THE DARK SIDE OF MAJOR WEIGHT LOSS

WHO IS THIS PERSON STARING BACK AT ME

One day I found myself extremely obese  staring at a stranger in the mirror, feeling helpless and too far past the point of return, in denial, always crying about not having something big enough to hide behind. That is not the person I use to be! No I was outgoing, always smiling always looking for somewhere to go and making friends with anyone who I crossed paths with. Now I am a recluse who lounges as often as possible wanting to hide from the world consoling myself with more food… it was this vicious cycle…. Until the day I stopped making the excuses about time, and money and convincing myself that weight loss was not something my body could respond to.  

THE TURNING POINT

I attended several wedding events as a maid of honor to my best childhood friend. I was forced into situations I wasn’t comfortable with. Like being in pajamas in front of a room full of size 4-6 girls. Wearing a dress that looked like all 7 of the rest of them could fit into at one time. The worst part? It was all dreadfully documented by hundreds of photographs. I  was forced to see myself plastered on social media for the world to see! All during  a time when I would run away as fast as I could from cameras so that I could remain in denial!  But there it was concrete evidence that my life was spiraling out of control, a wake up call and realization that the reason I could barely breath or move without feeling completely exhausted was because I was drowning in my own body. I decided then that I would step on a scale for the first time in over 5 years and I looked down to see what was for me the final straw. 275 PDS! That was it, I was done being this person it was time for action! The very next day I researched many area fitness facilities, walked into crossfit South Bank and the rest was history…. Right…..

FAT LOSS SCHMAT LOSS

I lost about 10 pds before I actually started working out so my starting point was about 265 pounds.  With determination and pure drive to turn things around, goal by goal, inch by inch and pound by pound  the weight disappeared. Until 100 pounds  and 1 year later I reached my original long term goal and decided to keep going ultimately shredding another 37 pounds.  Don’t get me wrong I felt amazing, it’s what I wanted! I started rejoining society, making new friends, smiling all the time buying clothes that I actually love because I can now fit in everything! But what are these other feelings I’m experiencing…

DOUBLE VISION

I think at this point in my life even after three years of keeping the weight off I live in constant fear, I long for approval of those around me, I am constantly staring at myself in the mirror never satisfied with what I see, I find myself still walking to the larger clothes racks not even realizing it or maybe scared that I might not fit into the small, and that means that I’m a failure. I feel more insecure and self-aware than I ever did before. I used to hide behind humor, so now I find myself publicly making fat jokes about myself if I have a larger portion or eat something deemed not healthy not even taking into consideration that I’m not fat anymore and what I’m  saying is offensive  and insulting to ½ of the room.  It’s like a constant re-evaluation of my reality. I know I am not fat but I feel like I still am like I just can’t get rid of that part of me.

SO WHAT NOW

No one ever told me there was a dark side to my happy place… So what now?? Well do I want to go back, no absolutely not! I’m happy, I wouldn’t change a thing! This has been quite the adventure for me. I look good, feel great, I have a new willingness and appreciation for life. I can’t even explain the indescribable joy that I feel knowing I am able to give my family more years to spend with me, or every time someone noticed my effort, or when I hit even the tiniest of goals! This is not to discourage you that is the last thing I would want to do.  For this one small bump there are millions moments of happiness and self confidence that far outweigh the altered reality. My method of coping is ongoing and I have to add to it constantly but first I had accept it. I try to find at least one thing positive about my body every day. I try to not get on the scale obsessively 2 times a day because I realize it only contributes to my insecurities. I like to give myself positive self-talks. But, most importantly getting to know my body by trying new things is, for me the most crucial. This helps me focus on what my body can do rather than what it looks like. So this is for those who have been through the same journey who feel alone or crazy for having some of the same feelings of constant confusion and I hope I made you feel more understood so you can accept it and find an effective coping method and enjoy it. 

