How can these 12 “F” words help parents navigate tough situations
Many parents face difficult moments or challenges. How can these 12 “F” words help parents navigate tough situations and maintain a positive outlook?
Facing difficult moments and challenges is something every parent understands even if you are an
expecting parent. My book 12 Positive “F” Words for Parents shows parents just how to confront those difficult moments and challenges. You see the majority of us not just parents but adults in general respond from our emotions instead of our cognitive thoughts. Something made us angry, so we yell. Something made us sad, so we ignore, run away, or cry. While emotions will rise our response to those emotions is our responsibility. When our Focus is clear, and our Foundations are secure we learn how to respond to our emotions in an encouraging and uplifting manner.
For example, if something makes us angry we can ask are you trying to make me angry because I am feeling bothered, hot, or whatever physiological response you are having. Most of the times our children are not. If they are that’s where boundaries and respect come in to play. Another example if something makes us sad like our child won’t hug us or talk about their day with us. We can communicate how we are receiving what they are doing and provide a transparent example of how to communicate our present challenge.
In today’s fast-paced world, parents often feel overwhelmed. How do your 12 “F” words address the issue of balancing responsibilities and maintaining a positive parenting approach?
I approach life balance from a mental and theological approach. Our world is moving period and it always has been. Self-control and self-discipline will always be the biggest barriers for us as parents. As humans we want what we want, when we want it, why we want it. But as parents we can help our children understand the reality of patience, control, boundaries, consequences and respect. When these concepts are adopted, applied and implemented the pace of the world wont matter because we will know our mission and our place in the world. Understanding our FOUNDATION helps us keep calm in the craziness. This is why FOUNDATION is the first “F” world. Our foundation is crucial to the way we approach others and the world at large.
