Role Models - In Flesh & Blood

Yesterday I heard that someone my kids looked up to won the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. 

We spoke about it at home. The kids wanted to know more about it - what qualities did this person have ? What is the significance of this scholarship to his life etc ?



To me, this conversation was about role models.
According to the dictionary a role model is "a person
whose behaviour in a particular role is imitated by others".


Today Chota Bheem, Krish 3 and Iron Man have become the role model for our kids. The question i have for you (and me) is -
How do we help our kids find role models in flesh and blood who inspire them with their dreams and behaviour ?

 Presenting my thoughts -

1. As a parent, you are the first role model for your kids. Be aware of the impact you are making in your child's life. Be consistent in your behaviour. It will help your child absorb the values that are important to emulate.

2. Consciously point out people who are doing / dreaming of something exemplary. Be it people who stood up for a principle, someone who made a difference in your community, creative professionals and sports person. Some times even peer group achievements can be highlighted. Remember not to compare your child with that individual. (Especially on what your child lacks)

3. Talk about the qualities that make these role models reach where they are. These could be hard work, focus, dedication, creativity etc. Make the concept simple enough for the child to understand. If your child can read - you can point them to other resources on the subject. Share related stories where similar qualities were driving forces for other people.

4. Keep helping your child see that his/her role models is human with the ability to make mistakes. What is important is to learning from them
.








I hope you can get started on expanding on this topic at home.
Not only for your kids but your own sake
More later

 

Switching back : minus holiday blues

 

Yesterday         ------->        Today






This is the genesis of holiday blues.
The mind & body says "Yes - Lets move on"
The heart says "No - Some more time please".

 Tips to smoothly transition

1. Plan : Spend time on planning before you actually leave for your holiday. Prioritize on the commitments that need attention once you are back. Make a 'to do' lists & schedule appointment for the day you return and the next 2-3 days well advance. As soon as you are back - reviewing your plan will help make the switch.

2. Share : Talking about your experience with others is an appreciative way to retain the positive connect. It amplifies the wonderful feelings and memories. The memories of time well spent is a great motivator.

3. What's next : Focus on the next most important personal priority. Be it an upcoming music concert or researching for the next holiday destination.  Establishing a future focused vision can unleash your creativity in a new direction.

Another resource written by me on the same subject that can guide you
http://www.womensweb.in/articles/back-to-work-after-a-holiday/

Enjoy !

Holiday Week

Off we go
For a week
Memories such as this
Adding experiences - small & big
Doing what makes us happy - together & individually





Getting ready to take off
With excitement that has built up
The count down has started
Even before we wake up






Kerala here we come
Keep an extra dose of Sun, Sand and Sunset

Make it a special place
and extra ordinary memories

Looking for energy and excitement on the other side
Happy Dusshera to each and every one of you !

Confession of a regular mother

Phew !
It has been 7 years of being a mother.
With 2 kids - covering both genders
I have gained weight and motherhood experience.
*Applause*


In these 7 years i have interacted with two distinct types of mother - 

Category 1 - The perfect mother. 
You know you have met one of these when -
1. They smile when their child scribbles on the wall
2. They blog about how playful their kid is when they drop water on the bed
3. They post on Facebook about how clear minded their LO (Little one!) is when they demand fries when rice & lentil has been cooked for dinner
4. They research and pack special food in their lunch box every day
5. They accompany their kid to every children's event in the city - however far & time consuming it may be.
6. All they talk about is their kids & the joy of being a mother
7. They remember every small & big thing in their kids life
8. Their mothers were perfect and the legacy continues !
9. They have never left their child even for a minute ever since they were born

Category 2 - The regular (Work in Progress) mother
You rarely meet them. But here is how you can identify them -
1. They can talk (with ease) about lows, terrible moments and frustration of their motherhood journey.
2.  Every day is different. You have to brace yourself up to face it
3. They get the kid's father involved. (Yes ! that includes cleaning the LO up after the big job)4. They expect the kid to feed themselves and clean up the mess they make (age 2 years plus)
5  Loving herself and her work is as important as being a mother
6. They are willing to make mistakes and learn from them
7. They have memory lapses and cannot remember all the special moments
8. They have regular mothers who are not perfect (Thank God !)
9. They have left their kid in the father's care when travel is required - for work, learning or just keeping sane

 The appeal to my kids is
Learn to treat life as real 
There is always ups & down
Your parents are a strong influence in your life but not the only influence
Amen ! 


PS : There is no judgement to any category.
I think we can all happily co exist. After all the grass is always greener in the neighbor's garden