Repeat

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Thursday, September 02, 2010
by Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

I believe that some things are worth repeating. This is the case with the blog entry I wrote to begin the new year. It was my personal committment to my child. It was my committment to supporting her development.

As a parent, I admit it, sometimes I get lazy. Sometimes, I get in a "funk." Parenting can be hard.

You missed it? Here you go.

Did you read it? Believe it? How are you doing?

Perhaps you don't like links. If not, this is for you:

• Read, sing, and talk with my little one daily. Stop the noise (whether that be the TV, radio, or just miscellaneous distractions found in an ordinary day) and focus, one-on-one, on your little one. Snuggle up and settle down. Enjoy.

 

• Be fit with your child. I know all the excuses because I use them too. Pledge to make time to move and groove with your munchkin. Maybe it's dancing in the living room (think of the triceps you can build while holding a baby and dancing!), or maybe it's a walk in the great outdoors (yes, I know it is cold outside, I live in Cleveland. Bundle up.).  Watch your family's food intake. Think more veggies, less cookies.

 

• Patience. Patience. Patience. Being a parent is hard work. Being an infant or toddler or preschooler is hard work too. Be patient. Kind. Loving. Model the behaviors you want for your child. And, when that doesn't work, take a break or a breath, and then try again. Remember, parenthood is not a race. There is no start and no finish. It is a journey in which some days may be easier than others.

 

• Surround yourself and your child with good people. We don't pick our family, but we do pick our friends, some of them who we call upon like they are family. If you don't like the role models and support in your life, find new models and support. Find individuals who will support your child's healthy growth and development. Surround yourself with people who will give you the support you need as a parent. Find those who will stick with you when the bumps in the road are the biggest.

 

• Make time and take time with your child. It doesn't take an investment of money to raise a healthy and happy child (although, I won't lie to you, certainly money does make some things easier, but that's a blog of a different kind). It does take an investment of your time. Every day in all kinds of ways. From taking care of physical health and well-being, to providing social, emotional, and cognitive experiences, it's up to you to do it for your child.

What else?

Honestly, I don't think much else is needed.

Sometimes, I just need a reminder. The change of season is a good time to recommit to the essentials, to the basics of doing what is best for our children.

How are your New Year's resolutions holding up?

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