8. Follow your own big dreams as parents
When my children were little, my biggest dream was trying to squeeze in a 15-minute nap each day. That was not the ideal stage for me to pursue my dreams.
But now that they are getting older, there are more opportunities to pursue my dream of writing and serving other Moms. Here’s the back story to my recent “Doing it Scared” recording of my first ever podcast.
I’m keenly aware that my boys are watching this journey as their old{ish} Mom learns how to use WordPress, code in HTML, edit images and explore new opportunities. I believe I’m modelling dreaming big and doing it scared!
My fan club of man cubs is cheering me on with each accomplishment at Lightly Frayed, and hopefully learning to pursue their own dreams.
9. Have adventures
Need to help your teenager expand their horizons? Find an adventure to go on together. Even an afternoon spent enjoying nature can energize us. Ideas to get you started:
- Go ziplining
- Go on a hike
- Follow a geocaching challenge
- Try a new sport
Spend some time looking down at the city from the highest point you can find.
Out of all these suggestions, this one is convicting me the most. Time to get outside boys…
10. Foster learning
John Maxwell’s parents paid their children to read books they had carefully selected. And these books became family discussion points.
Encourage your teenager to read books that discuss living with purpose. Who better to write a book on this topic than John Maxwell himself? One book review states:
Maxwell gives practical guidance and motivation to get you started on your unique personal path to significance. Learn how to find your why, start small but believe big, and live every day as if it matters–because it does!
Maxwell’s 11-year-old son wrote him a note that said: