3 Areas to Reflect on after Mother's Day

It is very common for people to reassess their lives around New year's Day. After basking in the love and appreciation shown on Mother's Day, I propose that moms everywhere use it as an opportunity to reflect on their parenting and to identify any special needs their children might have. Parenting is the one job we all want to get right and it deserves our time and attention to see how we might improve. Here are three areas you might want to consider:

1. Does my child show respect for others and an ability to work and play well with family and friends? Much of a child's social skills are molded before school age where they are then tested perhaps for the first time. Parents who role model sharing, politeness, assertiveness and other social skills help their children learn these skills as well.

Think about what your child observes when they see you interacting with others. What character quality do you think comes to their mind when they think of you: your kindness,attentiveness,hospitality or some other virtue? Is there a character flaw that  might come to mind, too? You do not have to be perfect to be a good parent. They learn a lot when they see us struggling to overcome a weakness in our own lives. Being open and humble makes you approachable and puts you in the best position to help your child when they struggle.

2. Does your child get at least an hour of physical activity each day? Do they enjoy it? Is their weight and fitness at a healthy level? Do they eat healthy foods every day and avoid empty calories and junk food? Are most of their favorite foods also healthy foods? Children who have not been active should start with low-intensity activity and gradually progress to moderate and vigorous activity. This can be spread out over the day and be play like and not heavily structured.

3. Are you spending quality time with your children each day teaching them valuable lessons, listening to them and enjoying their company? You invest so much in your children; be sure to also have some fun with them. Teachable moments often come while doing interesting activities together.

Happy Mother's Day. Enjoy your family today and every day.