"As your child is discovering the world, you're discovering who she is--and giving her all the support, encouragement, and acceptance she needs to thrive."
--Mimi Doe
"Instead of looking at parenting as a project, view it as a dance--one that you and your child are enjoying together."
--Mimi Doe
"Parenting can be joyful. What has gotten out of balance to erode your joy? Take stock today and come up with a plan for adding more fun to your daily round."
--Mimi Doe
"Place a flower, heart, or pretty postcard on your child's pillow tonight before bedtime. With a little effort, we can create magical moments for our children."
--Mimi Doe
"If you attend a house of worship, arrange to take your child there when there is no service. In the quiet, sacred space, you can talk about how it feels to be there, observe the light coming through the windows, and explain the symbols."
--Mimi Doe
"Engage your child in conversations about God and be open to what interests him or her. When we invite God into our everyday lives, our children see this sacred connection as always available."--Mimi Doe...
"Kids learn from observing us, even when we think they're not paying attention. Take time today to observe yourself from your child's point of view." --Mimi Doe...
"Make sure you are learning new things, so your child sees that learning is a lifelong process." --Mimi Doe...
"Learning is full of joy, but often our kids see it as drudgery. Take time today to teach your child something new, just as an adventure. Ask your child to teach you something too." --Mimi Doe...
"Trust your body and what it is telling you it needs--more sleep, water, exercise. Help your children develop an awareness of what their bodies need and support them as they act on it." --Mimi Doe...
"Treat yourself the way you would like your family to treat you." --Mimi Doe...
"You are never alone. Remember that you are co-parenting with God. You are filled with the Divine and can tap into that presence by listening to your intuition." --Mimi Doe...
"Share the famous line from Hamlet, Act I, Scene 3: "To think own self be true..." with your kids. Talk about how we remain true to ourselves." --Mimi Doe...
"Celebrate something today. Google the date and find any historical event that occurred today, or celebrate the sunset, the first tulip, or that you are all together for dinner." --Mimi Doe...
"Add some humor to your family life, and lift everyone's spirits. Post cartoons on the fridge, pick up a book of jokes from the library, or rent a funny film."--Mimi Doe...
"Catch yourself if you begin to drift into the "comparing my kid to your kid" habit. Each child comes with unique gifts, and it's your delight to support your children as they discover their gifts. It's not your job to...
"Don't fret about not doing everything for everyone perfectly. It only robs you of the enjoyment of what you do. What your kids will sense is your peace of mind." --Mimi Doe...
"As parents we give so much to our kids that often our own well is dry. What is it that ignites your spirit--a walk in the woods, tea with friends, painting, a dance class? Take time to nurture yourself." --Mimi...
"Have you bought into any stereotypes about children such as "the terrible twos" or "awful teenagers?" If so, rewrite the script today. Shift these negative perceptions into positive phrases." --Mimi Doe...
"Imagine that your child picked you to be his parent. What did he come here to learn from you? What are you here to learn from your child?" --Mimi Doe...
"When we feel disappointed by a choice our child makes, we must remember to find our fulfillment within rather than through our children." --Mimi Doe...
"Make a list of all the people who have been kind to your children in some way recently. Think of a way to show appreciation to each one--a simple phone call, email, or small gift. Showing appreciation opens the circle...
"Begin today to pay more attention to your intuition. As you listen to your gut feelings about decisions, you may find the answers come easier." --Mimi Doe...
"Honor the natural energy rhythms of each family member. By knowing how your children are wired, you can preempt situations that might cause them stress." --Mimi Doe...
"Go with the flow. You will find a more harmonious path to getting yourself and your family where you need to go." --Mimi Doe...
"Has your son or daughter achieved a goal recently? Be sure to acknowledge the victory. Often we look to the future, forgetting to revel in the success of yesterday's goals." --Mimi Doe...
"Use your imagination to picture how you would like your day to unfold. Picture a calm, organized morning where everyone leaves for the day with all their belongings and a smile on their faces." --Mimi Doe...
