January 14, 2022
top trending topics
🗝️ The key to positive parenting? Connection.
👨👧Dads, the best things you can do with your daughter are talking with her, listening to her and trusting her.
📲 Technology may be affecting your family more than you know.
😞 If it feels like your teen hates you, you’re not alone. Navigate their rebellion with this parenting course.
❤️ Here are simple ways to encourage your insecure teen.
tips & tricks for growth
create some comfort in your life
It’s not normal to experience the amount of stress, anxiety, and uncertainty most of us have felt the past two years. And it’s been challenging for many to find any relief or comfort, yet we desperately need it.
Many folks are great at creating comforting moments for others, but when it comes to being intentional about creating comfort in their world, well, not so much. We all need moments that allow for a break in the action to hit the refresh button. It’s good for us, and it’s good for the people around us.
Ways to create some comfort in your life:
- Make a list of all the things you love that make you happy.
Do some of those things daily. - Indulge in your favorite comfort meal.
You know, all the stuff you would typically say, “I shouldn’t be eating this…” Eat that and savor every second of it guilt-free. - Take time out for a walk.
Make a point of looking up at the sky, watching the trees, and looking for wildlife. Pay attention to your breathing. Avoid thinking about things that are stressful in your life at the moment. Literally, take a break. - Laugh.
Watch a funny show or talk to that friend who always makes you laugh. - Listen to soothing music, read a book or magazine, work on a puzzle, or on your hobby.
Doing something that distracts you from the day’s stress and anxiety can be relaxing and bring comfort.
parent your kids without yelling
The family is attempting to go to an extended family gathering. Dad is waiting impatiently in the car. Mom is running through the house yelling at the kids to hurry up because they are running late.
Daughter number one “can’t find anything to wear” and is having a meltdown. Mom tells teen son to comb his hair because “it looks like you just crawled out of bed.” He informs her it is supposed to look that way. The youngest doesn’t want to leave the new puppy home alone so she is taking it along for a ride in her backpack. Finally, the entire family is in the car. But someone in the back is in someone else’s space and the arguing begins.
Dad threatens to pull the car over. Mom is flustered. Parents threaten the kids: “If you do one thing to embarrass me, you’re grounded! When we get out of this car I expect you to smile and act right.”
Bickering continues as the car pulls in to their destination. The doors open and the entire family, including the puppy in the backpack, steps out of the car with smiling faces.
Let the cover-up begin.
Sound familiar? So, how about trying something different? Instead of doing the same routine, be creative and shake things up a little.
what we’re lovin’
This week’s picks come from Lauren Hall, wife of 7 years to Daniel, toddler momma, dog momma, and the CEO here at First Things First. Take a peek at her recommendations for this week because they are just THAT GOOD. Check ’em out 👀:
📲 Parentingforbrain.com– First things first, (see what I did there?) the information shared on this site is VERY similar to what our organization shares, BUT, it’s solely focused on parenting research and relationships. It’s pointed, easy to understand and digest.
📖 Read: This is How We Do It– My two-year-old adores this book! This story provides a window into traditions that may be different from our own as well as mirrors reflecting our common experiences. The author, Matt Lamonthe, transports readers across the globe and provides a simply beautiful way to cultivate diversity and unity for the youngest of readers.
📺 Watch: Bluey– Listen. My husband and I debate whether or not we should watch Bluey after we put our toddler to bed. IT’S THAT GOOD. Positive parenting. Family unity. Perspective shifts and valuable lessons for all ages, this Australian masterpiece provides a glimpse of healthy relationships at their finest.
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