Blog
August 13, 2009
School is back in session! Some children are so excited and some are a little scared. That is to be expected. All we can do is put a smile on our face and hopefully their face every morning and remind them that it's gonna be a great day! Starting the day on a positive note is an absolute must. As parents - sometimes that means choosing our words carefully or picking our battles. Does it matter that they want to throw in a headband when we really wanted a cute french braid? A smile and a "that looks really cute" will instill just a smidge of confidence as they walk out the door. We have all heard that "children can be cruel." It is imperative that their home be their safe haven. Let them have confidence in their decisions. Confidence is a key building block for a happy child and happy children make happy adults! Peace!
September 13, 2009
We have had some trying times here lately in our small town. A friend of ours died of cancer. He was only 2 years older than I am. Another friend's father died. A local high school boy committed suicide. It is important when dealing with these things to stop and remember that our children are also dealing with these things. This is not the time to think that if we don't talk about it around them that they won't know anything is going on. This is not even the time to act like everything is okay. These are real emotions for both you and your child. It is okay for them to see you dealing with it - even to see you cry. This is also the time to answer any questions they may have about death.
Another important factor and life lesson in all of this - showing your child how to be a good friend to someone. Show your child what a supportive friend looks like - whether that's in taking food to the family, offering to watch someone's child, clean their house, run errands. A real friend doesn't just say, "call me if you need anything." When you say that - it typically means - I don't really have the time for you, but if I have to - call me. Figure out something helpful to do; and do it! Quoting Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young - "Teach your children well." Peace!
February 13, 2010
It is Valentine's Day Eve. Love and candy hearts and chocolates and flowers are on everyone's mind. How could it not be? There are countless commercials and of course weeks ago our children had to find the PERFECT valentines to pass out to their classmates. Not too babyish. Not too lovey. Not too girly (the boys will make faces and possibly throw them down.) So many decisions. Play it safe.
The decisions will only become more varied, more important, and more scary as our children grow older. They won't want to act like a momma's child. How do they appear available, but not promiscuous? How are they good friends to both the girls and the guys? So many decisions - but when all is said and done - tried and true - play it safe.
Amy Stephens | amy_stephens@insightbb.com
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