"Give your children the knowledge that they are not victims, and empower them to craft the life of their dreams." --Mimi Doe...
"Become inspired by your children's innocence and innate wisdom. They are truly our teachers when we listen." --Mimi Doe...
Mimi Doe is the award-winning author of Don't Worry: You'll Get In! (Avalon), Nurturing Your Teenager's Soul: A Practical Approach to Raising a Kind, Honorable, Compassionate Teen (Perigee), Busy but Balanced: Practical and Inspirational Ways to Create a Calmer,...
"So much of our world is externally focused that we can become brainwashed into believing that the material is all that matters. Look for happiness today in your relationships, your own spiritual connection, and in nature. When you begin to...
"It is possible to make a few small changes that send positive ripples into your world. Identify the energy "vampires" in your life and take one small step today to get rid of them. Your family will feel the shift."...
"Each day you are creating your life anew. What kind of parent do you want to be--more patient, tolerant, and loving? Begin making choices based upon this new image of yourself as mom or dad."--Mimi Doe...
"Though academics and social life are important for children, they are not everything. Spirituality is the key to their ultimate joy, creativity, deeper knowledge, and wisdom." --Mimi Doe...
"Divine guidance is always available. Sometimes we just don't take the time to listen. If you are in a quandary over a situation today, pause and go within to hear that still small voice of wisdom."--Mimi Doe...
"Savor the moments you have with your children. This time in your life is but a mere blip. You'll want to look back and say, 'I loved being a parent'."--Mimi Doe...
"Ask your children about their habits of reverence. These are simple little touchstones to a deeper spirituality. Perhaps when your kids brush their teeth, they say a little prayer of thanks for their healthy body. Maybe when they hear a...
"Take the time to thank someone who has shown kindness to your family. Perhaps a teacher has gone the extra mile, or the bus driver always gives your son a thumb's up. Notice the kindness and appreciate the giver." --Mimi...
"Faith is truly believing what our eyes cannot see. Have faith that your child has a divine purpose in this life, and that you are a fortunate and pivotal guide along the way." --Mimi Doe...
"Take some time for your partner today. It is so easy to lose our connection as we co-parent." --Mimi Doe...
"Serve your child tea today in a long-forgotten china tea cup. The formality of the ritual bestows peace and dignity and a connection with the past." --Mimi Doe...
"Sometimes all our good intentions to keep our children busy with "enrichment" squashes their spirits. They need times of quiet and relief from the stressors of the outside world in order to explore their inner lives." --Mimi Doe...
"Allow your children's creativity to flourish by providing opportunities to engage in unstructured creative play. Encourage mud pies, cooking, fooling around with musical instruments, rather than passive TV watching or computer games."--Mimi Doe...
"Little daily rituals can become touchstones in our busy lives. It can be as simple as a good-bye ritual between you and your child as you leave for the day."--Mimi Doe...
"Give your children a true sense of ownership in your home by explaining why their contributions matter and giving them clear opportunities to make them."--Mimi Doe...
"Make sure you save the little love notes and favorite pictures your child gives you. Years from now, these precious mementos will make your heart soar."--Mimi Doe...
"Act with integrity in all you do - even if it's slightly inconvenient. Your children are watching." --Mimi Doe...
"What you send out, you pull back in. So as you give your child love, attention, respect, and nurturing, the universe flows those gifts back to you. Be on the lookout."--Mimi Doe...
"When you listen to your children, make it a practice to quiet your mind. Allow the energy to flow between you without the barricade of your constantly swirling thoughts." --Mimi Doe...
"The public library is an amazing gift. Schedule a trip to your local library this week. Move through the children's section on a hunt for books that bolster your kids' spirits." --Mimi Doe...
"How does your family gather for meals? Do you grab something and dash to the TV set? If so, try setting the table and making it a new family rule that you eat together. Being together in conversation is a...
