For many of us, optimal parenting includes some of what we experienced as children and many new ways of caring for our children--ways that have proven more effective than parenting of the past.
As we update our parenting knowledge and skill for our children, we may need to parent ourselves too.
Many of us may do a great job by our children, but when it comes to our own self care, we may revert to old time parenting habits and practices, practices and habits that may have been discriminatory, punitive, and critical rather than inclusive, supportive, and positive.
How can we parent ourselves in new and promising ways, ways that replace old time, ineffective parenting behaviors?
A Reasonable Schedule
Overworking is not positive in the long run. A reasonable, doable schedule that leaves time for health and play is better.
Inclusion
It's not about who is best, but instead about working so that everyone can be their best. I tell my own children, "When you play the compare game no one wins," and that's a good mantra as you work to collaborate well with others and build each other up to be the best that they can be.
Know Your Strengths; Know Your Weaknesses
To know yourself well is to be more successful. Instead of beating yourself up over your weaknesses or solely focusing on those weaknesses, maximize your strengths and use your strengths to shore up the weaknesses you feel are important to strengthen.
Bury Discrimination
Many of us grew up at a time when discrimination against women, certain body types, lifestyle choices, skin shade, and religion were acceptable. That is no longer acceptable which gives us all greater freedom to be who we are and love whom we want to love. This freedom is positive and liberating for all.
Elevate Empathy, Compassion, and Care
As if you were your own child, use empathy, compassion, and care towards yourself with positive self coaching, understanding when struggle and error arises, and in the creation of life paths, dreams, and goals. You can be who you want to be and help yourself achieve that which is most important to you in meaningful ways. Be your own positive self coach.
Do Not Accept Discriminatory, Punitive, and Demeaning Words, Actions, and Leadership from Others
Many in our midst were influenced by the discrimination and punitive parenting behaviors of the past. That influence sometimes translates into punitive, discriminatory, and harmful leadership at work and in the community. It's important that we stand up to this with understanding, empathy, respect, and belief in self. We can't accept leadership that replicates demeaning, hurtful, and prejudicial parenting practices--that does no one any good.
Bottom line is that you need to love yourself and care for yourself as well as you love your own children and care for them. A strong and loving you is a better parent for your children. This matters.
As we update our parenting knowledge and skill for our children, we may need to parent ourselves too.
Many of us may do a great job by our children, but when it comes to our own self care, we may revert to old time parenting habits and practices, practices and habits that may have been discriminatory, punitive, and critical rather than inclusive, supportive, and positive.
How can we parent ourselves in new and promising ways, ways that replace old time, ineffective parenting behaviors?
A Reasonable Schedule
Overworking is not positive in the long run. A reasonable, doable schedule that leaves time for health and play is better.
Inclusion
It's not about who is best, but instead about working so that everyone can be their best. I tell my own children, "When you play the compare game no one wins," and that's a good mantra as you work to collaborate well with others and build each other up to be the best that they can be.
Know Your Strengths; Know Your Weaknesses
To know yourself well is to be more successful. Instead of beating yourself up over your weaknesses or solely focusing on those weaknesses, maximize your strengths and use your strengths to shore up the weaknesses you feel are important to strengthen.
Bury Discrimination
Many of us grew up at a time when discrimination against women, certain body types, lifestyle choices, skin shade, and religion were acceptable. That is no longer acceptable which gives us all greater freedom to be who we are and love whom we want to love. This freedom is positive and liberating for all.
Elevate Empathy, Compassion, and Care
As if you were your own child, use empathy, compassion, and care towards yourself with positive self coaching, understanding when struggle and error arises, and in the creation of life paths, dreams, and goals. You can be who you want to be and help yourself achieve that which is most important to you in meaningful ways. Be your own positive self coach.
Do Not Accept Discriminatory, Punitive, and Demeaning Words, Actions, and Leadership from Others
Many in our midst were influenced by the discrimination and punitive parenting behaviors of the past. That influence sometimes translates into punitive, discriminatory, and harmful leadership at work and in the community. It's important that we stand up to this with understanding, empathy, respect, and belief in self. We can't accept leadership that replicates demeaning, hurtful, and prejudicial parenting practices--that does no one any good.
Bottom line is that you need to love yourself and care for yourself as well as you love your own children and care for them. A strong and loving you is a better parent for your children. This matters.