I used to believe that if I worried less, it meant I cared less.
(Caring less was not an option.)
That belief kept me in a constant state of low (and sometimes high) level anxiety.
It also led me to doing too much for my children, more than was good and truly helpful for them.
Now I know better.
I know that my children are capable of so much.
So much more than I gave them credit for.
Capable of figuring out life.
And when things go south, as they sometimes do, they know how to ask for help.
And I am there to help. If they ask.
But not to jump in and do it for them.
It’s been a long road to get to this place.
Sometimes I slip, because, well, I’m human.
Just like them, I pick myself up and start again.
Tell me… where are you on this continuum?
Don’t be embarrassed to admit you’re at the very beginning.
You have to start somewhere, and awareness is your friend.
It means you’re getting ready for growth and change.
And as you grow and change, so will your children.
How exciting is that?
Last question: What is one small thing you can do today?
No step is too small. Or ridiculous. Or insignificant.
You know how you push your kids to just get started? Get it done?
Yeah. Do that.
P.S. Here's one thing you can and should do for your children. Speak to someone (me) who has been through it all and learned a better way to parent. Step up. Click HERE to schedule your complimentary Parent Support Call.
Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.
Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.
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