HAPPY THANKSGIVING

We are living at such a day and age that things happen by a mere push of a button. Babies grow up watching lights turning on and off by a simple switch, TV coming on by the push of a single remote button. They watch adults punch in numbers on their phones and speak with loved ones... Even games are played by pushing buttons, or clicking the mouse... They grow up in a world where things are more taken granted than ever.

So 'Thanksgiving Day' becomes more important every passing year. Today is a day to realize the many luxuries we have. Although they seem like given facts of mundane events of life, we have tons to be thankful for. And it is an art to be learned. Parents are the greatest role models for their children. So today presents a wonderful chance to start teaching our children how to stop, realize and be thankful for all that we have in life.

Happy thanksgiving! I wish you a fun and loving day with your children and families :)

Sedef

To Parents: Be the change you want to see in your children

It is never too late to change! Well, there's nothing you can change about "the absolute rule of change being the only constant in your life".

Given the fact that lecturing, criticizing and punishing actually never promotes 'real change'!!! We have only one relief! If you'd like to see a certain behavioral change in your child's behavior, you have to check out the model, and that'll be you as the parent.

Once the model starts to change, the child will record (conscious or unconscious) the new much desired behavior... In due time the child will start demonstrating change, as well.

I know it sounds too simple but requires a lot of time and effort. Yet, growing up requires a lot of effort regardless of age! So as parents we keep on growing with our children!!!

Hallelujah :)

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Mahatma Gandhi

"To Parents: Be the change you want to see in your children"

Sedef

“The law of love could be best understood and learned through little children”

Mahatma Gandhi

Don't take it personally!

One of my favorite parenting books is called "When Your Kids Push Your Buttons and What You Can Do About It" by Bonnie Harris. She has a chapter in the book titled: 'Don't Take It Personally-They're Not Out to Get You'... This specific chapter starts with a great quote that sums it all quite nicely:

"But it is not what I am saying that is hurting you; it is that you have wounds that I touch by what I have said." Don Miguel Ruiz, The Four Agreements

When we start to think that our kids manipulating us, or behaving in such a manner to get on our nerves... That means our attention is focused on our own wounds and feelings. We are focused on how our children's behavior makes us feel!

But for a moment, if we can stop taking it personally, we can see that it's not about us! It's about our kids. There must be a reason behind their behavior. Finding out that reason and catering towards our children's feeling will be a great aid in parenting. And that investigation starts with remembering the simple fact that whatever our children's behavior are, they are caused by needs! So please don't take your children's behavior personally!!!

Did you know that the two very simple and fun activities we call dancing and singing can help enhance your relationship with your children?

So start singing all those silly songs with your kids today!

And why not even dressing up for a little dance together :)

Having fun is the softest balm of love!

Enjoy!

Sedef

“Adults are always asking little kids what they want to be when they grow up because they're looking for ideas” Paula Poundstone

Creativity is a natural process! Yet we find it harder to be creative as we grow up.

What makes is it any different as the years pass?

The kids are not afraid to make mistake... Or in other words they don't know what a mistake is! Mistakes are man defined! There is no such thing as a mistake for kids... So why would they be afraid?

How about you? Are you afraid of making mistakes? Do you allow your children to make mistakes? Do you allow yourself to make mistakes in front of your children?

In order to boost your creativity please start letting yourself make at least one small mistake everyday...

"At the age of six I wanted to be a cook. At seven I wanted to be Napoleon. And my ambition has been growing steadily ever since. " Salvador Dali

What does your children want to be? What are their dreams? Do you help them widen their horizon to see the many possibilities that they may become? You can visit museums, go to concerts and shows... But most importantly you can listen to them talk and play with them to see what they understand from the world that engulfs them... Then you can cater their needs and help them pursue their dreams...

Sedef