When it comes to raising kids these days it seems we have so much more to think about in order for our children to learn, grow and thrive from childhood to teen to young adult. I know for a fact my parents didn’t worry or even think about half of the things I do today. My children are growing up in a world where there is almost too much access to information that wasn’t available when I was young. They are also growing up in an environment that is much more volatile then I can ever remember in my lifetime. Growing up, I traveled, went to concerts and events without any fear that anything bad would ever happen. I even drove across the Country at a very early age just to explore adventures without a cell phone or constant communication without hesitation or thought.
Why is it so different today and what does that mean for us as parents? It means we need to pay a bit more attention to everything that is going on around us and put extra effort into keeping our kids safe, smart and strong. These are the words that come to mind when I think about what is important to me as a parent. There are many more things to add to this list, but we have to start somewhere and these are easy to remember.
Here are a few of my suggestions to break it down but feel free to personalize your list;
Safe - Take the time to know who your child is interacting with from school, to extra curricular activities, recreation and fun events. Also have open communication and access to any social media activity that is going on to make sure that you know how things are being communicated. Ask yourself and your child questions about who these individuals are, who their parents are and what their values are. This might not seem important to them but it should definitely be top of your list.
Smart - This is not just about book smarts people. This is about being really smart when it comes to having intuition and trusting it. Smart is listening to your heart and knowing right from wrong. Smart is realizing when to say no and when to say yes. Smart is making good choices when it comes to people and behaviors. I believe in being book smart, but there is way more to it then that and we need to encourage our kids to be REAL smart in life!
Strong - I am not talking about lifting weights, working out or physical activity although keeping them active is definitely important. I am talking about being a strong leader, not a follower. Teach your kids to stand up for what they believe in and to understand that they are important and have a purpose. Strength comes from encouraging them to go for it and to pursue what is in their heart, not what others are doing. And most of all, let your kids know that they are beautiful and you love and support them always.
My affirmation for you this week is;
“I am making sure that my children and family stay safe, smart and strong in this crazy world so that we continue to enjoy our beautifulife together”
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