A CALL FOR HUMANITY

I am shocked and disappointed. My mouth hangs open as I read opinions of people, friends & family who claim to be “Christian”, who I respect and love. Now is the time my faith has been tested and now I will respond with this… First let me say this, Of course I have moments weakness I am not fearless,  maybe it would be safer and easier for us to reject refuges, sure economically it makes more sense & well for the illusion of security, absolutely. I’m not ignorant, do I think that welcoming refugees from a hot spot of global violence will be trouble-free. I am not naive about geopolitical global realities. Do I think that it’s impossible that “terrorists” might find ways to use this refugee crisis for a more egregious means? Of course I see there may be repercussions; I am not saying that we should roll out the welcome mat for ISIS. I am not saying that our governments should just throw caution to the wind and fling open the doors.  I am not saying that some would not seek to abuse a generous response.  I am not promoting an abandonment of wisdom. But we have obligations as Christians to examine our hearts when faced with moral situations; we don’t get to think about how uncomfortable this could make us. (Mathew 10:28) "Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul; but rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell."  Need I remind you that Jesus sent out his disciples among "wolves" fully aware that they may be beaten persecuted and killed.  Where is our humanity, where is our compassion?  I am appalled that we would actually dehumanize and objectify suffering PEOPLE to (GRAPES!!!!!) really??? THEY ARE NOT GRAPES they are HUMAN their blood runs the same color as yours and mine. If self-interest is what drives you then I am not speaking to you… No, my concern is directed to Christians. Jesus told us to “Love thy Neighbor” then when he was asked who is our neighbor he recounted the story of the good Samaritan. He is very clear about who our neighbor is in (Luke 10:25-37). Like the man attacked in the Good Samaritan story, these refugees are the victims of fanatical terrorism. They are fleeing because their homes have been ravaged by war. Less we forget that Jesus himself was a refugee who’s family fled their home as instructed by God from King Herod who sought to Kill Him! I think we all needed a reminder of our Christian duties during testing times, where fear feeds and drives our minds and hearts to dark places. I am praying and will continue to pray for your soul to seek the light in times like these and hope these words can lead your soul to light! So I will leave you with this scripture… "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was ill and in prison and you did not look after me" (Matthew 25:41-43)

phase 2 Restoring Lou Ann my sweet little Shasta!

OKAY! so I have done quite a bit of procrastinating, however to no avail lets do a quick review on some of the things you may need to know about restoring your vintage camper.
1st and foremost GUT IT ALL OUT! don't forget your respirator!  You can also check out my first blog post by clicking this link!  http://glitterrockandroll.blogspot.com/2014/05/project-glamper-adventures-of-restoring.html

We made sure to save any hardware we may need to use as templates and we saved all the trim for windows etc. 

Then my husband checked the bearings, repacked them and painted the wheels. We also bought some baby moon caps from vintagetrailersupply.com

We had a fabricator come and rebuild the hitch with extra reinforcements (there was some rotting just on the hitch itself, however, all of the underneath frame was in great shape)... we also purchased a new gas tank rack from www.vintagetrailersupply.com 

Then we began rebuilding the inside. I can tell you some basic information on what we used but if you have specific questions you should probably just leave them in the comments below and I can shoot you an answer from my husband. We used 1/4 inch luon right over the old floors! 

We replaced all the rotten frame supports with new ones and they just slipped right into the old trim. We used 1/6 treated wood ripped into smaller pieces in case of moisture to prevent rotting.  

After we replaced all the supports and rotten wood and while everything was gutted out, we used rubberizer (flex seal) in white on the roof! (however I would prob skip this step as it really did not do any good) We waited for a really big storm to confirm that it was a S#$T idea) Then I decided to buy some butyl tape and tape every seam and make sure it had a very good bond! Then we bought cold seal and went to town up top! THAT WORKED LIKE A CHARM! 

