Parenting and Children's Literacy
Like most parents, my mother and father made huge sacrifices. A mother of three, I found myself doing the same thing.
No one is prepared for what’s to come.
Here’s a glimpse.
Literacy mattered in our household. And so our children visited the bookstore, the library, and school book fairs. Although they were avid readers, the children didn’t read for the sake of reading. They read because books were assigned at school. In my opinion, reading for pleasure is important. Children are more likely to become lifelong readers and learners if they ENJOY reading and learning.
I sought activities that kept my young ones busy and helped them grow and develop. That was my job. We make a lot of sacrifices as a parent, sometimes at the expense of our desires and dreams. Perhaps even at the loss of oneself. This “parenting” thing becomes serious, and with good reasons. Children are valuable and deserve the best in life, including happiness, but so do we.
Cheers to you mothers who devote so much of your time and life to your children.
Raising children is an important job. Nurturing youngsters, shaping their future, and keeping the family together are essential. Someone has to do the job. These days the work is harder as children are involved in so many activities. For working parents, having to manage both work and children’s virtual education during the pandemic was demanding. The pandemic has changed lives for sure. I believe we know more about what matters now. What have you learned? How have you changed or evolved?
Parenting young children isn’t easy, especially for stay-at-home mothers. However, one manages. Sometimes well. Other times, not so much. That’s ok. AS MOTHERS, WE NEED TO TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES. I used to think it was selfish to look after myself. Now, I know better.
Parenting is serious stuff, yet it has its benefits.
Benefits of Parenting:
· Children provide social support
· Tax breaks
· You get unconditional love
· You will always have company
· Laughter and giggles
· You live longer
(Source: www.medicaldaily.com)
Here’s another benefit:
· Your children will grow up one day. Trust me. Mine have.
With all of these benefits, how could anyone complain, one may ask? The answer is simple, we wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. We must hang in there. Many happiness tips I discovered while facilitating the happiness club. These tips could also apply to parenting.
7 Happiness Tips
1. Join a group
Some of us found happiness at the happiness club (so I would like to believe). The club was like a support group in a way. Everyone sought happiness. Isn’t happiness what it’s all about? “Everything we do is so that we can be happy,” states Brian Tracy.
2. Find a passion
Do what you love. Where there’s passion, there is life. More importantly, there’s a purpose for living. Sometimes, we may not know what our passion is because it gets lost in the process of living. Or, someone may encourage us to do something else. Here’s something that may help. Think about what made you happy as a child.
3. Dress up on some days
Now, this is easier said than done. I found myself not put together at times. But, you know what? I felt better on days that I did. Mothers, while getting ready, why not put on some make-up? Maybe heels?
4. Laugh
Laughter is good for health. It’s healing. May I suggest you look up laughter yoga? It’s pretty interesting. People get together to simply laugh. I’ve said this a few times in my lifetime: We have two choices in life. We can either laugh, or we can cry. What would you choose? There’s no right or wrong answer. However, if you find yourself crying for too long, speak to a professional.
5. Smile
It doesn’t take much to smile. Less muscle is used to smile than to frown. If we are not intentional about it, we’ll forget to do so. Remember the onset of the pandemic and being stuck at home? What about the current state of our world? All sorts of things could be listed here, but I will not add to the negativity. We have plenty. Besides, an optimistic outlook is good, as well as hanging out with positive, happy people.
EMOTIONS ARE CONTAGIOUS.
6. Go for a walk alone
We all need “me time" and some fresh air. Stressors may be more than just parenting. Getting away helps. Having met someone who goes hiking daily, I couldn’t imagine her not doing so. She’s overwhelmed by much, including parental care. Stress is cumulative and adds over time. But that’s another topic altogether.
7. Be grateful
Being grateful for what we have is important. Are we grateful for our day? Our life? What about our children? I went through difficult labor pains with my youngest child. Yet, I was blessed with a healthy baby boy. I am reminded once again of mothering as a gift. A huge gift that keeps on giving.
The 7 happiness tips are only suggestions. There are many things one can do besides. A ton of resources are out there for parents. Please seek guidance if you are overwhelmed with parenting or life in general.
Something to think about…
What are your thoughts on children’s literacy? What about parenting? What helps you to parent? Are you taking care of yourself? Are there support groups you find helpful?
Thank you,
Elvira