This post was written in honor of National Superhero Day (April 28th) and my friends in Pittsburgh lining up to take a stand against child abuse and trying to break a World Record for the most superheroes in one place at one time, here’s to being SUPER! The cape pictured in our photo is from Power Capes. Quick shout out to them as well for sponsoring the Super Hero Run today, we love our cape, mask and wristlets and that they offer them at great discount regularly on Zulily too!

I’ve given parenting a lot of thought these last 6 years, intentional thought, on how I wanted to raise my children and the type of grown up I want them to become. Having a child is such a monumental event in and of itself, but the responsibility to raise good stewards, kind citizens and contributors of society weighs heavy on me at night. I have a set of basic core values I instill in my children whenever possible, but as I got to thinking this week in the days leading up to National Super Hero Day … I realized really what I am trying to create in my children is the underlying desire to do and be good — a sort of everyday hero, if you will. Then I realized I’m probably not the only one, I mean don’t we all want the same for our children?

So, I came up with 20 ways you can help you child unleash their inner superhero. Simple ways you can instill kindness, inherent good and thoughtfulness and those qualities we look for in a stand up superhero. You might be surprised to find that those qualities we admire most about these fictional characters are so much of what we are looking for in ourselves. These qualities really aren’t that spectacular or superhuman at all, in fact, I’d argue to say we are all capable of living our lives this way!

20 Ways to unleash your child’s inner superhero

- Teach them to have Integrity, do the right thing even when no one is watching

- Give it all you’ve got, no matter what you’re doing give it 110%

- Try to see the good in people, even when it may be hard to find

- Whenever possible, lend a hand. Helping others is fruitful & rewarding

- You can do anything if you try, try, try. Believe in yourself

- In every situation, be the good guy. Trust your instincts and do what feels right

- Be strong in mind — keep a clear head, stay focused, be present and in the moment

- & body — eat to nourish your body, stay active and challenge it constantly with new activities

- Take the initiative- when something needs doing, get up & get started

- Be Resourceful. A little bit of creativity and ingenuity goes a long way

- Solve Problems – saving the day is all about solving problems. Brainstorm possible solutions, talk with others and keep an open mind

- Make a Difference – the smallest of gestures can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Seek out those opportunities and embrace them

- Overcome Great Odds – somethings are difficult, but chances are you will get through them. In tough times, endure and lean on family. In the shadow of insurmountable tasks, break them into bite size pieces and get started achieving your goals.

- Do something BIG – dream big and find a way to bring your dreams to life

- Take Chances – the only way to know if something will work, is to try. Don’t be afraid to fail. Take risks and take them often.

- Take a Stand – there will always be someone or something out there that needs a voice. Speak up.

- Change the World – the tallest mountains are made from the smallest grains of sand, chasms and canyons were carved in to the earth by tiny drops of rain and so can your efforts imprint themselves on the world. No effort is too small or done in vain. Do every deed with great purpose.

- Rock your look , we are all individuals — be your own person. Own who you are.

- Know your talents & USE THEM!

- Be AWESOME.

Note: As with all life lessons, the best way to teach is to lead by example

Got any lessons to add to this list? I’d love to hear them

Special thanks to these Super Mamas for helping me brainstorm this list: Crystal of Growing a Jeweled Rose, Maria of Mama Mia’s Heart 2 Heart, Cathy of NurtureStore, Bernadette of Mom to 2 Posh Little Divas, Laura of Play Dr Mom, and Kristina of Toddler Approved. Looking forward to featuring more great ideas from this post.

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We all have them, Parenting Strengths and Weaknesses, whether we admit them or not. There just happens to be some things we are inherently good at when it comes to parenting and some things, well, that we must have been absent for the day they passed out parenting skills at school. Oh wait, they don’t teach those types of things at school, do they? Well at least not in an official predetermined class or anything, but I believe we’ve been reading between the lines almost our entire lives soaking up our maternal/paternal instincts and defining our unique parenting styles.

The true challenge for us as parents, is to come to terms with the areas we’re weakest in and devote some time and effort into improving them. For me, this particular time, my weakness is on the playground. It seems, somehow, I failed to teach my children to swing. I can’t tell you the exact moment when I missed my window or even why this has become an issue for us at all, but it has. You see, neither my 2 or my 4 year old have a desire to swing. Occasionally, I manage to get them on the swings – I gently push them – ever so slightly – and with one or two pushes they quickly blurt, “I’m all done Mom, I’m all done”. And that’s it. Our swing experience is over and they’re off – onto something else.

I’m working on myself a lot this year – being a better Mother included and I’ve decided, 2010 will be the year my children learn to love to swing. I watch from a distance admiring the relationships of other parents and their children as they move back and forth in a rhythm that exudes a personal connection – a secret they both share – about the joy of swinging.

Before

I’ve started already – choosing to experiment with my middle child [age 2] first. We make our way to the swings as the afternoon sun is still high enough to warm our faces. I place her in the harness, start singing a favorite song of hers and follow her with my body as I push. To my surprise, this time she’s feeling it too. She allows me to push her like this for some time before declaring, “I’m all done Mom, I’m all done.

Small Victory

Day 2: Today, I suggest we try the swings again – my daughter is a little more cuddly after nap time and enjoys being close to me a little longer than usual [love this time of day]. So she agrees and we bebop on over to the swings. Again, I start off by pushing her following with my body, but today I substitute the words of her favorite song with her name and a few catchy jingles related to swinging. Success! She loves it. It turns out she’s also more confident with swinging if she can hold my hand while we do it. We spend at least 10 minutes continuing in this manner, singing, swinging and holding hands [we're cute, I know]. I’m happy, feeling as if I am finally beginning to understand the swing connection between a parent and a child.

