This week I want to focus on the age of children from 6-18 years old.  So many times I focus on the younger age group, but parenting doesn’t stop once a child goes to elementary school. In fact, in some ways, it gets harder because now your child has more influences from outside the home. So many times as a mom, we focus totally on our child’s behavior and we forget to take a look into what is going on in their little lives, we dismiss their problems, and don’t take them seriously.  I realize they are children, but there is a lot that goes on in a child’s world, that actually stays with them and affects them for their whole life.

My challenge to us moms this week is to take some time to examine what’s going on in your child’s world at school- especially when your child acts out, has a change in his/her personality or is not acting like themselves around your home whether in attitude, loss of motivation for homework or acting more disrespectfully.

I can remember vividly when I was in 6th grade; my BEST friend for over a year was placed in a different classroom from me.  Even though our classes were right next to each other, it felt like we were miles apart. To make matters worse, she had one of the coolest girls in our school in her new class, and yes, you guessed it- they instantly became friends, BEST friends.  All of a sudden my best friend was not calling me, did not play with me on the playground and to make matters worse, she shared all these secrets with her NEW best friend and I was left standing on the outside looking in.

I remember when a new show came on TV, Laverne and Shirley, (I know I am dating myself right now), and this show was about two women who were best friends living on their own.  At the opening of the show, Laverne and Shirley walk arm in arm and dance together to the theme song.  I remember like it was yesterday, the day after the premier, my best friend and her new best friend were arm in arm dancing that same dance! I thought to myself, “what in the world! How did they have time to learn that dance?” But, they did, and they were cool.  All of a sudden, I was not cool, not in the “In” crowd and it rocked my world.

Moms, there is a lot that goes on in your child’s world from 7:30 in the morning until 3:00.  If you want influence with your child, don’t dismiss their “problems” and act like it’s no big deal, because to a child it is a huge deal. We, as moms, need to have empathy, offer a compassionate ear and always give love. We may not be able to shield them from life (nor should we even try) but we can provide a safe, warm, loving home to retreat to each day.

Love you all,