My word of the year for 2013 was present. I really wanted to be present in our lives. Not just be there, but really experience the moments. Enjoy and appreciate everything that was happening. As I focused more on my family, and less on social media, I found myself feeling more connected and enjoying our day-to-day routine more. There were days that I wasn’t present as I was faced with deadlines or other distractions; those days I was difficult and that translated into difficult parenting moments for me.
In Nancy Rose‘s recent book Raise the Child you’ve Got – Not the One You Want, she discusses the importance of being emotionally present. To accept our children for who they are, parents need to pay close attention who the child is (the CoreSelf). Being emotionally present will help you grow the relationship you have with your child and help to build a strong relationship with your child.
The demands from our every day lives often cloud our judgment and cause us to compare ourselves to others. As parents, it is time to let go of the competition and to focus on our families. Ultimately, it is our actions that create memories and cultivate our family culture. Embrace the child you have, love them for who they are and appreciate what you can learn from them.
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Learn more about Nancy at http://www.nancyjrose.com
Nancy Rose says
Being emotionally present really does have a powerful effect on the parent/child connection. How wonderful that youhave prioritzed this presence in your family life!
Emily says
I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on by not paying attention to what was going on around me. Sure, I was there, but my mind was elsewhere. We’re happier, have stronger relationships, and have more fun now too!
Thien-Kim says
The competition between parents in the DC is crazy! It’s hard not to get sucked into it too. When I hear about parents who have their kids in a 5 or 6 extracurricular activities or how they started their kids in dance at 3 years old, I feel like I’m being a bad parent for not putting my kids in after school classes. Then I breathe and realize that my kids would hate it. Thanks for the review! #client
Emily says
I know what you mean! It’s tough not to get wrapped up in all of it, but so much better to focus on what is best for YOUR family!
Nancy Rose says
Kudos to all parents who keep in mind that “success” should not be defined by the parents. I know it’s a challenge, but the payoffs of leading with acceptance are profound.
Lenora D says
I have a future weatherman.
Nancy says
Oh, I am soooo guilty of not being present enough. I’ve really had to work on putting my phone away when I’m hanging out with my kids– it’s so wrong that I feel annoyed when I have to stop typing an FB comment! LOL.
Emily says
It’s very eye opening to slow down and look around, to live in the moment is amazing! Maybe putting your phone “out of sight” – in a drawer, in another room, or on top of a high shelf would help? Try it for a few hours and see what happens!
Sara Wagner says
I learned that my son is super excited to start Preschool on Monday, and that he does not have one ounce of fear about going. He even made up his own song that he sings to me about leaving me.
Emily says
I hope today is a wonderful day for your son!
Lisa says
Being Mommy to a little boy who is not my biological child is difficult. Trying to learn and accept him for who he is & be the best I can be is tough. Trying to strike a balance as a becoming a single mom is even tougher.