Parenting: Prioritize Joy in Childhood

Thank-you Neighbors Newspaper!

By Traci L. Williams

What an amazing opportunity and honor it has been to write for Neighbors Newspaper for the past 16 years. Thank you to Gino and Diane! Our community has been blessed with your leadership, commitment and heart. You and Neighbors Newspaper will always have a special place in the heart of our community. In this final article shared with Neighbors’ families, I want to encourage parents. Life has gotten complicated, stressful and hurried, but it doesn’t have to be. You get to choose!

We all play a part in the lives of our children. Schools, coaches and other people have a place. Yet, more important than academics, athletics, scholarships, retirement and financial freedom are these things that our children must be learning at home:

• Patience • Gentleness • Kindness

• Empathy

• Compassion • Grace • Self-care • Encouragement • Balance • Boundaries • Respect • Their best is enough • Perfection is not real • Parents are in charge • Family is the hub • Values are important • Priorities are chosen • Slow is good

We live in a world where anxiety is diagnosed at 3 years old, 9-year old’s commit suicide and families rarely eat together. How does a family get off of that merry-go-round? It’s a decision that parents make to: • Prioritize happiness and joy in childhood • Spend quality time as a family • Listen to understand

• Limit the amount of homework required (reasonable amount) • Protect weekends and holiday breaks for family time • Understand what is being taught at school • Stand up for what is healthy for your family

There is so much we can do to protect and nurture our children. As you take time off for the holiday season, consider discussing with your children changes your family can make for the coming year. What works? What doesn’t work? What would they like to change? Kids have great ideas!

As we complete this chapter of connecting through Neighbors Newspaper, I invite you to stay in touch. Simply go to www.alovingway.com, scroll to the bottom and sign up for our free newsletter. We would love to continue supporting you and your family!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with connection, healing and growth as a family.

Traci L. Williams is the Founder of A Loving Way to Parent. She is known for her intuitive and practical approach to parenting. Contact her for a free phone consultation at 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com. (www.alovingway.com)