Strong Families #1

As leaders of our households, it’s crucial to stay strong for our families. It’s equally important to be flexible so we can deal with problems effectively as they arise.

So, how do we do this – staying strong and flexible instead of weak and rigid? Examine yourself and be honest about the things that can make you weak and rigid, and think about what you can do to respond to those impulses. Our ability to recognize and react against those weaknesses is itself a sign of strength, and proof that we can rise above the challenges, new and old, we face every day. Strength and flexibility helps us to keep control of our emotions, which is essential to good parenting.

There are a variety of coping mechanisms we can turn to during moments of weakness. Consider the following:

• Keep a self-care diary to remember to make time for yourself each day.

• Meditate and exercise.

• Read for pleasure – and limit your intake of news.

• Time how many breaths you take in one minute. The average person takes fifteen breaths. To have positive energy, try to bring it down to eight: count to four as you inhale, count to four as you exhale. Slowing down your breath will slow down your emotions and give you time to think before you act.

• Write down all the qualities of people you respect and admire and would like to be like.

• Share your feelings with someone you trust.

Ask yourself today what steps you can take to build your strength and flexibility. The answers you find are the strategies you will need to take care of yourself and be the best parent you can be for your child.

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