3 Hacks That Will Have You Parenting Like A Ninja

January 8, 2015

Ninja hacks I have learned that can make parenting a little bit easier.

I used the “Ninja” theme because it’s a fun tagline in our household – that’s the kind of thing that happens when you have three boys. Also because my oldest and I are black belts, so it’s fitting.

I have learned these lessons through mental martial arts (keeping a positive and encouraging mindset), my own parenting and reading endless parenting books and articles. It’s comforting to know that I am not alone in the challenges I face with my kids.

1. Have a sense of humor

   When the most likely response to a frustrating situation with your kids is on the horizon, try to find the humor that may lie deeply hidden. Take a break and count to 10 if you have to . . . or just walk away. Oh this one’s good because the kids may not know what to do if they know they should be in trouble and you just walk away. They won’t know whether they should be scared or lucky. Let them wonder for a while so you can think about your next course of action. There’s a lot of humor in watching the squirm! (And why else do we have kids? For me, it’s pure entertainment!)

   If not for discipline, humor is also just a fun way to teach your kids to live. Lighten up and enjoy the moment!

2. Give them freedom

   So this may be a hard one if your kids are little or if you only have one. Trust me, the more kids you have, the less you hover. So give them some space and a chance to make their own decisions. You can watch from afar or keep a listening ear . . . but they may surprise you. Good or bad, you will find how their true spirit will guide them if you’re not there to do it for them.

   That’s the other key word. GUIDE them, don’t take over and do it for them. That is only teaching them to hush their inner voice and that you don’t trust them . . . and you do trust them, don’t you?  Or have you given them the chance?

3. Always focus on the GOOD things they do

   Even if you have to look really hard for something good (I’m saying this because I’m in the midst of dealing with a teenager!), find something. Even if it is really small and miniscule (again in response to my teenager)! Praise them for the good things they do and remember to hug them! This is especially important when you’re going through rough times. Remind them that it is the behavior you disapprove of, not them. Celebrate the goodness or any victory and focus on that. As with anything in life, this can change your relationship immensely (I keep reminding myself of this as I raise my teenager!).

I have had the privilege to be a stay-at-home mom for many years now so I speak from experience (and, no, I do not always follow my own suggestions but I’m always working on them).

Thanks for reading!