We rewired the fixtures and outlets we were going to use and then used the 1/4 inch luon for the ceilings and walls. We decided to just float the seams with joint compound. and we caulked every seam. We used regular 3/4 inch plywood to rebuild the beds and dinette using the old stuff as a template. We then laid down the new floor using vinyl wood stick on planks after researching we decided that is would be best since the trailer will shift during moving we didn't want laminate planks to break or dislodge etc. it just seemed more practical. We took all the stove pieces apart and I bought white appliance expoxy spray paint from Lowes.  My husband sanded then lightly and painted them. It was impressive! they turned out perfect they looked brand new!  

Then we primed every thing inside the camper then went over it all with semi-gloss exterior WHITE!!!! (I am going for a cottage shabby chic vibe inside) 

We brought the old cushions to be reupholstered by our "guy" and we are going with silver (light grey tweed) with commercial zipper so we can change the foam if we desire down the road. If you are cutting your own foam for dinette set he did tell me that you should always use 5 inch commercial grade foam!! which will coast you about 179.00 to 200.00  per sheet and you would need 2 sheets for this 62 Shasta Airflyte model dinette. (that is some expensive cushions not even including the reupholster charge.) I will post pictures when we get them in!!! 

and what you have all been waiting for ... 

PAINT TIME: 

Paint supplies: 

• Paintbrushes 
• painters tape 
• Valspar Bonding Primer 
• Valspar Duramax Exterior in Satin

As we discussed in part one you can click the link below to see the paint I chose and why! I have the source links for my decisions posted to direct you to the information! 

http://glitterrockandroll.blogspot.com/2014/05/project-glamper-adventures-of-restoring.html

We sanded with 180 grit sandpaper 2x's (just to be safe)

Then wiped it down with wet rag to remove dirt and dust.

We painted one coat of Valspar Bonding Primer. 

Then my husband drew our design in pencil and painted the yellow stripe first it did not have to be straight or taped off!!!! 

After the yellow paint dried he painted a second coat! 

After about week of it drying he placed the painters tape in the design we wanted over the yellow paint and measured it so that it was all perfect and straight! 

Then he painted the bottom with the turquoise color and primed over the yellow that ran over the top of the tape! 

  

And that where we are at today! This weekend Lou Ann will receive a second coat of turquoise paint and we will paint the top white.

In phase 3  I will cover  interior finalization!  As well as a picture of the finished paint job! 

Thanks for stopping by and we cant wait to pull our gal! Hopefully coming soon to a campsite near you!  

WHY I AM A CROSSFITTER

There has been a lot of negativity associated with Crossfit and I’m here to explain why this does not make any sense to me.  First let me give you a back story. I am 28 years old and I attend Crossfit regularly about 4 to 5 days a week. I began working out in high school when I was employed by a local gym I was also involved in athletics with my school through dance line. Exercise was somewhat of an obsession since I was surrounded everyday by fit people and super fit trainers and coaches. I began working out 3 to 4 times a day in the morning, mid-day and afternoon. My routine consisted of running on the treadmill 1 mile in the morning, abs and running at noon, dance line practice and a full body high intensity cardio boot camp followed by spin class in the afternoon. That’s about 4 to 5 hours of working out a day. I was in peak physical shape (Abs for days, lean and full of energy). I stopped working out when I moved off to college with the exception of an occasional run. I began gaining weight slowly for the first 4 years until I met my husband. I completely stopped all physical activity for about 5 years and gained a massive amount of weight. At my heaviest I weighed 267#'s! (I know) That’s when I decided to change my lifestyle, I mean a complete 360!   

I heard all the buzz about Crossfit, and I felt like that kind of pressure and competitiveness is exactly what I needed to reach my goals.

I will never forget that day. There are 2 boxes in my area and after researching their websites and hearing testimonials from members from both I decided which one I wanted to be a part of. I decided to skip the trial day and jump in feet first (or head first… however that saying goes). I was greeted by the most amazing woman (who by the way qualified and will be competing in the national Crossfit Games this year 2014). she has been a personal friend and constant motivator throughout my entire journey. She put me through Crossfit 101 giving me knowledge of lifts that we would be using while concentrating on form and technique, and that’s all folks! I was hooked ready to take on the world or at least my fitness goals. She asked me to write down what I wanted out of Crossfit short term, in 6 months and in a year so that she could make sure I am meeting those goals and push me to do the same. Before I tell you about my goals and where I stand on them…

 THIS IS WHY I AM A CROSSFITTER!

