You’ve likely heard the analogy of the grass being greener in someone else’s yard? As we grow older, we come to realize that’s not true. The grass is actually greener where you water it. In parenting, the key is nurturing (watering) your parent-child relationship, rather than focusing on the challenges (droughts), which are inevitable.
Here are some great ways to feed your parent-child relationship (aka water your grass):
- Stay present (do not multi-task)
- Communicate regularly
- Listen to understand
- Problem-solve together
- Eye contact
- Quality time
- Family meetings
- Date nights/days
What you don’t want to do is:
- Blame
- Judge
- Dismiss
- Focus on the negative
- Shut Down
- Be unavailable or too busy
- Yell
Each season of life presents precious moments that you can never get back. Each season also presents challenges you cannot avoid. Take each season one day at a time, watering/nurturing consistently along the way. Your child will learn from you and build their life on this foundation.
~ Cherish where you are ~
~ Nurture what you have ~
~ Adjust as needed ~
When you need support getting through a particular season, feel free to reach out. The sooner you start “watering”, the sooner your grass turns green.
Traci Williams is the CEO of A Loving Way to Parent. She is known for her practical and intuitive parenting style. She can be reached directly at 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com. Sign up for free weekly articles at www.alovingway.com (scroll to bottom of page) and/or set up a free 15-minute phone consultation!