Confession: I often feel overwhelmed when I look at the mess in our house.
Confession: Many days, I feel like a failure as a mom.
Confession: Sometimes I yell at the kids more than I’d care to admit.
Confession: Often I am so tired that I fall asleep while reading bedtime books to my kids.
You guys, this parenting gig is no easy feat. It’s hard. It’s exhausting. It’s so much, every day, all day long, no matter whether you have one child or five, whether you work outside the home or not, whether you have local family or not.
It’s hard.
So when I was asked by my friends at Whirlpool to share a bit about their Every day, care™ campaign, you better believe I was game. Not only do I love and appreciate how this company is celebrating the little things, but I love that a brand is dedicated to helping families thrive.
And in this day and age when we’re all feeling like we’ve got to be this Pinterest-perfect parent, I love that Every day, care™ celebrates the simple acts of care that families give one another.
It is a super-awesome reminder for parents and children that in order to win at the family game, we have to celebrate the little things.
Here’s the skinny. . .
Win at the Family Game: Getting Past the Fights and Mess:
Every family deals with fights and mess–every. family.
But the thing is, we often overlook the small, little things we do for each other that shows how much we really care. Even though our kids may be bickering one minute, they show they care the next.
They may argue about a Minecraft something before dinner, then join forces on the trampoline after dinner, laughing together and ignoring our calls to come in for showers.
Even though my husband may not feel like stopping for the dry cleaning on the way home, he’ll still do it–and then he’ll put my clothes on my side of the closet and his on his side.
So I created these ‘show you care’ notes so that our whole family can focus on celebrating the little things we do for each other. The little things that keep our household moving and smiles on our faces (most times).
These are notes that everyone can give to anyone at any time.
They’re in a drawer in the kitchen so that they’re easy to grab. And so far, they’ve worked.
Though I am a lunchbox note junkie–and the kids know it–these show you care notes are for any time. Anywhere. Anyone.
Take a look:
They’re tiny because tiny is easy. And they’re fun.
Some are pre-written, like the ones that say:
- Thank you for emptying the dishwasher today.
- I love hearing about your day.
- Thanks for making your bed today.
- Thanks for hanging with me yesterday.
And two whole pages are blank so that someone can write his or her own notes of thanks.
We’ll see how it goes.
So far, it’s been nice. Because don’t we all like a pat on the back now and again? Don’t we all like to feel appreciated, seen, and heard?
Take a look at the Whirlpool Every day, care™ videos.
Okay, now download our show you care notes and wipe those tears away.
Just throw your email in the box below, and they’ll end up in your inbox. POOF. Like that.
Print them out.
Surprise your family with them.
Show them where the blank ones are.
And celebrate the wins–the imperfect, everyday small victories.
Check out a few other posts that may help you develop strong and healthy habits for your family:
- wait time
- my day, your day
- frozen peas
- kids who rock the kitchen
- kids who rock the laundry
- rest time
- gem jars
- arm circles
- noticing kids
- homework routine
fyi: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Forever and always I recommend only products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” For more information, please see teachmama media, llc. disclosure policy.
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