Balancing Worklife & Parenting

I'm finally settled back in from my trip to San Fran and L.A., and I thought I'd share with you some of the things I covered in my session during the Summit. I facilitated a learning group on balancing work life and parenting. I'm sure many of you can relate. :)

While I allowed the ladies to swap ideas, I also gave them three tips that I share with many groups on how to breathe life into your relationships with your children:

The Power of Praise - Have you ever noticed how good you feel when someone praises you? It lifts your spirits, and it makes you want to come back for more! Sometimes we're too critical of our children, and that can have the opposite effect.

Happy Hello's - I used to pick my daughter up from daycare with a cell phone glued to my ear. I realized that this was the wrong way to greet her. I now have a rule that I end calls before heading inside to pick her up, and I always try to have a smile on my face.

Take Inventory - My mom is a really talented painter. Sometimes she gets down on herself if she feels she hasn't shown her work in enough galleries. I often remind her of all the things she's accomplished, including raising two healthy, accomplished daughters. As moms, we don't step back and look at the big picture enough. We are helping to mold and create loving, kind human beings. That's quite a feat!

I'm learning that these simple acts can do wonders for any relationship. I see the effects they have with my little Riss every day.

Nicole