My Mom has always said, "As a twig is bent, so shall it grow." What she meant by this was, the way you raise a child for the most part, determines who they will become. I try to remember this as we get through each day. Some days are great, some are a nightmare. No matter what, there are a few things I try to keep in mind...
1. Say "Good Morning" and "Good Night" at the beginning and end of each day. Try to say "I Love You" at least once in between.
2. Make eye contact. Really and truly make eye contact at least once a day. This seems simple and almost ridiculous, but in today's crazy fast paced world, you'd be surprised at how difficult it can be.
3. Try like mad to have a family meal. A real, sit down at the table, shut the rest of the world off, family meal. With sports, homework, meetings, and everything else constantly being thrown your way, this is sometimes the only and best time to reconnect with each other.
4. Don't hover. Let kids be kids. Let them play, let them fight, have fun, dance to 80's music, dance to any music. Let them get hurt, let them laugh their heads off.
5. Don't freak out if they get dirty or make a mess. Is this fun for you?...no. Is it fun for them?...of course. They need to have a healthy respect for rules and boundaries, but they shouldn't be scared or worried if they spill something on their clothes or drop a cup of water.
6. Hug and Kiss them at least once a day. Every single day.
7. Teach them to be good winners and good losers.
8. Have a good relationship with your family and friends. They will follow your example. If you treat the people you love with compassion and respect regardless of whether they're in or out of your presence, this will be noted....and copied.
9. Teach them to be gracious. Truly thankful for what they have and compassionate for those in need.
10. Have Faith. Believe in God. Have an understanding that there is something bigger than they are in their lives and learn to trust that - and trust in themselves to make the right decisions.
1. Say "Good Morning" and "Good Night" at the beginning and end of each day. Try to say "I Love You" at least once in between.
2. Make eye contact. Really and truly make eye contact at least once a day. This seems simple and almost ridiculous, but in today's crazy fast paced world, you'd be surprised at how difficult it can be.
3. Try like mad to have a family meal. A real, sit down at the table, shut the rest of the world off, family meal. With sports, homework, meetings, and everything else constantly being thrown your way, this is sometimes the only and best time to reconnect with each other.
4. Don't hover. Let kids be kids. Let them play, let them fight, have fun, dance to 80's music, dance to any music. Let them get hurt, let them laugh their heads off.
5. Don't freak out if they get dirty or make a mess. Is this fun for you?...no. Is it fun for them?...of course. They need to have a healthy respect for rules and boundaries, but they shouldn't be scared or worried if they spill something on their clothes or drop a cup of water.
6. Hug and Kiss them at least once a day. Every single day.
7. Teach them to be good winners and good losers.
8. Have a good relationship with your family and friends. They will follow your example. If you treat the people you love with compassion and respect regardless of whether they're in or out of your presence, this will be noted....and copied.
9. Teach them to be gracious. Truly thankful for what they have and compassionate for those in need.
10. Have Faith. Believe in God. Have an understanding that there is something bigger than they are in their lives and learn to trust that - and trust in themselves to make the right decisions.
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