Day 3: This morning, we stopped by a local park to let her burn off some energy. They have several swings there but very rarely do my children even notice them – and if they do, they prefer to use them for flying [lying on the swing instead of sitting, arms flailing, feet dangling]. We play on every play structure, every slide and check out everything else but eventually, she suggests, “Mom, can we swing?” [rejoicing on the inside] I plop her in the swing, this time … she begins to sing, we continue on like this for a very long time.

Currently

I see a light at the end of the tunnel, I’m feeling confident I can conquer this parenting weakness, until a father and son sit on a swing next to us and begin to swing. Higher and higher they go, the boy laughing all they way. Turns out, I still have a long way to go before my children learn all there is to enjoy about swinging, but the important thing is we’re on our way And we’re ALL feeling better already.

He’s still not sure, but I’m hopeful

Do you feel like a failure when it comes to a common part of parenting? Getting kids to bed, choosing healthy snacks, finding alternatives to TV … if there’s something you feel like you could be doing 10x better, rest assured, you’re not alone. You’re just normal

~ Stacy

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Photo from katphoto on Flickr

The greatest gift you can give a child {aside from your time, love and attention} is the gift of literacy. We all want what’s best for our children and, really, what could be better than opening the door that quite literally puts the whole world at their fingertips? KSW has come up with a list of 10 handy moments to help you get your kids ready for reading.

1. On your way to school – If you’re at all like me, you probably have a hard time letting go of your little ones in the morning. Something about that state of half-consciousness when they allow all the cuddles and kisses you can dish out just melts my heart. Cherish these sweet moments while also inserting a little educational mommy & me time by reading a book on the couch before or after putting on their shoes … OR … if your children have a bit of a separation issue, ease them out the {car} door by reading one of their favorite stories. You’ll both be more relaxed and at ease with what’s ahead of you, what a great way to start your day.

2. At Nap Time – Nap Time can be a difficult time in any household but I’ve found the right book can make the whole situation a whole lot easier on everyone. Lately, I’ve been using The Napping House to get my kids ready. We whisper most of the story and ad-lib a bit {we do this with every story} and then I stop the book just before the flea wakes everyone up and tell the kids we’ll finish the rest of the book AFTER nap time – there’s no need to get them all wound up and excited just before bed.

3. In the Car – Purchase some engaging board books or picture books for your children to keep in the car. Allowing your children access to reading materials on road trips instead of television or video games can benefit your children in more ways than you’d imagine. Besides the obvious educational benefits, you’re also promoting a healthy imagination and an independent sense of play. Your child will be more capable of keeping themselves entertained in almost any situation.

4. Before Meal Time – Mealtime can be the CRAZIEST time of day for many of us. There are 100 things going on and all of them vying for your attention, meanwhile your toddler is doing laps around the kitchen table, full of some new found energy you’re not quite sure where they’ve found. There’s screaming … and scrambling … and you’re doing your best to get something healthy onto the table, Pronto. Want to know how? Pull out the big guns, your secret weapon … Daddy. Toddlers are desperately craving some attention from their fathers during this time of day and wouldn’t it be better for everyone to turn this potential disaster period into a positive {ahem, learning experience} that also provides you with just the right amount of quiet time to whip up something wonderful.

5. At the Doctor’s office – We’ve all been there … a crowded waiting room full of cranky, contagious toddlers, all of whom are on the brink of a meltdown at ANY moment. It’s a stressful situation for all of us, but how do we cope? Turn this situation in your favor and occupy your toddler {and others if you’re willing} with a captive narration of your favorite children’s tale. Board books that fit in your purse are a MUST for moms on the go – Mr. Brown Can Moo Can You has saved me from quite a few embarrassing moments in public.

6. At the grocery store – Kids + Grocery Shopping notoriously = DISASTER. Make this situation easier for yourself and your child by bringing along some engaging board books (with clips for the shopping carts if possible) Your kids will be entertained and you’ll have a bit of time to do some shopping instead of mindless grabbing.

7. At the end of the day – Instead of curling up to watch TV this evening, try cozying on the couch and reading as a family. Short stories might work best for little ones, but as your children get older and more interested in reading try switching to a story or series you can read a little bit each night.

8. At Bath Time – Turn bath time into an educational opportunity by introducing books made especially for the water or letting your kids play with foam numbers and letters in the tub.

Photo from Flickr

9. At Bed Time – Preparing toddlers for bedtime can be a real chore, especially if you don’t have your routine down pat. Help ease your little ones into a calmer state by reading … counting … and reciting the alphabet before turning out the lights. Letting youngsters choose their bedtime stories even gives them a sense of control in an otherwise seemingly hostile situation.

10. Anytime! – There really is no wrong time to pull out a book or practice the alphabet. Keep books in the bathroom, flashcards in your purse, and magnetic letter on your fridge. Your children will Thank You for the all the effort you put in now, when they get older.

Try introducing reading to your toddlers, at any of these opportune times in your day and your kids will be well on their way to reading in no time! The more we expose our children to reading and the more joyful of an experience we make it for them … the more likely they’ll grow up with a love for reading, a playful imagination, some wonderful memories and a strong sense of family values. Not to mention, a desire for learning that’s going to make us all VERY proud.

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