I like to sit down and think about parenting now and then. I like to consider what is working and what could be better.
A Welcoming Home
If you read my parenting blog, you know a main priority is a welcoming home. As a mom who really likes her privacy, this is sometimes a challenge. Yet it's a challenge I'm ready to meet. What will make my home more welcoming? First, simplicity--less things, more time and the likelihood that the house will be more organized and clean for guests. Also comfortable and adequate spaces for gathering. We can build on this a bit more by replacing uncomfortable beds and other furniture, extending a few spaces, and working on the inside-outside flow of our home too as time and money permit. This will make the home more inviting and welcoming.
Celebrations and Adventures
Also, we need to schedule special times and special events. With a large family that extends in many geographical directions as well as time schedules, we have to plan those events way in advance and get everyone's ideas about what will work and what won't. Holidays are a natural gathering time, and we typically match a holiday with gatherings that include shared meals and fun times and adventures outdoors.
Presence
Not overbooking your time, and making time to simply be present is critical for positive family life. If you're too busy, you won't have time to think about your family's needs or to be there to help out or talk it over. Presence is essential to quality family life.
Honoring the Dreams and Pursuits of Your Family Members
It's important to honor the spirit, dreams, and pursuits of family members. Sometimes this is difficult because you may disagree with a path a family member is taking. When that happens it's important to discuss your thoughts and beliefs with that family member and to listen to his/her thoughts and beliefs too. Yet each person has their own ambition, dreams, and forward thinking, and we need to honor that. Sadly, however, if a family member appears to face mental illness or grave issues, you may need to step in and take action. I remember a long time ago when this happened to a family I knew. It was so sad to watch as the family dealt with an unexpected and grave family issue, but they did the right thing and everyone who was affected by the issue honored the family's challenge and responded with compassion and charity. Sometimes families can't do it alone and need the help of government, outside agencies, charities, neighbors, and more.
Long Term Dreams and Vision
It's good to have long term dreams and visions for your family too. These need to be loose-tight as families and the world around them change over time. A vision for a child at one time may become unreasonable and unattractive at a later time. You have to be flexible in this regard. Yet a long term vision and dreams motivate the course head, helps you to save money to meet those dreams, and brings a family together with a collective drive.
Pausing to think about parenting now and then helps you to forward who you are and what your family is and will be. It's a good practice to embrace.
A Welcoming Home
If you read my parenting blog, you know a main priority is a welcoming home. As a mom who really likes her privacy, this is sometimes a challenge. Yet it's a challenge I'm ready to meet. What will make my home more welcoming? First, simplicity--less things, more time and the likelihood that the house will be more organized and clean for guests. Also comfortable and adequate spaces for gathering. We can build on this a bit more by replacing uncomfortable beds and other furniture, extending a few spaces, and working on the inside-outside flow of our home too as time and money permit. This will make the home more inviting and welcoming.
Celebrations and Adventures
Also, we need to schedule special times and special events. With a large family that extends in many geographical directions as well as time schedules, we have to plan those events way in advance and get everyone's ideas about what will work and what won't. Holidays are a natural gathering time, and we typically match a holiday with gatherings that include shared meals and fun times and adventures outdoors.
Presence
Not overbooking your time, and making time to simply be present is critical for positive family life. If you're too busy, you won't have time to think about your family's needs or to be there to help out or talk it over. Presence is essential to quality family life.
Honoring the Dreams and Pursuits of Your Family Members
It's important to honor the spirit, dreams, and pursuits of family members. Sometimes this is difficult because you may disagree with a path a family member is taking. When that happens it's important to discuss your thoughts and beliefs with that family member and to listen to his/her thoughts and beliefs too. Yet each person has their own ambition, dreams, and forward thinking, and we need to honor that. Sadly, however, if a family member appears to face mental illness or grave issues, you may need to step in and take action. I remember a long time ago when this happened to a family I knew. It was so sad to watch as the family dealt with an unexpected and grave family issue, but they did the right thing and everyone who was affected by the issue honored the family's challenge and responded with compassion and charity. Sometimes families can't do it alone and need the help of government, outside agencies, charities, neighbors, and more.
Long Term Dreams and Vision
It's good to have long term dreams and visions for your family too. These need to be loose-tight as families and the world around them change over time. A vision for a child at one time may become unreasonable and unattractive at a later time. You have to be flexible in this regard. Yet a long term vision and dreams motivate the course head, helps you to save money to meet those dreams, and brings a family together with a collective drive.
Pausing to think about parenting now and then helps you to forward who you are and what your family is and will be. It's a good practice to embrace.