Taking a moment to celebrate our parenting achievements isn’t something we often do. However, with February being the month of love, it’s the perfect time to extend that love to ourselves. With that in mind, I’d like to share five of the most impactful parenting choices my partner and I have made for our family. I hope these insights might spark new ideas for you or reassure you that you are doing more right than you realize. Let’s dive in!
1. Allowing Our Kids to Launch a YouTube Channel
“Can I create a YouTube channel?” my five-year-old asked in a soft, barely audible voice that even Grandma struggled to decipher. After considering this request with a mix of apprehension and curiosity, I picked up the iPad and hit record. Watching the playback, my son realized, “No one can understand me,” leading him to speak more clearly than I had ever heard before. Capturing his voice on video turned out to be a powerful communication tool for him.
Now, at eleven, my once painfully shy son confidently shares his stories on YouTube, showcasing his writing, directing, and editing skills. Supporting his self-esteem through this venture is why allowing him to start a YouTube channel ranks as one of our best parenting decisions.
2. Establishing Clear Guidelines for Extracurricular Activities
We believe that music plays a crucial role in a child’s development. Studies indicate that music can enhance brain development, particularly in areas related to motor skills, auditory processing, and visual-spatial understanding. One of my children faced significant challenges in these areas, but after consulting with his neurologist, we made a commitment to include piano lessons in our family routine.
This rule has been communicated to our kids, helping them understand its importance. We emphasize enjoyment over strict practice schedules, which is evident in our monthly family concerts at home. Our commitment to extracurricular activities also includes sports, where we encourage our children to explore various options without the pressure of competition. This approach has fostered family bonds and open discussions about budgeting, making our choices about extracurriculars some of our best parenting decisions.
3. Embracing a Paper Route
When our eldest proposed starting a paper route, my partner and I hesitated. We weren’t sure if he was ready for the responsibility. However, this experience has provided him with valuable lessons in independence, social skills, and fitness. Additionally, it has opened up opportunities for conversations about financial literacy, such as discussing the cost of a $70 Lego set in terms of completing his paper route for several weeks.
This endeavor has also brought our family closer together, whether it’s bagging papers on a rainy day or trudging through the downpour to deliver them. The lessons learned from managing a paper route make it one of our top parenting achievements.
4. Choosing to Homeschool
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to homeschool our oldest child. As schools transitioned to remote learning, our choice was reaffirmed as our son began to thrive in this new environment. His strong routine and self-discipline suited homeschooling perfectly, complemented by a distance education program filled with resources like art subsidies and regular one-on-one support.
Our only regret is not making this switch sooner. We even decided to homeschool our youngest child, and while the transition was more challenging, the progress has far surpassed what we observed in traditional schooling. The flexibility of homeschooling has allowed us to incorporate activities like a paper route into our school day, making this decision one of our best.
5. Investing in an All-Season Camper
Our family’s desire for adventure led us to purchase an all-season camper, allowing us to explore new environments while staying within budget. The flexibility of having a mobile home helped us save on hotel costs during hockey tournaments for our youngest, as one weekend’s hotel bill was almost equal to two monthly payments on the camper!
The memories created around campfires and discovering new trails have made this investment one of our most rewarding parenting decisions.
In summary, these five choices revolve around fostering family unity and creating lasting memories. As Michael J. Fox aptly said, “Family is not an important thing, it’s everything.” Upholding our family values and nurturing connections through shared experiences is our ultimate goal. Parenting is an ongoing journey of learning and growth, and each of these decisions reflects our commitment to making the best choices for our family.
Now, what about your parenting journey?