Don't forget to take "your time", parents!

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Parenting, when done well, requires a lot - emotionally and physically.  Especially these days, when schedules are packed, homework can take hours and teens are involved in various extracurricular activities.  It can get very overwhelming!

Even if you are a parent who feels like you haven't necessarily "snapped" or  you are able to keep it all under control,  the stress and demands on a parent can many times lead to burn out, frustration, yelling matches and criticism among other things.  None of which contribute to a healthy environment.

It's very important for hands on parents and caretakers to make sure that they get some time for themselves doing things that refresh and encourage them and help them to be a better person overall.  Some examples may include: taking time to enjoy a hobby, getting a night out with friends, getting regular exercise, having a date with your spouse or being involved in their place of faith.

Whatever that may look like to you, take some time today, mom or dad.  You deserve it!

Parents/guardians, what are some of the things that help you to refresh in the busy world of parenting?

Who's Responsible?

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Does it seem like kids/teens are getting more privileges and less responsibility these days?!  It's not uncommon for young people to have new cars, smart phones (even for tweens and younger), expensive electronics, $400 prom dresses, and unlimited gas money etc., yet not be expected to make their bed, get a job or take out the trash.   

There are many well meaning parents who want to give their kids a good life and possibly a better life than they had growing up, but could they actually be doing more harm than good sometimes?!

There is no perfect formula for how much responsibility and privilege a young person needs to become balanced and responsible.  Each family is different in how each person is expected to contribute to the home and surrounding community.  Responsibility, however, is an essential part of becoming a mature adult.  

Below are a few ideas that may be helpful in building responsibility in teens and even in younger children.

:: Assign age appropriate chores within the home (with or without 
   allowence).

:: [For teens] summer work outside the home - mow lawns, babysit, 
   clean pools, paper route, life guard at a local pool, etc. 

:: Open a bank account and teach them how to manage their money.

:: Have them open a library account and allow them to be responsible 
   for returning books, DVDs and CDs on time and/or pay the fines 
   themselves.

:: Teach them a new life skill - laundry, changing a tire, cooking a 
   meal, balancing a budget/checkbook, changing the oil, etc. 


We have to be careful, as parents, in our attempts to give our kids a good life, that we don't raise entitled, irresponsible or possibly lazy adults.  Let's not deny them opportunities to become responsible, mature and confident contributors to society.   


Parents/guardians, what do think? You are in the trenches everyday with the very people we are talking about.  We would love to hear your input.  

What are some ways that the tweens and teens in your family are learning responsibility?  How do they contribute to the home and community? 

Do Some Investing This Summer

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Many parents count down the last days of school as they wait for the opportunity to spend some extra time with their kids during the summer.  Some parents may also count down the days until school starts again.

Regardless of which group you fit into, most kids are home an extra 35 +/- hours a week during the summer.  That's a whole lot of extra time at home.

Although summer break is nearly half over, it's not to late to be intentional about spending quality and quantity time with your kids.  Obviously, not everyone has ample vacation days or funds to spend on their kids during the summer.  However, spending quality time with your kids doing simple activities will create special memories that will last a lifetime.

Parents don't have to clean out their bank accounts to make special memories with their kids.  There are so many activities that are free or cost very little.  Here are a few ideas:

:: Camp outside under the stars - even if it's in your backyard. 
:: Grab a fishing pole and head to a pond or lake.
:: What sport/activity does your child enjoy?  Do it with him/her.
:: Cook a meal together.
:: Have lunch or dinner at a local park or lake. 
:: Check out free local outdoor activities in your community. 
:: Been to the zoo lately? 
:: Go unplugged - play some board games, card games or "pictionary".
:: What kind of nature does your community offer?  Go for a hike, spend time at the lake, or do  
   some rock climbing or head out on the bike trails.
:: Teach them a new skill.  Do you know how to change a tire? Do laundry? Cook? Mow the
    lawn? Sew? Play an instrument? Paint a portrait? Fix something? Take quality photos?
:: Give back - serve at a local soup kitchen or lend a hand to some elderly neighbors.

Time is a priceless commodity.  When you invest it in your children, the returns are plentiful.