The school bus made the way down my street today to collect the children for the beginning of another year. All shiny and nice in their new clothes specially picked out for the magical first day they waited anxiously at the bus stop.
What will this year be like? Will I like my new teacher? Will she be mean or give a lot of homework? Will my friends be in my class with me? Will I have anyone to eat lunch with? Lots of questions running around in their little heads as we brush their hair back and kiss them good-bye. We are concerned too. Will they fit in with the other kids? Will they have a good experience this year? Will they make the right friends?
We all want our children to succeed in school. I haven’t met a parent that doesn’t. They will go to great lengths to help their children succeed, hiring tutors and enrolling them in special schools or different activities that are sure to enhance success. We push them to do their best often staying up late at night to help our child complete a project.
Like wise when I ask parents if they would like their children to be happy and well adjusted the answer is a resounding yes! I cannot imagine a parent answering any other way.
So how exactly do children learn? Do they learn from what you tell them or from how they see you behave? Are you happy? Do you worry and stress out over every detail? A lot of the parents that I work with are overwhelmed. Between work, volunteering, shuttling the kids to all of their activities, homework and just keeping up with the everyday household chores it feels as if they are running all the time. I am doing this for the children they tell me, when in reality all their children want is some quality time and a mom or dad who is happy and smiling.
Ask anyone who has grown children and they will tell you, children don’t always remember everything you did, the sacrifices you made or the hurdles you crossed to help them. I guarantee though, they will remember how you made them feel. They will remember whether their childhood was a happy time or one filled with stress and worry. They will remember and chances are they will repeat your behavior because that is what you taught them. When was the last time you laughed, I mean really laughed? How much time do you invest in yourself?
By taking time out just for you, you will be giving your children an amazing gift. You will be teaching them to take care of themselves. You will be showing them through your actions that taking care of yourself is important. If they see you taking time to exercise then exercise will become a habit and a way of life for your children. If they witness you smiling and laughing most of the time, guess what they will learn. By taking time to get a massage, go for a walk with a friend or just to relax, the message will be loud and clear. I am important. Now isn’t this the message you want to send to your children? Value yourself and your time and your children will learn to do the same.
Kathryn Watson, Life and Relaxation Coach/ Motivational Speaker and Author | 
