Supporting and encouraging single mothers
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"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails."
Mark Twain
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My daughter loves Peeps, those pink and yellow marshmallow chicks that appear in stores every year around Easter.
Each year I buy her a package from the rainbow-colored rows that line the store shelves. This year I caught the gaze of a Peep's innocent and trusting eyes, and I considered I have something to learn from the unassuming simplicity of Peeps.
Be Sweet.
A Peep's only purpose is to make people happy.
When we are kind, gentle, and considerate we share our natural sweetness.
We were made to bring joy to others.
Be Soft.
A Peep has no hard, crunchy coating to protect its squishy center.
When we are tender, caring, and compassionate we communicate our natural softness.
We were made to let our hearts melt.
Be Colorful.
Each Peep proudly displays its yellow, pink, blue, or purple plumage.
When we are vibrant, bold, and confident we bring light and life to a world in need.
We were made to make the world a brighter place.
Peeps never wonder if they are good enough. They never worry if they are doing what they were made to do.
Peeps realize they are special treats that are available for only a limited time. They know that by being sweet, soft, and colorful, they are doing exactly what they were created to do. Peeps know they are loved and appreciated for all the qualities that make them Peeps.
This Easter I encourage you to embrace your Peep qualities. Know you were made to be appreciated and loved.
How do you express your sweetness to the world? How do you display the colors that make the world a brighter place?
Sometimes moms need reminders to slow down, relax, and enjoy the time we have with our youngsters. Years pass quickly, and now is the time to make memories and build relationships with the most important people in our lives.
Play on the floor.
Children will remember the time we spend engaged with them at their eye level. When we sit down and make them the focus of our attention for a little while, they know they are important in our eyes.
Picnic in the park.![baby-72224__180[1]](http://howtobeasinglemom.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/baby-72224__1801.jpg)
Special memories are made of simple times. A sandwich served on a paper plate under a shady tree can be enough to create a lasting and treasured memory of time spent together.
Read together every night.
Whether we read the same book repeatedly, or explore a variety of titles borrowed free from the library, what matters to children are the feelings of being held and loved.
Walk and talk.
Every day is an opportunity to notice our environment and discuss what we see. Children learn by exploring the world around them; and adults have fun seeing flowers, birds, trees, and bugs from a child's perspective.
Let kids help.
The smallest children can help bake cookies or fold laundry. Letting children help with making beds or putting away toys builds their sense of initiative and capability.
Say "please," "thank you," and "I love you" often.
Children need to hear positive language too. When we use words that nurture and encourage, we teach children to behave and communicate positively.
Listen to what they say.
Adults are often surprised by the level of insight and understanding children can express. When we pay careful attention, we can be amazed at what our children share.
Pray together.
A few words of prayer every day have a powerful impact on our well-being. It is important to express our thanks for all we have and share our concerns for whatever we need.
Be grateful.
We have so many reasons to be thankful! We are blessed with love, strength, and laughter. We need to remember to appreciate all we have and to express our gratefulness.
Remember moms are important.
Every child's favorite people are his or her parents. We are important influences on the lives of our children. Children will value the relationships we nurture with them.
How do you enjoy spending time with your children? What do your want your kids to remember about your special times together?
Remember you are blessed!
