It was Gingerbread House Day last week, and I couldn’t help but smile thinking about the ones I’ve built with my kids over the years. From messy frosting to candy overload, it’s been a tradition since they were little.
And you know what? Even now, as teens, they still love it!
I think it’s because they get to start with a blank slate—no rules, no limits—just their imagination guiding them. It reminds me that the same is true for our kids.
Whether they’re building gingerbread houses, snowmen, or even habits, the process starts small but can grow into something amazing with creativity and effort.
Can your family build a snowman where you live? If not, you’re in good company—here in SoCal, snow is more of a “drive-up-the-mountain” event for me.
But no snow? No problem! Below, I’m sharing a snowman-inspired activity you can do with your kids - no mittens required.
Let’s keep it simple, keep it fun, and keep believing in the magic of what our kids can create—whether it’s a gingerbread house, a snowman, or something entirely their own!
Over the past few months, we’ve explored how Tiny Habits and behavior design can transform your home. The beauty is, you don’t need perfection or total cooperation to make meaningful change—just one skilled and caring individual (you!) to lead the way.
Here’s a powerful reminder: behavior happens when motivation, ability, and a prompt come together at the same time. If a habit isn’t sticking, it’s not a personal failure—it’s simply a chance to look at behavior in a new way. This shift in perspective can turn frustration into opportunity, helping you design a better path forward for your family.
If you’ve been struggling to create change, start with BJ Fogg’s Maxim #1: Help people do what they already want to do.
- Ask your kids: What do you want to achieve?
- Start with their aspirations and help them succeed there first.
When they see progress in their goals, they’ll gain confidence and be more open to changes you hope to inspire.
Now, I want to take this idea even further. Starting next year, I’ll be answering your most wanted habit challenges and requests—but I need your input!
- What behavior is your family struggling with?
- What’s a habit you’d love to build in your home?
Send me your questions or share it in the REK Facebook Group, and I’ll share specific strategies or Tiny Habit recipes to help you turn those struggles into success.
Let’s make 2025 the year we design better behaviors and stronger connections—together! 😊
FREE PRINTABLE! Build a Snowman of Gratitude ❄️
Looking for a fun, reflective activity to do with your kids this holiday season?
Our Fill-in-the-Fun Stories is a snowman-inspired twist on those classic Mad Libs-style games we all love. It’s a playful fill-in-the-blank activity that gets kids thinking, laughing, and sharing what they’re thankful for—all while building a heartwarming story together.
Perfect for cozy family time or a creative way to spark meaningful conversations!
Download now and start creating your story of gratitude!
As we near the end of the year, it’s natural to reflect—whether you’re celebrating big accomplishments or feeling like some goals fell short. Wherever you are in your journey, this week’s podcast with Becki Zerr is here to lift your spirits and inspire you for the year ahead.
Becki lost her eyesight when her son was just 3 years old, but that didn’t stop her. Instead, she turned her journey into a mission to inspire kindness and resilience.
Through her Raising Kindness Podcast, she joins her son and his friends to share heartwarming volunteer stories that show how little acts of kindness can spark big change.
In this moving episode, Becki shares her incredible story and gives practical tips on teaching kids the power of service, hope, and gratitude.
🎧 End your year on an inspiring note—listen now on Apple or Spotify Podcast and let Becki’s story energize you for the new year ahead.
Explore more inspiring stories & strategies on the Mompreneurs Raising Kidpreneurs podcast, where I shine the light on purposeful parents who are empowering their kids, just like you!
Before we wrap up, I’m so excited to share Dr. BJ Fogg’s Habit Songs for Kids! I had the chance to experience this live at our recent event, where BJ brought the songs to life in the most creative way. They’re a fun and unique tool to inspire kids (and us grown-ups) to build positive habits.
And here’s a little thought to carry with you, inspired by wabi-sabi. In traditional Japanese aesthetics, wabi-sabi is about finding beauty in imperfection and accepting that nothing lasts forever.
It’s like saying to your kids, “Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be amazing.” It’s a reminder to embrace the little, imperfect moments that make life so special.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Let’s keep building small habits and cherishing the perfectly imperfect moments!
With love,
Syltvia Tam, The Purposeful Parent
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