Week 5 – I can’t believe it! 🙂 Did you miss a week? It’s ok! Start in now or start from the beginning – here is a link to all of the Mom Challenge posts.
Make sure to join in on the discussion over at the Blog Frog – it’s free to join!
And I love comments – BUT please, please, please be nice. Every mom who has clicked their way here has come because they love their children. I know to some these challenges are probably silly or are things you already do. If you already do them – awesome – if you do them sometimes – great – if you have a desire to do some – wonderful. I think even if you actively do some of the challenges then this should just be a big kudos to you! I think that everyone of us is a great mom – after all we are all here because we love our kids and are trying our hardest right?!? Let’s build ourselves up – encourage one another! And if you do something at your house and it works let us know! I hate deleting comments – I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion but I hate the thought of someone coming to the Mom Challenge to try to learn something new and be an awesome mom just to feel in adequate. Long story short: Be nice. Please.
Anywho
Week 5: Short and sweet. We’ve talked about realistic expectations. And being positive.
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This week’s challenge is to find something that your child does that makes you proud – and celebrate. It doesn’t have to be a giant party but do something a little more than just telling them! I think this can be such a fun challenge and one that is unexpected! You don’t have to spend a lot of money or even a lot of time. The point is for the child to be acknowledged for something and for you to go out of your way to tell them awesome job – you rock! It feels so good to be appreciated and acknowledged. Show them that the little things matter!
Here are some examples:
Learning to tie their own shoes – get a fun colored pair of shoelaces
Doing their homework – surprise them with their favorite dinner
Putting away their toys – rent a movie from Red Box
Waking up on time for school (perfect for those of you with kids who either don’t like to get up or high school kids!) – make a cake and write awesome job for waking up!
Spot your child reading – pick up a few new books
Paint an awesome picture at preschool – frame it and put it up
Write a note, bake something, take them to a movie, rent a movie, post a picture, pick up a favorite candy bar, let them have a Sprite with dinner (this is a big deal at our house!!) do something!
I am going to make a cake for Josh I think. A green one – that’s his favorite color. And have pizza on Friday. He’s being doing I step this week. And I want him to know I’m proud of him for doing his best! Pick something that your child does – even if it’s small and something you expect them to do anyways – point it out. Recognize! I’m expected to cook dinner every night – but it feels good to get a pat on the back, hey mom that was great! Well do the same for your kids! Show them that you appreciate all that they do – even the small stuff!
I absolutely love this! Last night my three sons were being so sweet to me and to eachother and really showing patience and love and sharing towards eachother. I decided that we would bake cookies together and I allowed them an extended bedtime. It was really a big deal to them. It is truly the little things!
Thank you for this post – you just inspired me to hang the “medal” and “diploma” from this weekend’s kiddie ski race (our very first!). I was super proud, but of course I should show it instead of simply saying it. Now it’s displayed on the wall as a reminder of the acheivement!
My daughter (after having some bowel issues) has finally started pooping in the potty and not in her underwear!!! We shouted hooray and clapped and cheered, gave her special candy and after she had done it for a week took her out for ice cream. I know she feels so special and excited when we make such a big deal out of the simple things.