Parenting – Keep Helping Your Kids

I spent an hour yesterday listening to my six year old yell and cry. Why? Because I was helping him clean up his room, finding homes for his toys and cardboard creations, and he didn’t want to do it.

I hate it. But I kept my cool and patiently explained again that cleaning up feels overwhelming but the more often we do it, the easier it gets.

Why do I keep doing this? Because I’m teaching my kids the skills they need. I’m doing it now, while I’m here to help them, instead of waiting until they’re adults.

This is what we try to do all the time in games with our kids, isn’t it? Teaching them how to use good sportsmanship and thinking ahead. Modeling emotional control and giving them room to express themselves in a more constructive way.

Let me encourage you to take time to connect with your kids this week. They’re probably anxious about the state of the world (aren’t we all?), but they may not have the words to explain their feelings. Lately, I’m not sure I always have the words I need to talk about my feelings! Let’s give them space to be kids and deal with something that’s not quite so hard.

Play a silly game. Play one of their favorites that you don’t love. Show your kids that you are there for them, that you’re in their corner no matter what else is going on. Take a break and simply play, enjoying each other’s presence.

Remember why we do this hard journey of parenting. We do it because we love them. We do it so they can learn. And sometimes we even have fun in the process.