The thoughts of others’ expectations can lead us astray from

• who we are
• our strengths
• our journey

And what happens when this filters into our parenting style is it can truly affect our effectiveness when it comes to being the parent we are called to be.

But seriously… When was the last time you thought about this?

Most — NEVER!!

So you are not alone.

Yet that doesn’t give you an excuse to keep doing what you don’t know now that you know.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Stop hiding and show up!

Yes, we as parents need reminders that our responsibility (and job if you want to look at it that way), is to be a parent. However, it’s easier to let everyone else do the heavy lifting instead of us.

And yes, I’m calling all parents to stop hiding and show up.

Your child needs you whether they admit it or not!

You have more experience than your child and your opinion and belief systems do matter.

You are the greatest influencer in your child’s life.

I had the opportunity to go and support one of my son’s best friends. Yesterday was the day he was taking his solo flight. How exciting and scary all at the same time. Talk about nerves.

Well, I could have been a parent that stayed home to work on my stuff (which I had way too much), or I could have gone to support his friend as if he was my own.

Of course, I knew there was only one choice; go and support. At the end of the day, I was thrilled and grateful that I did. Not only did my son’s friend see that I cared enough to come and support him, but so did his parents. We went out to dinner and had a wonderful time getting to know each other.

Now, it would have been so easy for me to have dropped off my son and come back later to pick him up. But why?

• Because I was lazy.
• I wanted more me time (which I could do some other time).
• I could work on the piles of stuff in my office and my house. I am painting the whole house.

But would that serve him and my son? NO!!

His parents now understand that I treat their son as my own. I want to encourage, inspire, and motivate him just as I do my own children.

And don’t you think my influence just grew by leaps and bounds with my son’s friend? You better believe it!

He now knows that I’m one who walks the talk, and boy, do I talk! But you already know that, too.

So stop hiding and show up!

Your child needs you! And he/she is not going to tell you.

You just have to do it! No more excuses of more work, dishes, laundry, or dinner. Your time with your child is precious and limited.

So increase your influence when you stop hiding and show up!

“Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!“