New Years Aspirations For Parents

It's been a glorious year, filled with love, living and learning. I hope 2009 brought you moments of true joy. You may have already started thinking about your plan to bring even more happiness to your family life in 2010. Perhaps a simple place to begin is with your parenting aspirations. Aspirations lead to intention which, in turn, lead to action. Here are aspirations to keep front of mind. New Thoughts, in themselves, will shift your family in a matter of hours. Try these, then enjoy.

1. Play more, it's fun: When your child asks you to play, get up off the couch and join life. Wii, dance, sports - do it all before it's too late.
2. Learn to do something new: It's likely that there is something you have wished to learn for a long time - like piano, soccer or chess. Wait no more. Take a class, learn online or ask someone you like to teach you. New skills build brain power and improve relationships.
3. Say Yes! more: Say yes, to going to the movies, having friends over, and watching your kids sing - SAY YES!
4. Read more: Read on your own, with your children and as a family. Read in place of watching TV.
5. Connect more: Call, write, and reach out to those you love. Meaningful connections improve family life.
6. Listen more, talk less: Your children have amazing original voices, listen to what they have to say. Of course, you cannot talk and listen at the same time so be quiet and listen more.
7. Tell less, expect more: Help your children become responsible for their actions by guiding them through the steps to problem solving. Discuss the possibilities then allow your children to "think out" the answers. Your children become masterful through experience and "thinking more" makes for better experiences.
8. Make memories: Your children grow so fast. Record, write and shoot (video) memories. Your life is more than words, it's pictures.

You are a resourceful and caring parent who will take the time in 2010 to create your extraordinary family with aspirational living. Write your own aspirations and please let us know what they are - We'll share them for you with the world of Parenthood. You can lift other families up because you are an inspiration!

Lynne Kenney, PsyD
The Family Coach
Author of The Family Coach Method, Sept 2009 St Lynn's Press
www.lynnekenney.com