A Loving Way ~ How I Parent Makes a Difference!

Amazing Parenting: I am re-reading The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. Awesome book! I just had to share this piece: “I treat people I love with love because this may be the last day that I can tell you how much I love you. I don’t know if I’m going to see you again, so I don’t want to fight with you.” (page 119)

IF the interaction I am having with my child (and the one you are having with yours) WAS the LAST interaction we’d have with them, how would we be? We can apply this to cleaning bedrooms, doing homework, helping in the kitchen, watching a movie, or simply listening to them share the happenings of their day. It sure makes me get more PRESENT with NOW.

Happy Holidays!

Traci L Gaffney
A Loving Way
A Wellness Advocacy for Children and Parents
800-647-1171
www.alovingway.com

Pregnancy and baby ~ Everything that a mother feels, the baby feels. So, if you are going through stress, know that your baby feels the stress. There is no need to feel guilty about it. Stress is, unfortunately, a part of life. Some have more than others. Finding a way to keep it at a minimum is best, of course.

When it does come up, however, what you want to do is simply be aware that your baby is feeling what you feel. Then, you want to talk to your baby. Let your baby know that you are a little nervous, scared, frustrated, whatever the feeling is, and that it is YOUR stuff, not his/hers. Tell your baby that everything is okay, you are taking care of things, and that he/she can continue to sleep, eat, play, and feel joy. You are giving your baby permission to be who he/she is, and not take on your “baggage.”

I know it seems that the baby couldn’t possibly understand this, but we are talking about ENERGY. We are talking about INTENTION. We are talking about RELATIONSHIP, LOVE. Your baby will receive your energetic message.

And, when you are feeling happy, SHARE that with your baby! Talk to your baby about that too! Describe what it is that you are feeling, why you are feeling it, and rub his/her little feet (if you can feel them) while you do it.

Communication is essential to a healthy relationship with your baby for many years to come.

Traci L. Gaffney
A Loving Way
A Wellness Advocacy for Children and Parents
800-647-1171
www.alovingway.com

Yesterday it dawned on me how quickly Christmas is sneaking up. Not wanting to be behind the eight ball and stressing about the last minute details, I made a note to myself (a fairly LARGE note) that read, “Christmas gifts Thursday and Friday.” So, when I picked my kids up from their Montessori program yesterday, we went straight to our journey of Christmas shopping. What fun we had! The kids make ornaments for family and friends every year. So, we bought plenty of paint, glue and everything we would need, so we can dive in and begin creating. Once our shopping was done, we decided to go on a Christmas light tour. What a beautiful Christmas evening we had! It was filled with the excitement of the holidays. We didn’t have to spend a lot of money. We thought about others and each other. And we saw beautiful, beautiful light displays. I recommend thinking of things your kids can make for gifts, go buy the supplies, find some lit up neighborhoods, and really enjoy the holidays! Those are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Traci Gaffney
A Loving Way ~ A Wellness Advocacy for Children and Parents
www.alovingway.com
800-647-1171

Months of Pregnancy … many people think of this time as the “planning” window for baby’s arrival. Most moms are still working and doing their usual routine. Did you know that this is the opportune time to start building a relationship with your baby? 

Our babies are already here when they are in our belly. They don’t “arrive” when they are born. Right now ~ wherever you are in your pregnancy ~ is the BEST time to start creating a relationship by talking to your baby, rubbing your tummy, playing with his/her feet, and simply sharing those “good feeling” feelings and thoughts. It will do so much for your baby, for your mood, and for your long-term relationship. Have fun!

Written by Traci Gaffney; www.alovingway.com; 800-647-1171; tracigaffney@alovingway.com. Traci is a Parenting/Pregnancy Consultant, Coach, Speaker and Author.