Raising Kids With a Healthy Mind Set, Final

Core values, accepting responsibility, admitting when we are wrong… we have covered some important topics.  Now, what are you going to do with this information?

Our kids may never say it or express it, but they want us to be the best parents we can be.  They want us to lead them.  Set an example.  Better yet, be an example.  The phrase, “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree” holds a lot of merit.  Kids tend to follow the path of what they see.

They need us to encourage, support and be their biggest cheerleader.  In things like sports, scholastic and studies, kids look to their parents for acceptance and approval.  If we do not provide it, they will seek it somewhere else.  If I were to ask your kids, “Do Mom and Dad give you their support on the things you’re passionate about?”  What would they say?

Raising kids is a lot more about taking responsibility than it is about being perfect.  No one has ever expected us to be perfect parents but striving to become better, learn and grow along the way, absolutely! 

We all know kids do not come with a manual (although there are thousands of resources available).  Learning as we go, or on-the-job training is what most of us do.  There is nothing wrong with this.  The bigger question is, are we truly striving to be a better parent today than yesterday?  If your employer expected you to become more efficient and as you grow, shouldn’t we adopt the same principal to raising our kids?

In some cases we were raised with parents who were not as supportive or patient as they could have been.  I am one of those and looking back, it is obvious what a difference this made growing up.  There were many negative experiences.  If you were raised in a similar childhood you understand what I mean.

The good news is, you do not have to raise your kids like you were raised.  You can change.  You can make a decision right now and affirm the buck stops here.  I was raised like that but it does not mean I had to be the same as my parents.  It is all choice.

The second part to “the apple does not fall far from the tree” is we can choose to pick up our apple and move it.  Did you know you can do that?  Over the centuries, many have, and it all starts with choice.  It takes an internal heartfelt choice to do something different today than you did yesterday. 

Nearly 15 years ago, I made that choice and you can too.

Kids don’t need the newest flashy things, they need you.  Are you going to step up to the plate and give them your best or are you going to go through life and think it doesn’t matter? 

The choice is yours.  When they become adults, society will know which decision you made.

Have a great Friday everyone, be blessed.

Part 3 Raising Kids With A Healthy Mind Set

Identifying core values, dealing with the past and taking responsibility.  As a parent, can you say you have done all of these?  This is part three in the series of raising kids with a healthy mindset.  

We can and should be ready when it comes to raising kids.  The three areas we have covered so far are key elements.  These aren’t new or creative, these are basic principals to build on.

Do the ideas shared seem difficult to grasp?  Does it seem like too much work?  If so, you are not alone.  From the beginning of time, personal change has been one of the toughest actions to develop.  It is, however, the most rewarding.  Becoming a better you improves every aspect of life.  With regard to raising kids, it makes a profound difference.

Is it easy?  No, it is not.  Is it worth it?  Yes, without a doubt!  Will your kids and grand kids benefit from you becoming a better you?  Absolutely yes!  Like every other aspect of life, it requires change.  The key to understand, it is not the challenge people struggle with.  We are challenged everyday.  It is the change that is difficult.

Quite often, for people to change, there must be a big enough reason, a reward of some sort, something to motivate us.

I clearly remember the day when my first daughter was born.  It was fall, cool in temperature and a day my wife and I had long been looking forward to.  Every parent knows what I mean.  It was the day my entire being, my reason for living, took on a new dimension.

As I held her fragile little body in my arms for the very first time, I understood that she was my responsibility and my obligation.  Not only to provide for her but to love her.  I had to set and live an example for her.  This innocent newborn child needed everything I was capable of giving to her.  Not just a few things, everything!

It was in those first few weeks of her life that I came to realize and accept I needed to be a great father.  In order to do so, I had to seek greatness.  Growing as a person had been enough, but now there was greater reason.

Holding my newborn daughter in those early days added fuel to my fire.  She deserved a great father!  Our kids deserve great parents but at the same time, we cannot give them what we do not have.

As they grow up, they will live their own lives as they should.  Parents should make conscious efforts to do everything they can to give their kids the tools to live healthy, productive, fulfilling lives.  If parents don’t, who will?

Next week we will wrap up this series on raising kids with a healthy mindset.

Have a great Friday everyone, be blessed.

Raising Kids With A Healthy Mind Set Part 2

We can and we should be ready when it comes to raising kids. No, it is not easy. Question is, are you as ready as you could be? There is one thing we always have control over, no matter what the circumstance. You and I have the choice to deal with our past. No matter what, no matter when, it is our choice! Last week, I shared the why with you. This week I will cover the how with regard to raising kids with a healthy mindset. Our kids need us to be the best parent we can be. In a world where negative influences run rampant, we, as parents, must understand it is up to us to set the stage and give our kids the right foundation. It is not up to the schools, teachers or even family. We chose to bring them into this world, so it is us to take responsibility. Too often, parents go with the flow in terms of style. We have all seen this right? The problem is, when we go with the flow and simply float along with the current, we are susceptible to anything that catches our attention. Going with the flow or even what society says is normal, is risky. This style does not give our kids the tools they need to live a solid, healthy life. Have you ever recognized what your core values are as a parent? Chances are, they will be similar to what you value as a person. Take a few minutes and write down what those values are. What is truly important to you? When people, business and society shake you up, what is it that you stand for? Write these down before reading on. Now, read them out loud to yourself. How many do you have? Think about them, ponder them. Have you ever waivered on them? Just so you know, if you have, you have also started the process of diminishing your self image and self respect. The bigger question is, do you want your kids to follow the same suit? What you do and say is the example your kids will follow. Core values give us a foundation. We need to identify and understand what they are. If making out your list was difficult, this could be an indicator that you need to get in touch with them. Every business, organization and relationship has core values by which they operate. Deviating from them usually means harsh consequences. When it comes to raising kids, it is no different. Knowing our core values gives each of us a starting place. Without them, how do we know what we stand for? Teach your kids about them, they deserve to live a healthy life. Next week we move on to part three of this series. Have a great Friday everyone, be blessed.