise the process they implement to achieve their goals. Your kids will inspire you!
DARE TO DREAM AND TALK ABOUT IT! Life is busy, I know–the kids need new shoes, a ride to practice, and dinner is in 30 minutes, yet don’t let the demands of your growing family derail your passions and interests. You can raise a happy, healthy, and successful family right alongside your dreams. In fact, as you reach each goal on your way to achieving your dreams, you will have the most precious fan club cheering you on– your family! Make your dreams happen, you are worth it!
GOOD FRIENDS ARE A NECESSITY TO LIVING A HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND SUCCESSFUL LIFE. Your time and energy are your most precious resources, when you spend them to build friendships, you are giving yourself one of life’s greatest treasures. A genuine friend will listen, guide, support, and love you throughout all of life’s ups and downs. Friendships are worthwhile, both to you and your family. Enjoy the love of friends. You are worth it!
MAKE TODAY THE FIRST DAY OF THE REST OF YOUR LIFE. Give yourself grace for those moments over the weekend where you were less than kind, patient, or loving. Today is a new day. START FRESH! Apologize to those whose feelings you may have hurt. Make it simple: Please forgive me for yelling at you. I am ashamed how my anger hurt you. I am going work on being a better listener.” Do you forgive me? It’s important to take ownership of your choices and then ask for forgiveness. No one “made” you behave badly. You are human and not all knowing and all doing. Even parents make mistakes.
TAKE BREAKS. The more energy and enthusiasm you have personally, the more you can give your kids. Don’t be ashamed, feel guilty, or feel undeserving of time away from your family. When you renew yourself and invest in your personal wellness; mentally, emotionally, and physically, you are sending a healthy message to it’s importance. As you go through your busy days, remember that you need to “Live the life you want your kids to live!” Taking care of you will increase the likelihood that your kids will do the same when they are parents.
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