Do you worry about this?

In all honesty, I worry that I might unintentionally influence my kids with my own insecurities and fears. I don’t want them to struggle with the same issues I did growing up and sometimes deal with.

Do you have that worry?

Apparently it is very common for parents to worry about unintentionally passing on their own insecurities, anxieties, or unresolved traumas to their children. They may strive to break negative cycles and provide a healthier environment for their children than they experienced themselves.

It’s been important to me to recognize that experiencing fears and doubts when raising children is a normal part of parenting…and I am not the only one feeling this way.

As you may know, I have struggled with anxiety, depression, and a Type A personality for most of my life. I am a ‘spicy’ Latina in a little package! I am only 5’3″ but can be full of personality and like to take charge if the occasion arises. I love to get things done…not tomorrow…but NOW. I am impatient, ambitious, and high-achieving. I hold myself to HIGH standards. Then I wonder why I am so anxious and fall into depressive moments when I am living my life to the standards I set for myself. 😏

So, as you can imagine…my daughter, the oldest, is a copy of me…so much so…it scares me. 🤣 (Not really scares me…but you get the point)

I worry that she will live an anxiety and depression-filled life as she continues to get older because that is what she sees in me each day.

At least that is how I was…until I started prioritizing myself, not caring what others think, and taking it easy on myself. Now I strive and work hard to live a life full of self-care, self-love, laughter, harmony, and physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional wellness...because I am worth it.

And…my kids are worth it.

And…YOU are worth it!

I am ‘slowing my roll’ (as the kid’s archery coach says), and learning to just love life and live it to the fullest instead of constantly pushing myself to the max. My kids are watching and I (along with her dad) are examples to them. I need to practice what I preach.

It’s time to say goodbye to “do as I say, not as I do”. ❌

I say I don’t want them to be like me, I want them to be better than me…but I need to improve myself to be a better example to them.

And I need to make sure they live in a harmonious environment. Full of fun and laughter.

Kids already have sooooo many pressures in life in this day and age…and even more so since COVID.

They are constantly pressured to dress just right, date before they are ready, drink alcohol, and do drugs.

They also have to deal with the stressors of having perfect grades, perfect manners, and being the best at their chosen sport and/or instrument.

They deal with metal detectors and run drills on how to respond to an emergency including, but not limited to, a non-fire evacuation, lockdown, or active shooter situations in schools.

Why not lighten the mood at home? Since my kids have been homeschooled for the last few years, we spend plenty of time laughing together. It has brought us super close!

Did you know that laughing with your kids builds a bond with them?

It also teaches resilience, improves social skills, boosts immune systems, lightens anger, releases endorphins…and sooo much more!

My list goes on and on…but if you have made it to this point of my email, I am sure you are ready to divert your attention by now!

So I want to get to the point of this post.

Let’s stop worrying that our kids are going learn and emulate all of our not-so-good traits and let’s start building a strong bond with them.

Let’s stop adding to their stress…and most of all… let’s laugh with them more.

Let’s have fun with them each and every day.

Let’s loosen up and forget about our to-do list or stressors and just laugh with them.

Who cares how old they are….or you are for that matter…experience laughter with them.

Maybe you have grown kids and like to hang out with them and your grandkids…great! Get them laughing and building your bond.

I am hosting a challenge May 13- 17 called, “Laugh More, Stress Less: 5 Days to Lighten Up and Live Well and I hope you will join me as I share the benefits of laughter in our lives while having loads of laughs.