Make It Happen!... for Parents of Teens

Do you see the word HAPPY hiding in the word HAPPEN? 

How can we put the happy back in the "Make it happen!"?

Let's face it, happiness is where it is at.  We all say we are striving for happiness for our children, selves, families and relationships.  We want everyone happy, happy, happy.  Somehow in our mad drive for happiness it has become all about DOING and making "it" happen and so much less about BEING-

Who are we BEING in this mad dash for "it"?

We are the "Make It Happen" generation of parents.  We have this "Make It Happen" thing all figured out for our kids, well sort of maybe and sort of not..  The right team, the right neighborhood, the right school, the highest SAT's, the highest GPA  and we drive them, plan it, analyze it and then work our asses off paying for all of "it".  It can make us all crazy!  And all for Happiness!

So, listen to me parents of teens everywhere...  It is the beginning of summer.  You have this fabulous opportunity ahead to put a little happiness in your day BUT YOU HAVE TO CHOOSE IT!  You have to "Make it Happen" for you!  You will not find "it' in your frenetic schedule.  Go now and cancel some things on your calendar and stop!

Never mind  "Smell the roses"!  Our problem is bigger than that.  We have not taken the time to even plant the roses!  What are the seeds of happiness that you can plant and fertilize this summer?   What is FUN?  How can you invite that and "make it happen"?

Some insane ideas for you:

YOU TIME:

Plan 20 minutes a day FOR JUST  YOU!  Steal it/ grab it/ create it and make that happen!  Start to bring some happiness back by having some time for you!

US TIME:

• Ask your teen to do something fun with you and let them pick what that is.  Do it [within reason] and do not edit, complain or try to improve it.
• Try something new with your teen where you are not in charge and you have to possibly make a mistake and learn together.
• Read one of their Summer Reading Books 

How do we get a little happy in all this crazy parenting business? 

What made you happy when you were a kid?  Go swing on some swings, collect shells, count fire flies, toast some marshmallows, catch a fish...  This is not about having the time or money.  This is about "Making It Happen" so you are enjoying the process and not focusing on the end result.

Now Matters!

Anne

PS  Willie's recommendations:  chase a rabbit, snuggle with your favorite person and find a sunny spot to snooze away the afternoon!