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!
Mothers have been conditioned to believe that a "good" mom sacrifices her needs for the needs of her family. Although sacrifice is necessary, it cannot define you. Ultimately, you will get lost in the shuffle.
Studies confirm that your emotional, physical, and mental health impacts your family.
The following posts will guide you to Live the Life You Want Your Kids to Live because a happy, healthy family starts with 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.
”SELL THE DREAM!” If you want your kids to live, a happy, healthy, joy-filled life, you need to live it first. Live it and then talk about it. Share why your morning or evening run is so important to you? Why do you hire a sitter to make it happen? Tell your kids how great it feels to exercise and sweat for reasons other than chasing after them at the park. Why do you go out on dates with your spouse/partner or out with friends? Explain that those relationships are important and make you happy –Spending time and energy to nurture and grow them is healthy and smart. Your kids are watching you live your life and learning what is important, who is important, and how you honor those things. “LIVE THE LIFE YOU WANT YOUR KIDS TO LIVE!”
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