By Sarah Chana Radcliffe
As a parent, you are an authority on a lot of subjects - but not ALL subjects...
You don’t have to know everything and you don’t have to pretend to know everything. It’s much more powerful (and authentic!) to show your kids what to do when you DON’T know something! Show them how to do research, consult others, experiment and monitor results. In other words, aim to show them how to solve problems - THAT is the gift you want to give.
Here’s an easy way to improve the overall mood at home...
YOU set the tone at home. When YOU’RE in a good mood, the whole household feels more upbeat and relaxed. So help yourself calm down by slowing down your movements (this initiates a relaxation response), turning your lips upward in a small smile as you go about your business (this releases “happy” chemistry in your brain), humming to yourself (this relaxes the nervous system), and speaking slowly and softly no matter what you have to say (this generates calming physiological processes). In other words, even if everyone around you is stressed and irritable, and you, yourself, are having a rough time, help yourself shift states - and by doing so, help your whole household do the same.
