Parent Love

I am fortunate everyday to witness parents who are nuts about their children. We talk about our kids and their incredible absorbent minds; the care, respect and inspiration that they deserve and require. When I see another parent at drop off, I recognize their joyful exhaustion from it all--good parenting requires a lot.

And so today, my thoughts gravitate towards parents and parent love--and the care, respect and inspiration that we require. The ability to be good to one's self has an impressive array of benefits and lasting results. The friendly reminders below are as much for myself as for every one else.

• Do something for yourself first thing in the morning, before rushing to get the family dressed, fed and packed for the day. Even 10 minutes of exercise--old school jumping jacks, push ups and squats--or a quick run around the block, even a short yoga circuit can drastically change your outlook for the day. Plus, 10 minutes warms up your entire system and energizes your cells :)
• Eat well. Whether you are at your desk or on the go most of the day, raw ingredients keep you on your game, providing invaluable micronutrients that on-the-go parents need. Incorporate nuts and seeds for long lasting energy. Try ginseng in the afternoon rather than coffee. Ginseng stimulates the immune system and gently energizes your mind and body. It also controls blood sugar and cures anxiety and stress.
• Lay on the floor at least once a day with your family--outdoors is best, but even on the living room floor works. It's fun, and literally grounding for everyone!
• Change up the evening routine. Have leftover nights where everyone gets to choose a different dinner. Everyone likes a little choice now and then.
• Take at least 10 minutes for yourself before bedtime--not reading or watching television, not emailing or talking on the phone. 10 minutes of reflection, stretching, exercise, struggling through the guitar song that you are still learning to play. What we do right before we go to sleep, greatly impacts how we sleep.

That's it for now. Just a few little reminders for us all. Of course there are many, many things not on this list--like laughing at yourself at least twice a day.

Happy Tuesday!