Day in and day out we put one foot in front of the other.
We exert tremendous effort tackling tasks that lie before us.
But do we pause, every once in a while, to ask: “Where are we going?”
What a drag it would be to discover, down the road, that we’ve exhausted ourselves climbing the wrong mountain!
Besides, pausing to reflect on what matters most helps us enjoy the journey.
Joy matters!
Studies show that parental stress has all sorts of negative effects on kids.
The greatest gift we can give our children is to care well for ourselves. The airline oxygen mask metaphor is true on the ground, not just in the air.
We’re in this parenting journey for the long haul. Burn out simply isn’t an option. We must care for ourselves.
That means taking time once in a while to ask some important questions:
- What makes me - me?
- What brings me joy?
- What are my dreams?
- What small step can I take today, this week, this month - toward my dreams?
Hey, those are transition questions!
You’re right!
These very questions can guide our kids in planning for their own future.
Now, consider this quote from Dr. Kenneth Ginsberg:
“Nothing parents say is as powerful as what children see them doing.”
(from “Building Resilience in Children and Teens“, published by the American Society of Pediatrics)
By planning for your own wellness and your own goals, you’re taking powerful steps for your child’s future.
As Dr. Ginsberg says, “Caring for yourself isn’t selfish - it is a selfless and strategic act of good parenting.”
Yes, but…where to start?
Great question!
I’ve got THREE specific answers! (#3 has an April 22 deadline)
1.) Tune-in to the recordings of a FREE two-part webinar called “If Mama Ain’t Transitioning, Ain’t Nobody Transitioning!”
You’ll laugh, you’ll hear other moms’ stories, and you’ll learn simple exercises that open up all sorts of possibilities!
You can access part 1 of the webinar here. And part 2 here.
(There are some technical glitches at the beginning of part 2. Life happens! You can use the slider arrow at the bottom to move past the glitches to the first slides if you’d like!).
The webinars were developed by Sandra Pearson (of Our Special Families Village), Tara Kennedy-Kline (of MultiLevel Mom), and Doreen Fulton (of Believe in A Ray of Hope). They are moms of differently-abled kids and they live what they’re talking about! Their real-life humor and practical wisdom will be a breath of fresh air!
2.) Join the ongoing conversation at the IEP for Me Facebook page.
3.) From now till April 22 (or until it’s full), you can enroll in Sandra, Tara and Doreen’s An IEP for Me group coaching program at half price.
Ingeniously designed for busy moms of kids with disabilities, this program combines:
- audio classes
- simple weekly exercises
- a support network
- group and individual coaching
The end result? Your very own Individualized Empowerment Plan!
Not a pie-in-the-sky concept - but a practical step-by-step plan. That maps the way toward your goals - and helps you enjoy the journey along the way.
Click here to find out more, and to register.
Yes. That’s an affiliate link. If you use the link to register, I’ll receive a commission.
An IEP for Me is my very first affiliate relationship. Ever. I don’t take it lightly, because my commitment to you is a sacred trust.
I believe strongly in the importance and quality of An IEP for Me, and I stand by the integrity and wisdom of Sandra, Tara and Doreen. I want you to have a chance to consider if it’s right for you - during the limited time it’s offered (in beta) at half price.
You’ll get a taste of what’s ahead through the free webinars, Facebook page and the program link itself.
Your turn
You’ve got three steps to consider today.
As you think about your child’s future, remember - if mama ain’t transitioning, ain’t nobody transitioning!
I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions in the comments! And please share this post with others if you find it helpful. Thanks!
Here’s to your journey!
Photo credit: Kcbimal at Flickr
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
Hi Mary,
On behalf of Doreen and Tara, thank you so much for sharing An IEP for Me! Group Coaching Program with your Community. We have put together an excellent program to help Moms, Educators and Advocates develop their own Individual Empowerment Plan and we are looking forward to working with you!
Enjoy!
Sandra