It's been an epic three months: COVID-19, homeschooling, and Black Lives Matter, not to mention carrying on with our lives. School is done, or almost done.
With all the intensity of these times, we are hoping to restore some semblance of what we consider normal and predictable in our lives.
With that in mind, I'd like to turn your focus back to the everyday business of parenting. This job doesn't stop, and the principles of parenting effectively and lovingly are more important than ever. Also consider that there is yet another transition: summer without the expected vacations, camps and activities.
Here are some ideas to ponder. Do some thinking and preparation. Don't wait until you find yourself in a 'situation' with your back against the wall.
* How will you spend time with your kids?
* What will they do to keep themselves occupied?
* Will they be able to find a job or volunteer work? If not, what then?
* Remember that it's okay for them to be bored, even if they are challenged by alone/down time.
* Where do you need to set limits and boundaries?
* How can you engage them in discussions about all of the above?
That should keep you busy for a while! And remember that setting expectations ahead of time gives everyone a framework, choices and accountability.
Below you will also find some resources picked just for you. Let me know if you read, listen to, or participate in any of them and if they are useful.
To have deeper conversations about these or other parenting topics, join me and other moms on Connected Moms and Teens, a private Facebook group. We're about community and progress.
Be well, be strong, and prepare everyone for success.
Fern
RESOURCES
Teen athletes can stay at peak mindset in spite of the limitations on practice. This podcast from PerformHappy with Rebecca Smith is for them! Rebecca and her team speak their language.
Twenty-Four Things Students Can Do to Keep Busy This Summer - The title speaks for itself.
How to Raise Socially Responsible Girls, by Katie Hurley, LCSW. Of course, we want this for our sons, too.
My Son is Selfish - The Work of Byron Katie. This is a must-watch of Byron Katie working with a mom on her beliefs about her son and herself. Through The Work, you can relieve your emotional suffering. For more about Byron Katie (and free materials to work the process), visit www.thework.com.
The Peculiar Loneliness of Parenting an Atypical Child (For Outsiders, It's Easy to Assume We Haven't Tried.) One woman's story and perspectives about raising a child with PDD and Sensory Processing Issues. The last thing she needs is to be judged.
Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.
Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.
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