January | Family Building

So... I've noticed I have started every post with, "So..." I can't believe it took me this long to realize it. I must say it in "real life" too much as well. Mental note, add that to my list of changes in 2013. But anyway, I've decided to highlight each month as it comes, instead of bombarding you with a years worth of goals all in one post. Just thinking about making a years worth of goals gets me flustered.. And well, that would be defeating the purpose :). That being said, what does January have in store for the Giles household?

January | Family Building

This month we will be fully implementing positive parenting as a team , though I've been practicing a little while the hubby was out to sea. If you'd like to read about this wonderful strategy here are a few good resources: Positive Parenting for kids, on Facebook , http://www.positivediscipline.com/, Attachmentparenting.org, my family building board on Pinterest.

What we will be focusing on is setting up weekly family meetings. These will include encouragement and compliments from every member of the family. I will have a loose agenda of basic "lessons" that I would like to introduce, such as house rules, or respect. It will be an open discussion, where the children are actively involved and are able to speak without judgement. It is very important to me that my kiddos feel comfortable in coming to us with any concerns (or compliments!) without fear. This is a new concept for us, and should be an exciting adventure. We will also use this time to plan fun activities for us all to enjoy, and for any family members to bring up things that have bothered them throughout the week.

Another new idea for us to try is the positive "time out." This time out is not to be used as punishment, but as a space where any of us can go when we need to think, calm down, or just relax without being bothered. I'm considering having a few small areas since there are multiple kiddos, and they made need separation time. I will ask the fam what they think would work for them and give them the opportunity to see if their plan works. If it doesn't we can revise, and try again.

In my next post, I'll chat a bit more about concepts I'd like to discuss with my fam during our weekly meetings. What types of things might you discuss during your family meetings? Do you have any favorite activities? Feel free to share here or on Facebook.

Happiness project: More lists!

So a few days ago I was able to pinpoint some very specific things that affected the way I feel. Realizing I had control over most of these items was very liberating. I can change these things, in turn changing how I feel! Obviously, there will always be ups and downs, tragedy and joy, but even in the darkness we have the ability to create our own little light. I condensed my four lists down into one simplified version of things I wanted to make sure to include.

I will make sure to include: music, outdoor activity, less tv, less words, more action, and use my abilities to help others.

I think many of the tasks that I focus on will include one it more of these simplified items. Next, I get to actually plan out my goals for each month!!