Parenting is the hardest job in the world—not just because of the endless to-do lists, but because it asks so much of us as people. It’s not just about what we say or do, but who we are in the moments that challenge us most.
When emotions run high—when your child melts down, when they refuse to listen, when you’re exhausted and running on fumes—it’s easy to react from a place of frustration.
But what if we parented not based on how we feel in the moment, but on the kind of parent we want to be?
Last week, Tammy introduced the Be-Do-Have mindset, and it applies beautifully to parenting:
- BE the calm, kind, and patient parent—even when it’s hard.
- DO the things that align with that identity—pausing before reacting, choosing curiosity over criticism, and giving yourself grace.
- HAVE the strong, connected relationship you want with your child, built on trust and understanding.
The truth is, being kind to yourself is one of the best things you can do for your kids.
When you show yourself patience, you model it for them. When you take small steps toward the parent you want to be, your family feels it.
And just like our kids, we don’t have to get it perfect—we just have to keep growing. That’s exactly why we’re working on something big behind the scenes—next month, we’re powering a Kidpreneurs camp to help kids build confidence, creativity, and real-world skills! More details coming next week 🚀
This week, let’s talk about how small shifts—tiny habits—can help us and our kids build identities that lift us up instead of holding us back…
Want Your Kids to Listen? Start Here.
"My 15-year-old daughter's room is always a mess, and every time I bring it up, she shuts down or gets defensive. I don’t want to constantly nag her, but I also don’t want to ignore it. How can I get her to start taking care of her space without it turning into an argument?"
— Mark T
When a conversation keeps ending in frustration, it’s usually because both sides already know exactly how it will go. Your son isn’t just reacting to your words—he’s reacting to what he expects you to say. If every talk about his messy room turns into a battle, he’s going to avoid the conversation altogether.
So, here’s a small but powerful shift:
Pause before speaking and ask yourself—“Is what I’m about to say something my child expects? Will it make him shut down?”
If the answer is yes, try a different approach. Instead of framing cleaning as something he “has to do,” let’s make it feel less like a battle and more like a win.
🌱 Try This Tiny Habit Recipe:
✔ Anchor: After you step into his room…
✔ Tiny Behavior: Say something neutral and positive, like “I love that you have all your favorite things in here.” (No criticism, no instructions—just connection.)
✔ Celebrate: Walk away with a smile, knowing you’ve planted a different kind of seed.
Why does this work? Because we change when we feel good, not when we feel bad.
If cleaning feels like a negative topic, there’s no motivation to change. But when he starts associating his space with something positive, he’s more likely to take ownership of it—on his own terms.
This isn’t about overnight results—it’s about shifting the energy around the conversation. When he’s not expecting a lecture, you create space for something new: motivation, not resistance.
Try it for a week and see what happens. Sometimes, the smallest change on our end is what opens the door for them.
Have a parenting challenge you'd love some fresh insight on? Email your question my way—I’d love to help!
Empowering Tweens Inside + Out
Have you been looking for ways to help your child feel confident—inside and out?
In Episode #49, I sat down with Kimberly Grustas, founder of Good For You Girls, a clean skincare line designed just for tweens. Inspired by her daughters' health challenges, Kimberly created a brand that teaches young girls to take charge of their self-care while embracing confidence and self-love.
From creative director to skincare entrepreneur, Kimberly shares the importance of mindfulness and health during puberty, and how small routines can empower kids to nurture themselves—without the pressure of perfection.
As a special gift to our REK community, Kimberly is offering 20% off your order at GoodForYouGirls.com with the code MOMPRENEURS20 (excludes bundles).
Tomorrow is Random Acts of Kindness Day, a perfect reminder that who we are is shaped by what we do—over and over again. When kids see themselves as kind, helpful, or thoughtful, they naturally act that way more often.
So here’s a simple challenge: Do one small act of kindness with your child. Leave an uplifting note where someone will find it, surprise a sibling by doing one of their chores, or send a short voice message to a family member just to say you appreciate them.
These tiny moments don’t just brighten someone’s day—they help kids see themselves as the kind of person who makes a difference.
Until next time, keep celebrating the small wins and enjoying the journey 💛
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