"Our busy lives are nourished by times of quiet and solitude, even for the youngest of us. Make sure you have quiet times built into your family schedule." --Mimi Doe...
"Don't forget the powerful tool of your imagination as a parent. Rather than focusing upon your child's negative qualities or annoying behavior, try picturing how you would like him or her to behave."--Mimi Doe...
"Pay attention to the pictures and descriptions you weave about your child. Could these limiting thoughts and words be holding him or her back? If you say "Maggie's not a very hard worker" enough times, it might become truth." --Mimi...
"Help your kids take responsibility for their lives. Have you ever been around someone who always makes excuses: 'The teacher was no good,' 'It wasn't fair because I was last in line'?" --Mimi Doe...
"Every statement you make about yourself becomes the truth in some way. Be mindful of your words such as, "I'm a loser." It does nothing for you but bring down your energy. "I am constantly improving and growing" is a...
"Hold a specific image of your child succeeding at something he or she is working on. So if she is about to play in a piano recital, hold the image of her happy, centered, calm, and enjoying the performance." --Mimi...
"If you hear people speaking negatively, resist the urge to join in - especially when your children are listening. Rather, switch the subject to something more positive." --Mimi Doe...
"Give to your children what you want to receive: more love, acknowledgement, respect, trust, patience." --Mimi Doe...
"Pay attention to the people in your life who give you energy and those that drain you. Make an effort to be around those people who lift your spirit. Your children will be the recipients of more of you when...
"Help each of your children bring more order to their room. Notice the sense of calm they experience when everything has its place." --Mimi Doe...
"Become more mindful today of each activity you take part in. Clean when you clean, and eat when you eat. Be fully present to the moment, and experience the joy in that focus." --Mimi Doe...
"Bring more nature into your home - flowers, rocks, fruit, wood - and notice if the energy shifts into a more grounded, healing place."--Mimi Doe...
"Pay attention to how you respond to the routine annoyances that show up each day. Do you get annoyed when you have to replace a light bulb? Your responses to life are a template for your children on how to...
"Our older children are exploring who they are and why they are here. This is their spiritual quest, although often misunderstood. You can help them move into their highest self by being a patient and nonjudgmental listener." --Mimi Doe...
"We have the choice each day to focus on negativity or rise above it and connect with all that is positive. Pause now and make the choice." --Mimi Doe...
"Your child is a being of light and love who wants to share that abundant spirit. What is getting in your child's way of expressing who he or she truly is?" --Mimi Doe...
"What is it about your childhood you would like to change for your kids, and what might you want to make sure they enjoy as well?" --Mimi Doe...
"Pay attention to the messages that come through your dreams. Talk about your night dreams and your kids will naturally do the same." --Mimi Doe...
"Parenting can be deeply exhausting, but you have the ability to fill your well. Make sure you schedule time to do so. What nurtures you? Do more of it this week." --Mimi Doe...
"Children are deeply intuitive beings and can pick up on our moods and emotions. Notice how you are feeling today and how your child responds." --Mimi Doe...
"What you pay attention to you receive more of. Notice all the positives in your world today and draw even more beauty and joy into your life."--Mimi Doe...
"Think about how your home nurtures those who live there. What is the feeling you get when you walk into your house or apartment at the end of the day? How might you weave more spirit into your home?" --Mimi...
"Turn your child's ordinary bath into a magical ritual. Add some lavender oil to the tub water and turn on soothing music. Maybe even light a few candles in the bathroom as he or she gets into a relaxed state...
"Add simple, silent moments to your day when you pause and acknowledge the blessings that surround you. These gratitude moments can occur when you are taking a shower in the morning or when your head hits the pillow at night."...
"Honoring the food we prepare infuses the meal with positive energy. Take a moment as you are cooking or chopping vegetables to appreciate the glorious bounty, and bless it."--Mimi Doe...
"Set aside a specific time this week for your family to gather together just to talk and listen to one another. You can call this a "family meeting" or simply a "get-together." Often in the rush of our lives we...
