If there were a MAGIC FORMULA for parenting... This Would Be It!
"How should I be?!" Instead of "What should I do?!"
Dear Friend & Subscriber,
I want to share a secret with you.
This past few weeks, I've been struggling a lot in my relationship with my child and my husband. I’ve found myself moody, disoriented, unfocused and with low energy almost all day, every day. Just over the weekend, I successfully came out of it with a simple switch in my mindset that helped me change my behaviour towards my loved ones.
As parents, we’re told that we are always supposed to know what to do and be happy, energetic and in the best mood for our kids. We should be able to effortlessly produce healthy lunches, a tidy home, keep everyone organized, and look great doing it. We should have wonderful relationships with our children because the “perfect parent” is always loving, patient, and kind.
But sometimes, we behave impatiently, yell, and act mean. For most of us, thinking about these missteps brings up a kind of shame that is unbearable. You can stumble or use it as a catalyst to learn and change.
I invite you to do the latter. Remember, YOUR MINDSET MATTERS!
We all know that parenting doesn't come with a manual, but what if I told you there's a magic formula that doesn't focus on "What should I do?" but rather, "How should I be?"
Buckle up because we're about to embark on a journey that transforms your parenting mindset!
Be Present, Not Perfect
Remember the time when your little one spilled glitter all over the living room? Instead of stressing about the cleanup, join in the sparkle-fest! Be present in the chaos because those are the moments your child will remember—the laughter, the shared mess, and the joy of being together.
In a world that often celebrates perfection, let's shift our focus. Embrace the messy moments, the imperfections, and the beautiful chaos of parenting. It's in those moments that lasting memories are created.
Your child doesn't need a flawless superhero but a real, authentic you.
Be Flexible, Not Fixed
You've meticulously planned a family outing, and the weather throws a curveball. Instead of feeling defeated, turn it into a spontaneous indoor picnic or a movie night.
Flexibility is your ally in the unpredictable world of parenting.
Embrace the unexpected, and you might discover new family traditions along the way. Parenting is a dynamic journey; what works one day might not work the next. Instead of clinging to rigid plans, be flexible. Adapt to the ever-changing needs of your child and family. It's okay to switch things up and find joy in spontaneity. After all, life's most beautiful moments often happen when we least expect them.
Be Empathetic, Not Judgmental
Picture this: you're at the park, and a fellow parent is struggling with a tantrum. Instead of passing judgment, offer a compassionate smile or share a relatable story. We're all navigating this rollercoaster of parenthood and …
A supportive community can make the journey a whole lot smoother.
Parenting styles vary; what works for one family might not work for another. Instead of passing judgment, let's practice empathy.
A compassionate, understanding approach creates a supportive community and teaches our little ones the power of kindness.
Be a Guide, Not a Dictator
Your little one wants to dress themselves, resulting in mismatched socks and inside-out shirts. WHO CARES!
Yes, you're the parent, but that doesn't mean you have to have all the answers. Instead of dictating every move, be a guide. Being a guide means letting them explore their identity while offering gentle nudges in the right direction.
Encourage curiosity, foster independence, and let your child discover the world with your loving guidance.
Remember, it's not about moulding them into who you want them to be but helping them become the best version of themselves.
Celebrate their independence!
Be Self-Compassionate, Not Self-Critical
You forgot about the school bake sale until the last minute. Instead of criticizing yourself, whip up some easy, no-bake cookies and remind yourself that …
Perfection is overrated.
Parenting can be challenging, and we're all bound to make mistakes. Instead of being overly critical of yourself, practice self-compassion. Understand that you're doing your best, and seeking support when needed is okay. Show yourself the same kindness and understanding that you extend to your little ones.
Parenting is a constant juggling act, and sometimes, dropping the ball is just another opportunity to laugh and learn.
Be a Lifelong Learner, Not a Know-It-All
Your child is delving into a new hobby you know nothing about. Instead of dismissing it, dive into their world.
Being a lifelong learner keeps you connected with your child's evolving interests and strengthens the bond as you navigate this ever-changing landscape together.
Parenting is a continuous learning journey. Embrace the opportunity to grow alongside your child. Stay open to new ideas, parenting hacks, and different perspectives. The more we learn, the more equipped we become to handle the twists and turns of this incredible adventure.
Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting, but adopting the "How should I be?" mindset is the closest thing to a magic formula. Embrace the uniqueness of your family, be present, flexible, and empathetic. Guide with love, practice self-compassion, and never stop learning.
I'd love to hear from you. Share your thoughts and insight in the comment section below. Let's stay connected!
You are shaping the future through your actions today.
Happy parenting!
Additionally, I invite you to join our vibrant community on social media, Instagram, Threads, Twitter, & LinkedIn, where we can engage in real-time discussions, share insights, and connect with fellow enthusiasts.
Love this 🙏🏻 We can get too much in our ego identification sometimes, as we want to BE the best parent, but it is less about “who we are” and more about what we do.