Hone Your Focus
Determining a focus is important to big and little businesses alike.
Everything is built on relationship and it’s all interwoven in a way that is greatly influenced by what standards are at the center of the business: the vision or mission statement.
How does that apply to parenting? The parent-child relationship is the most unique human combination on the planet and while it doesn’t come with a manual per se, honing your focus is an essential ingredient for a harmonious result.
Similar to childbirth and the idea that if one has focal point or sense of center it is easier to move through contractions; it is also easier to move through parenthood when you have a clear focus.
To create your own vision/mission statement for your parent-child relationship you can ask yourself the following questions:
- Why did I become a parent?
- How do I want to experience the act of parenting my child(ren)?
- What do I want my child to get out of our relationship?
- How do I want my child to experience me as a parent?
- What strengths do I bring to the parenting role?
As you answer the questions allow yourself to dream big and really allow yourself to answer the questions honestly. Write as much as you need to. Include actions steps you know you an take to fulfill your mission. Trust that new and affirming steps will present themselves along the way.
When you’ve completed the exercise craft a focus for yourself. Your focus is unique to you and your family and the purpose is to have a central theme that you operate within and from. You might not know how you’ll accomplish your mission in all moments, but simply having it to access and draw upon gives you a valuable resource in your parenting toolbox.
An example of a family focus can be as simple as the one my children and I came up with: Stop. Think of Love. That simple phrase reminds us to be loving to one another, even when conflict arises.
A slightly more elaborate example of a parenting focus could be:
Through my own strength, sensitivity, and desire to be the best parent I can be, I commit to continually develop acceptance and encouragement of myself and my children and to be open to unlimited possibilities while I make the most of parenting now, in every moment.
Whatever you come up with, whether it is one word or 100, allow it to support you as a parent and know that by honing your focus you are creating a powerful intention for your parenting experience. Simply take action towards that intention in ways that feel in line with it. 
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