"Be open to new possibilities. Parents can often get in a rut, and it takes a gentle reminder to open our hearts to the possibilities always present. Be on the lookout today for a new way of doing something, a...
"Take a look at the rules and regulations you have crafted for your family. Is there anything that needs changing?" --Mimi Doe...
"Make more magic in your everyday life. Add candles to this evening's meal, no matter what you are serving. Children delight in this simple ritual." --Mimi Doe...
"Parenting can be a lonely journey. Consider joining like-minded parents in a Spiritual Parenting group so you can find support and comfort, and share tips and strategies. SpiritualParenting.com lists groups all over the world." --Mimi Doe...
"Give your children the freedom to become who they are meant to be rather than what you had in mind for them. Practice letting go and allowing your child to find his or her true place in the universe." --Mimi...
"Begin each day affirming what you'd like to experience: I am open and receptive today to all the good and joy the universe has in store for me and my family. I am calm and centered. I gratefully receive." --Mimi...
"Is there some issue you or your children are stuck on these days? A family problem you'd like to dissolve? Try changing the way you think about the situation." --Mimi Doe...
"When you pray for your family--in whatever form feels comfortable for you--everything in their world begins to beautifully shift. The energy and power released through prayer can reverse the negative and make the impossible possible."--Mimi Doe...
"Remind yourself and your kids that there is enough good to go around. There is no need to envy others. We live in a bountiful universe, and we never miss out on what we need." --Mimi Doe...
"Often, as a parent, we focus upon what we can fix, forgetting to pause and appreciate all that's going well. When we are grateful for the blessings in our lives, we shower ourselves in grace." --Mimi Doe...
"Children can often feel stressed too. Can you help them identify what causes it? And what stress-buster they might try today?"--Mimi Doe...
"Write a love letter to your child today. You might assume your son or daughter knows how you feel, but reading your affirmative words can make their spirit soar!" --Mimi Doe...
"Don't be afraid to admit to your children that you made a mistake. We can apologize, make it right, and move on." --Mimi Doe...
"If you are going through a rough patch in your parenting, know that you will get through this. Remain focused on showing your child how much you love him or her, no matter what the circumstances." --Mimi Doe...
"Don't forget to show your love in ways kids can understand. Take time to ask your child, 'How do you know I love you?' or 'When do you feel the most loved?'" --Mimi Doe...
"Remember to applaud your children for kind actions, not just for achievements. Be on the lookout today for at least one kindness your child showed--then honor that action in some way." --Mimi Doe...
"I often say to my children, "You do your best and God will do the rest." Just for today, let go of controlling every outcome and give God a chance to work miracles in your life." --Mimi Doe...
"The unhurried moments you have with your family are more abundant when you make them a priority. These leave a lasting impression in their hearts and spirits." --Mimi Doe...
"Studies show that the color blue sends a powerful cue to calm down. So dress yourself and your child in blue today--then notice any difference in behavior." --Mimi Doe...
"Amidst the whirl of life with kids, you can retreat, even for a moment, to that core of serenity within. Maybe when you hear the phone ring, use it as a cue to take a deep breath and drop your...
"Give yourself a break from perfectionism. Nurturing a child is a monumental job, so go easy on yourself. Relax and reward yourself for stories read and hugs given." --Mimi Doe...
"Celebrate your child's nature discoveries. Whether it's spotting a bee hive, a bird's nest, or a constellation, make a drawing of the discovery, and display it until the next sighting. Then paste into a scrapbook."--Mimi Doe...
"Honor the value of free time. Make sure the weekends are a time to rest, daydream, and recharge for the week ahead." --Mimi Doe...
"Older kids may not be comfortable with quiet because they aren't used to it. Create space in young children's days for unstructured, open-ended, quiet time."--Mimi Doe...
"Children's individual temperaments vary. When planning extracurricular activities, observe your children, listen to them, and follow your own intuition." --Mimi Doe...