Something to Consider
WHEN YOU WAKE UP, MAKE A PROMISE:
“With an open heart and a joyful mind, I promise to practice compassion – to be kind to myself and to others and, especially, to be kind to every child whose life touches mine, from near or far, for today and always.”
All day long, remember to:
LAUGH – Enjoy and appreciate life and your children! In what ways can you and your child have fun? Play? Laugh? Share Joy?
LISTEN – Active and focused listening is one of the most important things we can do with our kids. What does it feel like to listen with an open heart? What do you think your child is feeling? What are the words of encouragement you like to use?
LEARN – Talk, sing, play and read together; be silly. What new stories, books, parts of nature can you explore together to share the wonder of the world?
LOVE – Hugs and kisses, telling your child that you love them can make all the difference. How do you express warmth and love in your family? With words? With hugs? With special activities you all enjoy? What else?
ENCOURAGE – Expression and exploration are the gateway to self-awareness and self-confidence. How can you recognize and validate your child’s emotions, thoughts and ideas? How can you share in their feelings and help your child express them?
RESPECT – The respect you feel for your child from birth will help set them on a path they feel safe to walk. The time you spend is the greatest respect you can give. How do you show respect even when you use discipline as an opportunity to teach? When can you focus totally on your child with no distractions so they feel important to you?
BE KIND & CONSISTENT – Be kind to your child and yourself. You are the most important model they have. Set an example with regard to activities and TV. How can you model respect for yourself and how do you admit your mistakes? Parenting is hard work! How can you set an example about caring for yourself and others?
BEFORE YOU GO TO SLEEP: LOOK BACK AND REFLECT, LOOK AHEAD TO TOMORROW
“As a human being, I cant be perfect but my intentions are good. As I look back at my day, I know that I tried my best to be the most compassionate person I could be, both to my child and myself. By being kind and forgiving to myself, I am able to model kindness for my child. As I get my rest now, I will wake up tomorrow with a sense of gratitude to welcome the new day and to share openly and lovingly with my child.”