Key to Kids

Beautifully said. THIS is how we build our children’s autonomy. This is how we show our kids to trust their own instincts, they have their own brain in their own body. Sometimes we need to take a step back.

What Parents Need to Know About Natural Consequences - Raised Good What's the difference between natural and artificial consequences? The lines are being blurred by mainstream parenting. Here's what parents need to know.

This parent has more resilience than I do!! Watch til the end though 🥰

This is what happens when children are allowed to make mistakes. Video credit: @AnwarUhuru via Twitter

❤

Such a great message!

Today I shut a door. On this.

For years I would spend a few minutes every night, cleaning up after my kids. I would hate to calculate just how many hours of my life have been spent picking up toys. A heck of a lot.

Too many.

I love a clean house. I do. It's the one thing in my life that I feel like I have complete control over. If my environment is organized, life is just, better.

But, kids.

I love them. So much. They're amazing little humans.

But they're messy.

And they don't care. I don't get it. Clearly they are lacking in the clean gene department.

I don't know how many times I have had the same conversation with them.

Me: “How can you stand it? You can't even walk in here.”

Kids: “Yes we can! We just play hopscotch around the toys.”

One night my husband found me on my hands and knees, color coordinating the Lego.

Did I mention I like things organized?

I was exhausted. Which is a common state for me.

"Why don't you just shut the door?" He asked.

I stared up at him. It's possible it was more of a glare. I had been expecting him to join me on the floor, sifting through the mountain of Lego. Instead he offered me those seven words.

Apparently It was all I needed.

I got up and closed the door.

These days everybody is talking about how self care is so important when you're a parent.

And it is. It's so easy to lose yourself in taking care of everyone else. But self care? Yeah, it’s not so easy. It takes time, and energy and asking for help.

But sometimes?

Self care is hiding a stash of chocolate bars and keeping them all for yourself.

Self care is turning on Netflix for the kids so you can drink your coffee. Hot.

Self care is putting the kids to bed early and cuddling with hubby on the couch.

Self care is closing a door.

So now? The kids clean the play room once a week. Not me. Them.

The other 95% of the time? It looks like this. And that's okay.

Because this shut door in my life? Is one that I can live with.

Shared with permission from Heidi Hamm, Writer

'Don't be your kids' slave - stop treating them like princesses or princes'

This⬇️⬇️🙌🏻🙌🏻
If you’ve ever been to a Key to Kids talk, this will sound familiar! Engage your kids cooperation… build their autonomy.. and regain some time in your day!

'Don't be your kids' slave - stop treating them like princesses or princes'

🙌🏻🙌🏻

These kids? They're listening.

They hear us when we complain. They know when we are talking about them.

They're not ignorant. They're not dumb.

They are so smart. They're processing everything we say. They are building their vocabulary, their character, and developing little personalities based on what they hear.

When I say, "He's my stubborn child . . ." He hears me.

When you say, "She is wild . . ." She hears you.

I'll never forget the day my oldest told me he was giving his food to his younger brother because "he's the good eater."

My mouth dropped. I probably said my younger was "the good eater" a dozen times.

You guys, they're listening to everything we say.

If you want your kids thinking they're "hard, stubborn or defiant . . ." keep telling your friends this out loud in front of them.

But in that same vein . . . if you want your kids knowing they are brave, adventurous, creative, and kind, say it for them to hear.

Because they will.

Shared with permission from Celeste Yvonne

Photo Credit: Amanda Oleander Art

Bluey… educating parents for future generations 🤣❤️

Bluey episode stirs debate: Should every kid win a prize in Pass the Parcel? Bluey episode stirs debate: Should every kid win a prize in pass the parcel?By Heidi Krause| 6 hours agoAs a mum of a four- and six-year-old, it's fair to say I've had a solid introduction to little kids' birthday parties over the past couple of years.One thing I've noticed is that every time Pass t...

Scary but true fact!

This is excellent! Thanks The Therapist Parent