Planning That Brings Peace And Stops Decision Fatigue!

Do you beat yourself up for not being good enough, not doing enough or forgetting ‘little’ things? 

In my experience as an early childhood educator, preschool owner, and a mum myself, I work with LOTS of mums, all of whom I think are SUPER-HUMAN in their ability to keep tabs on what’s needed and when for all family members: multiple children, the spouse, in-laws, school requirements, sporting needs, groceries, washing and more. Their brains are CONSTANTLY thinking ahead for the day, week, month and year, which in turn, contradicts their ability to be present in the now. What a vicious cycle!

Your little one’s born and BOOM, you’re straight into sleep deprivation and uncertainty. You’re being given advice about feeding, sleeping, burping, colic and dummies, while you’re literally becoming a different version of yourself. It’s intense. And the intense never really ends! Your infant changes SOOOO quickly, you feel you’ve got a routine down pat, and SURPRISE 💥 a new development or need has arisen.

This cycle continues (and maybe baby number two or three or four has joined the fun) until one day you look up and think:

• When did they start talking back to me?
• When did eating in front of the iPad become a thing in our house?
• When did I lose control?
• At what point did I forget what mattered to me?

To answer that last question, you likely forgot what mattered to you when you were thrust into motherhood: a world completely new and overwhelming to you, so please give yourself some compassion.

But here you are, chatting with me. I hope you’re relaxed with a water or tea and 5 minutes to yourself (note: if you get distracted, which hey, you’re a mum, so chances are… promise yourself to come back)

The future planning I see many mums want, but lose time to focus on, is the character building of their little one. This looks like qualities, dispositions and skills that you believe will give them the best opportunity for later life success. Before we have our babies we have a zillion things 'we'd never allow' or ideals, hopes and dreams for the little ones we're yet to meet. Sadly, there's not much conversation or support to help you slow down and return to those dreams. That's what we're doing together now.

As a life coach, mum and educator, it’s not my place to tell you how to raise your children. That would be naïve because I’m not in your home, with your unique humans and your collective values. I can help you understand those things, but you can only know the hopes you have for your children.

Here’s a few qualities, skills, dispositions and values to get you on the path back to you.

As you read, circle or jot down which resonate with you.

Remember, you’re forward planning, seeing your child at different ages, such as 8, 14, 26, 35. Yep: that’s in your future! It can be hard to believe, can’t it?

Resilient

Kind

Persistent

Growth-oriented

Optimistic

Realistic

Reliable

Open-minded

Resourceful

Creative

Hard-working

Adventurous

Good with money

Healthy

A leader

How’d you go? Was this tricky, inspiring, affirming? Email [email protected] and let me know what thoughts you had!

Now you’ve recognised what you believe will best support your child to live a purposeful and fulfilling life, work your way back through the ages, contemplating what experiences and expectations align.

For instance,

• if you chose resilience, what smaller moments of a two year old’s life will build resilience in a safe way?
• if you chose contribution, what experiences and conversations could you include your 12 year old?

By undertaking this fun little task – which you can re-visit again – you’re reminding yourself what matters to you. This helps you create moments each day that align with what matters, which in turn, increases your internal peace. We could all do with more internal peace, couldn’t we? Aligning with your values also reduces spinning, overwhelm and decision-fatigue, known contributors to anxiety, depression and poor relationships.

Here's to you for moving yours and your child’s life in a meaningful direction. You’re the perfect parent for them: remember that!

Sincerely 

Catherine

PS want to learn more about coaching with me? CLICK HERE