1.  Money, money, money, moooney, MONEYYYY…. (sing that) Do you want to pay $400- $1000.00 a month for a personal trainer! I have had personal trainers before and I have not gotten the same results especially in the time frame I achieved in Crossfit. Yes Crossfit is more expensive than a traditional gym membership, but does your gym track you progress, provide life coaching and 1 on 1 nutritional advice, offer you Competitiveness amongst other members and provide your workout every day while having coach/trainer follow you around making sure you do everything right with proper form and technique. Yeah didn't think so. 
2.  Me and my Hommies- (Community) I cannot stress this enough I have met some pretty amazing people at Crossfit. People who care about their community and each other. We cheer each other on and lift one another up.  We are all working toward the same goal at every class and a little competitive nature will surely get you motivated to perform and push yourself.  There is a lot of negativity circulating about Crossfit being cult like. Here are my thoughts. Just like in any competitive sport or hobby you participate in there is a since of comradery that only those who participate can understand. Have you ever been involved in a hobby or sport that you threw yourself into. I mean look back to high school did you play a sport? Did most everyone you played with become your best friends did you talk about it 24/7. And why shouldn't you there are worse things to be addicted to than working out like booze and drugs. GET OVER MY CONSTANT NEED to talk about my accomplishments in reaching fitness goals I have worked so hard to achieve. Your Crossfit friends will never do that. They will always cheer you on and feel the same since of accomplishment when you reach a goal because deep down they know that they are in some way responsible for each other goals because we cheered you on and push you through when you thought you just couldn't do it. 
3. Your doing that wrong!- (Technique and form). This is another thing that gets a bad rap. I say to you find a box that knows what they are doing and makes it their goal to stress form and technique. My gym provides detailed instruction and demonstration before every wod! Not just on lifts but every movement we do even squats, push ups, and planks. They take time to watch us each perform the task and correct our form if we are not getting it they ask that we use a pvc pipe and attain form before lifting with weight! I have hear horror stories about some gyms that do not do this but this is why you do your homework.  I love that our coaches stress safety. We also perform crossover activation to active muscles before our warm-ups and stretching after wods to prevent injury (side note my coach is so dedicated he realized I was hypertensive and asked that I not perform stretching after workouts because people who have hyper extended joints have a higher risk injury from over stretching!) . There is a risk of injury in any form of athletics and physical activity you do. Only you know your limits never let anyone push you past your limits. 
4. I can do anything you can do better-(Competitiveness) There are a wide range of athletes that attend Crossfit from dedicated lifters, to marathon runners to the average joe (me). And no matter what your level of fitness you will find that you can all perform the same tasks. It might be scaled to your ability (ie lower weights and different scaled down movements till you graduate to Rx) But that’s the beauty of Crossfit you want to perform as well as the guy next to you and they teach you that you can, through hard work. He did five rounds I can do 6. My best friend Pr at 225 dead-lift I can get that in 2 weeks with enough conditioning. If she can do pull ups with a band instead of ring rows I can too. We are taught that if it’s easy for you you’re not doing it right. Never get comfortable, always challenge yourself. That’s how you reach your goals. Several times a week my friends tell me come on you can throw a heavier wall ball than that just go up 2 pounds, that looks too easy for you. FEEL THE BURN J just don’t over do it. Our coaches say stop before your form goes bad. If you are lifting too much your form will disappear and that can cause injury! Know your limits.

Well that pretty much sums most of what I really wanted you to know about why I Crossfit!

