KISS: Keep It Simple & Straighforward …
“There are times when I invest so much energy to keep my family happy with activities, I end up too exhausted to talk with anyone.”
Discussion:
One role I think all parents fall into is the “helper” or “fixer.” If our kids are struggling, we take time to solve their problems; if they are bored, we take it on to provide entertainment. There is no end to what we can do for our kids. Often, it is the simple everyday interactions with our kids that mean the most to them, not the stimulating activity we took them to. My friend, Kathy Kennedy, an OB/Gyn doctor and a mother of three, shares two simple yet powerful ideas—the power of a simple ritual of sharing at dinnertime and the power of simple, everyday interaction with her kids:
- A few months ago at dinnertime we started a new ritual; sharing the best and worst things that happened to us that day. I have often been so surprised at what my 8, 5 and 3 year olds would say. Their favorite times are often not what I would expect. A good example of this happened a few weeks ago. We had an action-packed weekend of exploring our local museum, going to a play at the Children’s Theater, and going out for dinner, among other things. When I asked my eight-year-old what was the best part of his weekend, he answered, “When I swept out the garage with Dad.” We run ourselves ragged running around doing things for our kids when what they really long for is simple connection and time with us.
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If I knew then what I know now, I would have …
Knocked myself out less going out and stayed home more, doing simple activities like puzzles, projects, games, and art.
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With admiration for all you do,
Dr. Kathy
Kathy Masarie, MD
Pediatrician, Parent, and Life Coach
Author of Raising Our Daughters and Raising Our Sons
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Hi! I’m Dr. Kathy. Welcome to my website! Although Family Empowerment Network is formally closed, we want to keep these resources available to you. Our belief is that parents are the most wise and intuitive about what is best for their children. However, parents sometimes need the support of effective, timeless, compassionate parenting information and strategies. On this website you will find our three parenting books on boys, girls, and kids’ social lives and ten years of monthly newsletter articles. In addition, a powerful, under-recognized resource is the support of other parents. Here you will find how to use our books as discussion guides for monthly self-led parenting groups. One last resource: I am still available to give talks and workshops.
