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Teaching Kindness In An Entitled World

Filed Under: Kids March 14, 2017

Teaching Kindness in an Entitled World

We live in an entitled society. I’m not sure at what point it started but there are times when it feels like it’s taking over. People are either entitled to something or pointing fingers at why they haven’t accomplished a goal because it can’t be their fault after all. I know it’s always happened and will always be around but to sit back and let it go on feels wrong. It scares me, as a mom that my kids could fall into this way of thinking. Here’s the absolute truth about it all- Nobody owes you anything. Be grateful for the good things that come along. Be kind to people, even when you don’t think they deserve it. It’s tough sometimes, I know, but that doesn’t make it any less true..be kind

Teaching Graciousness

Graciousness doesn’t always come naturally. There are times when you have to step back and pause a moment before you respond so that you can see the situation in a different light.

I try (not always successfully) to pass this along to my kids. They are 5 and 3 so it’s not always the easiest thing to convey. I recently had to explain that we don’t buy a toy every time we are in Target. Let’s just say, it wasn’t the prettiest of situations at first…did I mention we go to Target a lot? It’s a struggle as any parent knows.

The Doll Kind

This past Christmas I came across a new doll from a company called The DOLL KIND. You choose a doll, it comes with tokens on one said it says “Pay It Forward” on the other it says “This is a token is a sign of (love, kindness, ect). The idea is, that your child shares these tokens with others. Their website has a great graphic on suggestions to do so-

AND…for each doll you buy one is donated to a less fortunate child. The donation sites include orphanages, hospitals, shelters and more throughout both the United States and other parts of the world.

I love this doll because it promotes kindness and thinking of others. It promotes taking the time out to ‘pay it forward’ and put a smile on someone’s face. My daughter loves to share these with people and a lot of times she tries to do it anonymously (which she came up with on her own). My son, who is 3 doesn’t quite get the whole concept but he’s learning it which fills my hear with joy.

We have Masha (The Grace Doll) and Jack (The Hope Doll). I love that not only are they adorable, but they teach a lesson as well. Not to mention that you get one, you give one. Teaching kindness and being mindful of it as well as graciousness takes time and even as adults we have to be reminded of it. This is a great way to open up that conversation with your child and use it as a reminder as well.

Masha & Jack⇑ ♥

One of the tokens that come in the pack 🙂

Kids and Kindness

Affirmations and Encouragement

First Field Trips and Fears

Filed Under: Wisdom March 12, 2017

First Field Trip and Fears

My daughter is in Kindergarten and her first field trip was Friday. I signed up to chaperone and then after turning in the form, instantly got worried that something would go horribly wrong, or what if all the kids hated me and then no longer liked her because of it? What if all of the other parents were just better than me? I seriously considered reneging. Why I had these feelings, I don’t really know…and yes, they do seem kind of silly in hindsight but were very real and nerve-racking up until we were well into field trip day. They are completely unfounded, to be honest, it’s the lack of confidence that I have that sometimes overwhelms me until I realize that I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.

I mean, I’m not a mean or scary person. I have successfully kept a 3 and 5-year-old safe every day not to mention the hours upon hours of babysitting since I was 12 years old. I’m just a few credits short of graduating with my BAS in IT Management, have technical certificate in web development, finished multiple online classes, and I’m quick to pick up on new programs or task that I have to complete. What I’m getting to is, it’s not as though I have no experience or haven’t accomplished anything.

In confessing this I also realize I may be the only person who has ever had these fears. It’s ok though…because they didn’t stop me, I did it anyway and just as a follow up the kids I chaperoned had a great time. All of the other parents who were chaperoning as well were awesome and kind. Everyone had a great time.

The Why?

There’s nothing I remember ever happing to me that has caused such a lack in confidence. My parents have always told me I am capable of whatever I put my mind to. If I didn’t reach my full potential at something they’d encourage me and let me know that I could do better. I’ve never been told that I was ugly or not worthy of something.

A Good Name

My parents always pressed the point that a good name is better than many riches. They taught me to remember when people saw me, I represented those I loved such as my parents and grandparents and that I wouldn’t want to do something to tarnish their name. I suppose it’s this foundation that allows me to suck it up and ultimately ‘fake’ it (my confidence) that I can belong.

A Good Name is Better Than Many Riches Share on X

My parents praised, encouraged, loved and supported me with everything and could not have done more- I think that maybe it’s because they didn’t always believe in themselves. I saw (and see) my mom and beautiful and incredibly talented- she can cook anything and make it taste delicious. She’s created beautiful wedding and birthday cakes that are just unbelievable and taste incredible. However, she’d always say she just wasn’t good enough. A lot of the women in my life were that way. They are super talented in various areas- be it teaching, singing, cooking, art…but they couldn’t see it. (They could see it in the other person and would praise it, but in themselves, it was impossible to see it in). I think that maybe that’s where this comes from. If they aren’t good enough than I certainly am not. If they aren’t pretty enough, and I can see features of myself that are similar to theirs, then that must mean that neither am I.

Conclusion

These thoughts have lead me here…I work as hard as I can (sometimes against every fiber of my being) not to convey to my daughter (and son) that I don’t feel like I’m good enough. I consciously don’t complain about how some days I feel like I can’t do anything with my hair because it’s so thick. That I wish my legs were longer (I’m 5’4), and my smile was better. No, if someone compliments me I accept it and say thank you instead of the reaction I honestly want to give which is … ‘no, really I’m not good at whatever it is you are saying I am. You have no idea how I’m not. In fact, let me point out the ways…’

I embrace my after baby body. I have two beautiful incredibly smart, gifted kids that this body carried for 42 weeks each. If I can’t accept this body, will they feel as though they came from it so they aren’t good enough either? I don’t’ know, but I am willing to be as conscious about it as I can to convey confidence to them and to encourage them they are smart and do belong. I may be totally wrong, but ultimately it won’t hurt, that much I do know for sure.

Have you ever had the moments where you feared you wouldn’t be up to ‘par’? Are you great at finding ways to improve your confidence and banish your fears? Share with me in the comments!

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Raising Kids with Grit

It’s a Hoot!

Filed Under: Kids March 8, 2017

*This isn’t an affiliate or sponsored post… I just really love this app!*

Little Hoots App

One of my FAVORITE apps is Little Hoots. It allows you to keep track of cute/funny/sweet/ in some cases sarcastic sayings that your children have. It has been around for a few years now, so when I go back and find something my daughter said at 2 it is a sweet surprise. Kids are hilarious and honest. There are so many things that we tend to look back on and wish we could remember how our child said or did something. This app helps you easily keep track of it.

Turn your memory into a keepsake or gift!

They also have a shop (I haven’t tried it just yet) where you can make a book, canvas, shirt, mug, etc with your favorite sayings on it. I definitely plan on checking the shop out!

Some of my favorites…

The app is free, there are freestyling options and then some that you can pay for. The great thing about it is you can share these memories easily with friends and family.

Have you tried the app before? What did you think?