Now I want to tell you how Crossfit changed my life! Like I said I weighed 267 pounds when I stated on August 1, 2013. I set three goals the first was a short term goal as in one week. I wanted to be able to do a prescribed burpee! I did it I couldn’t do as many as everyone else prescribed but I did it! My second goal was 5 months. I wanted to lose 50 pounds in 5 months well I lost 70! My last goal is to lose 100 pounds in 1 year and be the best version of myself. It has been 10 months and I have lost a total of 87 pounds I have 13 pounds to go! I am 100% sure I will attain my goal ahead of schedule. I took a sabbatical from clean eating for 3 or so months and was at stand still but I have kicked it into gear with whole 30 and added 13 pounds of weight loss in 12 days. Please know that for me it was not just about weightloss. My crossfit coaches have helped me break out of my shell, I am happier, leaner, stronger and full of energy. Every day is bitter sweet for me I wake up excited and nervous about my workout every day. I know I will be pushed and challenged and I will love it and hate it all at the same time. As far as I am concerned I have already reached my 1 year goal. I feel as though I am the best version of myself in this moment and I would not have been able to do so without Crossfit. 

 THAT’S WHY I AM A CROSSFITER!     

I would like to thank 2 coaches who are very special to me. Shout out to Crossfit South bank if you are ever in Alexandria, Louisiana and want to get your wod on that’s your place. Lisa Lauve and Jeff Prejean have motivated me, pushed me and supported me in my journey whole-heartedly. I have said this 1 million times and I’m sure they get tired of hearing it but I can never repay them for giving me my life back.

Glam up your Camping trip with these Glamping must haves

I know what your thinking ... Annie you have not even gone on your first glamping trip! But  by George I tell you when July 25th rolls around I will be ready with all my go to gear in tow! I am stocking up now on things i just need  want will not live without. My little Lou Ann will be stocked and ready to go.
I have searched high and low to find some pretty awesome Glamping Accessories and I don't mind sharing them with you so YOUR WELCOME!!!!!!!!!! At the bottom of this post are the numbered links to these accessories corresponding with the pictures above.

Because why wouldn't you want to make coffee, toast eggs and sausage at the same time with one machine!

its genius.  $39.99 

I mean is this not the cutest record player you have ever seen in your life! really its pretty rad

nothing says vintage camper more than a portable record player. $160.00 

plastic dinnerware (you know I'm clumsy better safe than sorry)plastic 12 piece dish set 

$9.00

Self explanatory it says what your doing right there on the pillow!

 SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!

$25.00

If you are a little more brave just do it get those good dishes.

 They are so fun for nighttime dinner party at the ol' campsite. 

$39.99

A little literature for Lou Ann 

$18.97

Because what else would I put my awesome coffee in but an awesome thermos. 

however much 12 Pounds is in London

Okay but seriously I have like 5 of these at home I would not go anywhere without it. 

I really think I am addicted to this scent its so manly and warm. 

$15.00

NOW LETS GET ON THE ROAD WITH OUR GOODIES. 

I believe this is what they call putting the Cart before the horse. 

Who Cares I need  want it all!

Links: 1. 3 in one coffee maker, 2. Floral portable record player 3. Plastic 12 piece dinnerware   4. Glamp Pillow 5. 12 piece floral dinner ware 6. Glamping with Mary Jane book 7. Retro Thermos 8.Warm Tobacco Pipe Candle

UNTIL NEXT TIME!

LOVE 

ANNIE 

PROJECT GLAMPER the adventures of restoring Lou Ann our 1967 Vintage Shasta

PART 1, WEEK 1:

It has been an exciting week for me after over a year of convincing whining and manipulation, I finally won the buy me a Glamper battle. I have been searching high and low for the perfect Tin Can to roam the countryside in. Time and again we would hit the same brick walls. I would see something that might be a viable option and my sweet   anal husband would find a million reasons why it was not meant to be (its too far, they want to much, I cant go we will go this weekend if its sold by then it's not meant to be etc...) Well this past week I hit the jackpot there was a little vintage Shasta less than 2 miles from my house and she had all the charm for dirt cheap (here's your sign... I just knew she was THE ONE!) so I introduce to you Lou Ann the Happy Glamper! (she was prob. more identifiable as a Louis at this point but I will give her a sex change operation no worries)

LET THE RESTORE BEGIN 

We began by gutting Lou Ann to identify any leaks she may have. 

