Why I Choose to be a Positive Parent

Being a positive parent is a lot harder than it seems.

I’ve been up since 4:00 am this morning – since my baby fought going back to sleep. And once I won that battle, I couldn’t fall back to sleep myself.

And I can count on one hand the times I’ve had a full nights sleep in the past year. I mean a blissful, uninterrupted 8+ hours.

And there is something sticky in my hair even though neither of my children are awake yet.

And there is a big red stain on my carpet from a juice spill catastrophe earlier this week.

And you know what? That’s okay. 

Honestly, it’s more than okay. 

I have dedicated my life and my time to raising my two beautiful children. And even though most days it comes with messes, spills, questionable smells and sticky spots, boo-boos, band-aids, and tears, I smile. 

But that’s not always been the case.

Recently I found myself worn down, unhappy and downright grouchy by the evening of each day. I was such a Negative Nancy in my parenting! And it was not enjoyable for anyone. It was affecting my relationship with my kids, my marriage, and my general well-being. I was short tempered, angry, and honestly, kind of a nightmare. I was allowing every situation to turn to negativity – seeing the glass half-empty, not half-full. 

One day I took a step back, looked around and realized that there was absolutely no reason for all my negative thoughts, self-talk, and attitude towards others. The world isn’t out to get me so why should I act like I’m out to get others in it? The negativity wasn’t fun for anyone around me or even me. Do you know what I’ve learned? It’s not worth it. 

It had to stop.

I had to stop. 

That day I decided to be a positive parent, I learned…

• To look at the good in situations, not the bad.
• To roll with the punches a little bit more and just learn to go with the flow.
• More positive parenting, more positive interactions and all around a more positive life. 

Too often, I hear moms who are worn down and tired, turning to complaining about their kids, not praising them. And yes, I get it, sometimes kids can be exhausting! But let’s hear about how your story with your child made you smile or laugh, instead of how crabby they made you. Let’s share our triumphs together!

Yes, I know that it’s no fun cleaning up the bathroom after your little boy went potty in places other than the toilet, but at least he’s showing his independence in using the bathroom.

And I get it, you were totally T.O.’d when your daughter demolished your very expensive Sephora highlighter, but look at how proud she is of her gorgeous new look.

Each day, every situation allows you a chance and a choice to spend it being positive or being negative. Which one will you choose? Nobody wants a crabby mama. So, don’t be one!

This time with my small, pure children is short. I want to soak up every minute of it. I want to remember these simple times when all they knew was this house, this family, and this innocence. 

So, today I’ll forget about the mess, the exhaustion, and the tears and focus on the laughter, joy, and memories that are being made right before my eyes with my two beautiful children. Because this time is fleeting, and I don’t want to waste a second of it. 

How do you focus on being a positive parent?