It has been a tough couple of weeks with the kids. I have been more stressed now that they are in summer camp. Why is that? You would think that maybe, just maybe, after being outside running all day long, they might be tired? NOPE. They have been sleeping less. What is less than nothing? You don't want to know.
When I am stressed about their behavior (and to be honest, mine as well, since I tend to set the tone most often) I re-read my favorite poem from an inspirational author named Sark. I made my own colorful copy and it is framed on the wall next to the kid's bedroom. It is often a small reminder to enjoy your kids before they are grown! If you like her views, you can find out more about her on her website. She talks about more than just kids, but be prepared to be overwhelmed by lots of COLORS!
* be there * say yes as often as possible * let them bang on pots and pans * if they're crabby, put them in water * if they are unlovable, love yourself * realize how important it is to be a child * go to a movie theatre in your p.j.'s * read books out loud with joy * invent pleasures together * remember how really small they are * giggle a lot * surprise them * say no when it's necessary * teach feelings * heal your own inner child * learn about parenting * hug trees together * make loving each other safe * bake a cake and eat it with no hands * go find elephants and kiss them * plan to build a rocket ship * imagine yourself magic * make lots of forts with blankets * let your angel fly * reveal your own dreams * search out the positive * keep the gleam in your eye * mail letters to God * encourage silly * plant licorice in your garden * open up * express your love * stop yelling * speak kindly * paint their tennis shoes * handle with care *
Sometimes it serves as a gentle reminder of the things that I want to do better or more often. Sometimes it serves as reinforcement that I am doing lots of things right! Mostly, it reminds me that, even on bad days, the most important thing to do is just be there when they need me and love them unconditionally! You would be surprised how much your kids would appreciate a hug, a bike ride, a short (15 min.) trip to the park, a special date (with just the two of you), an unexpected treat (instead of one every single day), some undivided attention. What have you done today to make your child (of any age) feel special??? What memories will you give them of your time together?
"How To Really Love A Child"
* be there * say yes as often as possible * let them bang on pots and pans * if they're crabby, put them in water * if they are unlovable, love yourself * realize how important it is to be a child * go to a movie theatre in your p.j.'s * read books out loud with joy * invent pleasures together * remember how really small they are * giggle a lot * surprise them * say no when it's necessary * teach feelings * heal your own inner child * learn about parenting * hug trees together * make loving each other safe * bake a cake and eat it with no hands * go find elephants and kiss them * plan to build a rocket ship * imagine yourself magic * make lots of forts with blankets * let your angel fly * reveal your own dreams * search out the positive * keep the gleam in your eye * mail letters to God * encourage silly * plant licorice in your garden * open up * express your love * stop yelling * speak kindly * paint their tennis shoes * handle with care *
Sometimes it serves as a gentle reminder of the things that I want to do better or more often. Sometimes it serves as reinforcement that I am doing lots of things right! Mostly, it reminds me that, even on bad days, the most important thing to do is just be there when they need me and love them unconditionally! You would be surprised how much your kids would appreciate a hug, a bike ride, a short (15 min.) trip to the park, a special date (with just the two of you), an unexpected treat (instead of one every single day), some undivided attention. What have you done today to make your child (of any age) feel special??? What memories will you give them of your time together?
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