Getting real with the kids.

I have always been a realist.  I connect with my children in a very real way.  I feel if they are old enough to ask certain questions, they are old enough to receive a truthful, age-appropriate answer.  Emphasis on age-appropriate.  We are all in challenging times right now where the children in our families or village may have some tough questions.

How much to do you share with children about obstacles and challenges?  How real have you gotten with them about coronavirus?  My five year old son knows a “cold” is going around and it is important not to spread it or be out right now.  We’re not hiding what’s going on, nor are we burdening him with fear, diving into social distancing details, or offering overwhelming, startling facts.  And this applies to many hard topics.  Sex, money, all the things.  I spoke to a group about teen pregnancy and sex education, and the same philosophy applies.  Age-appropriate truth.  Start as young as they start asking questions.

Sugar coating helps no one.  We all want the best for our children.  We all wish we could protect them from everything.  We have to have faith and remain calm, peaceful, and joyful.  Above all, we must have resilience.  More is caught than taught in our children and the children around us.  If we are not peaceful, and if we are scared, they will know it.  Even infants know.  And worse yet, they will take on this energy, disposition, and mimic our unproductive behaviors.

Choose positivity.  Choose hope.  Choose truth.  We have the power to set the tone in our home and carry on with gratitude each day in this new normal for us. Leave me a message, let me know what you’re sharing with your children . And let’s stay connected on Live Well, the podcast.  We’re in this together.

Live Well is a women’s empowerment lifestyle brand focusing on mental health, money, and motherhood. Established in 2010 by Dr. Jenn Edwards, Live Well specifically helps women avoid burnout, holistically invest, and parent with resilience. Jennifer is a wife, mother of two children, scientist, author, speaker, professor, and fourth generation entrepreneur.