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!
As a parent, you are faced with infinite demands placed on your finite time and energy.
To be more successful, you need to surround yourself with a network of experts, friends, and others who can help you achieve your goals, both for yourself and your family.
The following posts will reinforce that Asking For Help is A Strength, and Not A Weakness.
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!
”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!”
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE AND SUPPORTIVE FRIENDS. The juggling act of parenthood is hard enough, don’t make it harder by trying to maintain friendships that weigh you down and make you feel inadequate. You will never be enough for those friends and you’ll waste way too much time trying. Instead, choose friends who make you feel happy, confident, and appreciated. Just be yourself. Those people in your life that adore you, think you are amazing. Believe them!
YOU PUT YOUR PANTS ON THE SAME WAY AS EVERY OTHER PARENT. REMEMBER THAT WHEN YOU WANT TO JUDGE OR CONDEMN ANOTHER. It’s easy to look across the room and find fault, yet stop yourself before you begin and BE THE DIFFERENCE. We all know how it feels to be judged. You feel crummy; incompetent, unworthy, and embarrassed. We’ve all been there at some point in our lives. Show others grace. Extend a hand, share a strategy that works for you, invite the Mom or Dad who doesn’t know anyone at the meeting to join your table. Be the difference!
Tweet! Tweet!
