"Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do." Dr. Benjamin Spock
It's so true. You have an innate wisdom that is 'spot on' most of the time. So why do you have so much aggravation about how to handle raising your kids? Quite simple, really. YOU'RE NOT LISTENING to that inner voice! WAKE UP! PAY ATTENTION! (Can you hear me screaming in capital letters?) Sometimes you can feel it in your body -- a fluttering in your belly, shallow breathing, a big sigh, or, oy vey, you feel a headache coming on. And even when you're listening, you're feeling overwhelmed by life, schedules, attitudes, the youth culture, technology. Need I go on?
Time to stop being swayed by the external stuff, the demands of everyday life. Start paying attention to the Jiminy Cricket sitting on your shoulder. That little guy knows what he's talking about! And when he's whispering (or screaming) in your ear, stop and think about what it would take to follow that common sense message. What do you want to accomplish, and who do you need to ask for help? It's a lot less painful to do the tough stuff now, than to wait and deal with bigger attitudes and problems later on. I know it doesn't feel that way, but trust me, it is.
Let's take the mystique out of parenting. Go back to basics, the ones you know in your gut are the best, most effective way to go. I'll stop yelling now.
Fern Weis is a Parent Coach and Family Recovery Life Coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern helps families with teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, from homework wars to addiction recovery, and all points in between. She works with parents to release guilt, end enabling, and confidently prepare their children to reach their potential and be successful through life’s challenges. More information on parent coaching and workshops at www.fernweis.com