Your style of parenting has an influence on your child.


Parenting is the most important job in the entire universe, yet nobody is talking about it!  Yes, people talk about how over-scheduled they are or how their kids are doing such and such, but that is not parenting.  Parenting is raising a child by instilling values while providing for physical needs like food and shelter and emotional needs such as mental growth and development.  

Your child arrives to this earth as an observer.  For many months all your child does is observe.  They look at and watch the world around them without judgement.  After months of observing babies start engaging verbally, but for many months they watch your body language and listen to the tone of your voice.  They look into your eyes to understand feelings.  

What kind of world are you creating?  Children are born with personalities and gifts.  They come ready to interact with the world.  How they interact has much to do with their environment.  How you handle or react to a certain situation creates a life lesson for your child.   

Think about the whole picture (aka longterm verses short-term band-aides) when parenting.


Identify Your Parenting Style

This is not about a right or a wrong answer.  The idea is to identify HOW you are parenting.  If you know how you are parenting, then you can step back and "observe" yourself to see what is working and what is not working.  You will be able to more clearly identify what will bring more peace to the family.
  • Are your an involved parent? 
  •  Are your reactions to a situation creating positive or negative life lessons?  
  •  Do you let your children lead the days activities?
  • Do your children follow your planned schedule for the day?
  • Do you smile when your kids enter the room?
  • Do you sigh when you have to "deal with" your kids?
  • Are you overwhelmed at the end of the day?
  • What language do you use when talking about or with your kids?  Positive or negative?
  • Do involve your kids in tasks?
  • Do you know your child's learning style?
  • Do you know your child's strengths?
Start asking yourself questions such as these (and more!).  Soon you will identify what is important to you as a parent when raising your child.  As your child grows, things will change so keep asking questions.  Keep seeing the whole picture!

5 Happy Tips

1. Create a simpler schedule.  Most families are super busy.  While it might seem really important at the time that your child went to dance lessons or a soccer game, ask yourself is this activity contributing/worth a busy schedule.  

2.  Create a weekly family event.  Kids love to look forward to something, just like you do.  Save 1 night or afternoon a week for family time.  Stick to it!  There will be things that come up, but if you prioritize family it will create a bond with your kids and make the teenage years easier.  

3.  Turn off the electronics.  Do you and your kids spend more time with electronic devices then family?  Surprisingly this is becoming true.

4.  Go Outside!  Spending time in nature going for walks, bike rides, etc. will decrease your stress.  Notice the amazing sunsets that happen every night!

5.  Create Quiet Time.  Allow the space and time for everyone to have  a little down time.  Read, color, play with toys etc.