Family Archives ⋆ Powerful ~Margo Barbell

Listen To Your Children

boy singing on microphone with pop filter

It’s so important to take the time to listen to our children. They want us to listen to them and not be ignored. When my children want my attention as I’m working, I now stop what I’m doing and look them in the eyes and listen. I used to tell them “not now sweetie, I’m in the middle of something important.” They would just get louder and come to me more because I didn’t listen the first time!

They would say, “Your always busy and have something important to do!” When I genuinely listen and pay attention to their requests or story, I see them smile more and show happiness.

Your Children’s Words Matter

Just because we are the parent and we take care of our children doesn’t mean that our kids can’t have an opinion. They want us to actively listen and show empathy that their opinions matter. If they come to us with something, we need to have an open mind and let them know their voice was heard and then we can offer them advice.

If we cut them off and start lecturing, they will not confide in us and come to us with more important matters. This will also set a reminder for us to stop being so selfish with our time and listen to our children.

Withdrawing & Non Verbal Communication

woman covering her face lying on green grass

Look for these signs when you see your teen/tween withdrawal from the rest of the family members in the household.

They stay in their rooms more often then not with the door shut and sometimes locked.

Avoid activities they once used to like.

They get agitated and moody and or easily angered for no reason.

Their eating habits change, eating more sweets!

Complain is their middle name

Let Them Be Themselves

I allow my girls to be themselves. I give them their space to learn and grow from their experiences. They know their are consequences to their actions and hopefully they will not want to go through the same consequence again! I’m not a very strict parent but their are borders.

For example, if their room or bathroom are not cleaned I wait until they can no longer tolerate it, instead of nagging at them to clean their room. I’m actually pretty easy going! I also have an award point system up on our fridge. They get points when they help with the chores and at the end of the week they get an allowance and their grades have to be at least all A’s, and a B or two. So you see, our children are what we make of them. Set a good example, learn from your mistakes and love them unconditionally.

women forming heart gestures during daytime

Mr. Grinch & The Horrible Holiday Season is starting off on a bad foot! Christmas is right around the corner and a majority of retail stores will be selling their merchandise/products online. Are you guys ready to do some online shopping? Since the Corona virus is still lingering around, this could put a damper and bluesy Christmas on us consumers as well. What does this all mean? It means less travel, less cheerfulness and less money to spend on gifts! There will be more Mr.Grinches out to steal our joy! Although, it’s traditional to go out to the malls and do our shopping, this may be the safer alternative and keep our social distancing to a minimum. Wear your masks, ya filthy animal. Unfortunately, I see malls being dead for 2020. There will also be selective seating at restaurants during the holiday season.

Online Shopping & Promotions

The good news is, it will be less crowded and if you have a laptop, you can type away and shop! I’m almost positive a lot of stores will be having online promotions to boost their sales. We will be seeing pumpkin spice everything and winter spiced candles for sale. You wont catch me drinking a Starbucks grande latte. haha! How about ugly christmas sweaters for your holiday party? They are actually cute in a ugly kind of way. haha. The Alexa and blink mini will be selling like hotcakes! How about that kitchen set you have had your eyes on since last year? I know I like receiving and giving gift cards. I have my eyes on the 100% Natural Silk Pillowcase, which I plan on giving as gifts.

Holiday Season 2020 & Mr. Grinch Make The Most Of It!

The good thing about it is, Christmas 2020 can still be enjoyable. You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive gifts and have a ton of family around. Simply start by loving the people around you Mr. Grinch or not. Have a good attitude and be appreciative on what you receive for Christmas. After all, It’s better to give then to receive. Right? You can spend time with your family in front of the fireplace or take a walk or car ride to see the festive lights. Have the whole family decorate the Christmas tree! Make it a family tradition to do it together. I usually have the girls help me decorate. Last year, Serena my middle child decorated the staircase all by herself. Make a yummy appetizer and put some holiday music on. Drink some eggnog and if your a drinker spice it up with rum. (not to much though, lol) The Barbell household also likes to bake! We enjoy baking pumpkin bars. It’s so yummy!

The Grinch Will Still Try to Linger Around

With all the cheer we can accumulate by staying positive via our holiday journey, we need to remain mindful that not everyone will be in good spirits. There are families that have lost their jobs due to the Corona Virus and are getting financial help to pay their bills. Then there are also the homeless who’s only concern is where they will sleep or eat for the day, not giving and receiving gifts. Depression and anxiety hit hard during the holiday season. To relieve your blues you could donate your time and love to a homeless shelter or orphanage. So my point is be grateful for what Holiday Season 2020 & Mr. Grinch brings you. It’s not just about gifts, but it is also about being joyful and bliss with family. Live in the present moment and count your blessings because not everyone has it good.