THINGS WE NEEDED:

• Respirator 
• pry bars 
• Phillips head and flat head screw driver  
• gloves 

My husband decided to start from the ceiling and work his way down. We began by pulling ripping out all the ceiling tiles, paneling and insulation from the ceiling after removing the vent trimming while making sure to leave the tin intact as well as the studs that run across the trailer for support. Then we removed all lights, window trim, fixtures, rails and tracks then began pulling out the cabinets, wall paneling, benches/beds and lastly the floor tiles. THIS GOT EXTREMELY MESSY after he started I decided to cover all appliances with plastic to keep it from falling in the cracks but since we were ripping up the floors i decided not to put a drop cloth down. However I might would definitely do it differently if we had to do it over again. 

After she was all gutted out we were able to  identify  water damaged boards and any leaks at the seams. There where two small leaks at the seam. (luckily it rained the day after we finished so we could see our trouble areas.)

 

you can see how we took it off layer by layer

                     until we got to the support studs and tin                                

                                             

*This will be covered in part 2

my husband decided to use rubberizer (Flex Seal) in white on the roof inside and out at all the seams to eliminate any future leaks. He will do this after we replace and reinforce all studs.  

Next I decided Lou Ann was ready for some outside prep. 

We gave her a bath and removed all the the outside face plates and lights. 

I came across several people who are restoring vintage campers who opt for a complete rebuild (this is insane to me) As Sweet Brown would say "Ain't nobody got time for that!"  We decided not to remove the outside window trim or the J-trim. we will just paint over it and my husband will reseal everything with silicone caulking.  But let me for warn you he is really good at this, everything looks nice and  neat when he does it. 

Then after about a total of  5 million 8 hours of research I decided what paint would be best for Lou Ann. There was so many contradictory opinions on that matter which made it that much harder. 

My camper was already painted most likely with oil based paint so here is the low down on what I chose and why.

I bought Valspar Bonding Primer (this stuff rocks) The reason I chose this is 

1. I found this blog very helpful  http://rmhouseofnoise.blogspot.com/2012/08/vintage-trailer-restoration-part-4.html in choosing paint. 

2. The guy at Lowes said this stuff would make me and you stick to the wall 

3. Cause I do what I want 

I sanded the entire outside of Lou Ann using 180 grit sandpaper 2x's, simply because after the first time my husband realized I was using a sanding board and informed me I would have to start over. (who knew sanding boards where only for sanding flat surfaces #rookiemove)

Then we primed her all over to get ready for sealing/waterproofing Lou Ann which I will return to in Part 2.   

( P.S. I also purchased the paint suggested  by rmhouseofnoise.blogspot.com which was Valspar Duramax exterior in satin per her trial and error) 

So until next week ...

au revoir

 Love Annie ;) 

THE APPLE DOESNT FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

Based on my personal experiences, I have compiled a list of advice to raise a happy healthy child. My step daughter is one of my favorite people on this planet. I love and nurture her as my own since she was 3 years old. She is 8 going on 9 now and I won’t say that it is not challenging and exhausting but I give it 100%. She has not been fortunate with her biological mother.  Despite her trials in life she exceeds my expectations in behavior, politeness and respect as a direct result of me and my husband’s guidance. So that is what I will focus on. We are still working on responsibilities and commitment …  (I’ll let you know the science to making that work when I figure it out) ;)  

Nature and nurture are in a infinite battle to claim the character of our children. There are many things we as parents can do to safeguard our children. We can limit their exposure to damaging elements the world will see fit to introduce in time, and do our best to raise a healthy and happy child.

Here are a few secrets that I live by to ensure a Happy child

1.     LOVE ABUNDANTLY .

Let them see that they are the light in your life. Acknowledge them when they walk in a room with contentment and genuine interest.

The most important job of us parents,  is to love and truly be interested in your children. This gives them a sense of security, belonging, and support, but also soothes the difficulties of childhood.

The job of parents is in its simplest form is LOVE  the two ways I look at it are:

First, love should be constant and unconditional--love must always be there, even when the child is misbehaving.

Second, the parents should express and show their love openly so that the

            children never doubt its presence.

2.     DISCIPLINE CONSTRUCTIVELY

Discipline means establishing and following to rules. After love, it is important to give a clear expectation conduct. Discipline is critical preparation for the outside world. It is better to use positive statements and say "Do this" more often

than "Don't do that." It is essential to punish the child when you say you will (this is something that my husband struggles with, but he has really come a long way in understanding its importance and the importance of being in unison with your spouse on discipline. Never undermine or second guess one another’s decision when disciplining. Be firm saying what you will do and doing what you have said. Punish them as soon as possible after the bad behavior. Never lay the burden on the other parent ie,"Wait till your father (or mother) gets home!"

Be clear. Establish clear rules and explain them clearly in advance. The child should never be in doubt about the rules.

Administer the punishment in private. If it is possible, never punish the child in front of others. This tends to provoke enmity in the child and may make them act even worse in order to save face.

Be reasonable Explain why instructions are being given, but do not be afraid to show your authority (you don’t owe your child an explanation for your decision, YOU make the rules) an explanation need only apply if you feel that you have not been clear about your reasoning initially. Try and see things from a child’s point of view.

Be FIRM and express your authority. If you hesitate or are visibly unsure, or guilty when you discipline your children you show them that you’re not in control. Remember that you have years of experience, so be firm in your decisions. Never let a child change persuade you otherwise. Have confidence in your decisions.

3.     BE PRESENT.

Your child doesn’t just need you around, they need you present. Play with your child, interact with them, ask questions and listen to their answers. Your child deserves at least a little bit of you each and every day, at least a few minutes where you are not considering anything but them. We make Family time 2 times a day every night during the week SUPPER time (or family dinner) at the table where we interact as a family with God then each other. (she really looks forward to this even volunteering to help set the table and fix drinks for everyone then offering to say prayer and she is always the first person to strike up the conversation)  I feel that this is the most important part of our days. Secondly we say family prayer before bed this is when she tells us everything she forgot to say at dinner and it makes bed time run smoothly she looks forward to 8:50 because she knows she gets tucked in and says her prayer and we are all together.  Kids crave togetherness and attention. Any child will  behave exceptionally when given the opportunity. Letting your child know they are important is like candy, they crave it!

Encourage family activities- we try and do a family activity every weekend this does not have to include spending money. Just being together and doing the same things together (not just being at the same place) being together the three of us working towards the same goal or purpose actually participating as a family unit gives a sense of belonging and togetherness. Attend social, sports, and religious events together. Playing a game participating in a sporting event, going somewhere to enjoy each other’s company NOT the company of others!

 

    4.   MODEL APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR

One of the most important things to remember as a parent! Monkey see Monkey do!  Children do as they see, not as they’re told. If you want your child to be mindful of others, you must be mindful of others yourself. If you want your child to by happy, you must smile without hesitation. There is no one more influential to your child than you.

5.     TEACH

There are plenty of skills not taught in school that play a massive role in defining who your children will grow up to be. Encourage excellence in all aspects of life. Extracurricular, school, responsibilities, money. Teach them everything you know about life and school, they will thank you for it. Kids respond to gratitude reward their extra efforts. Praise the good things they are doing then offer advice to improve it in a positive way. Reiterate your interest in their dedication.  Praise and acknowledge all their hard work and accomplishments and praise good decisions. Also teach your kid to make decisions in health, and money give them the opportunity to make the decision for themselves. Let them know if it is a good one or bad one and give them the opportunity to make the right choice based on their experience. Give them chores and responsibilities make them understand that it is expected and when they volunteer to do something not expected of them it should be rewarded. Children need the tools that will help them be the best that they can be in all aspects of life.

I hope this gives insight into being an involved parent and I pray you gain what I have. Our children are our future let’s make sure with safeguard them and give them all the things they need to thrive.