The Best You!

Hi Moms:
Gospel artist, Tamela Mann is an amazing singer. She is truly anointed and blesses us everytime. If I had her beautiful voice, I'd sing all day long! But I don't. Singing isn't my gift.  Ask me to write a news article, present a workshop or do public speaking, I enjoy that and I'm good at it.
I can't be mad at Tamela for her gift of singing and you can't envy my communication skills. Because you have talents too.  Don't compete trying to do things that really aren't your talents. Use your gifts to make a positive impact on the world. You can't be Every woman, but you can be the best you!

A Message from the Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time! 

Losing a Legend

Hi Moms:

It was so sad to hear Rock Legend Prince died suddenly. I remember his posters being in almost every girl’s dorm room in college. And when a group of us went to see Purple Rain, we were hooked forever! What a talent. And yes he was fine! He  was not only an amazing performer, but a gifted businessman. I’m not sure why he chose the color purple as his trademark, but I do know in biblical times purple was the color worn by those of royal birth or high-level officials.

I can’t speak about Prince’s beliefs, but he was a child of God. And when I think that I’ll never see him perform again or hear amazing music that he never recorded, it brings Purple Tears.

Watch Your Words

Hi Moms:
When I was a little girl, I had a friend we called Negative Nelly.  That wasn't her given name, but because she was always so negative, she had earned it.  It could have been raining donuts with sprinkles, diamonds or designer handbags, this girl would find a way to bring you down. Do you have anyone in your life like that or are you the groups Negative Nelly?
Have faith and know it's never too late to change your pessimistic ways. Let's start today.
If you are in a conversation with friends and you feel a negative word is about to pop out, do this simple exercise:  close your mouth. At first, you may have to physically put your hands on your mouth to hold in those negative words. Work your way up to where you'll only need a finger over your mouth to keep  the word  in. Eventually, you'll have the pure will  power to hold them in. And after a while, you'll begin to contribute positive words to the conversation.  What will your friends and family members think?  Give it a try, because no one likes a Negative Nelly.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton  - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

All Teachers Make an Impact

Hi Moms:
My children have been blessed with some amazing teachers.  I hope you've had some positive experiences too.  But the most important teacher is your child's first teacher. And their first teacher is you!  How Moms handle family challenges;  how we deal with conflict and success; how we advocate and stand up for our child.  We make a permanent impact in the lives of our children everyday.  Think how your Mom affected your life.
A Scripture says, "Set an example of good works yourself, with integrity and dignity in your teaching".
Be a good example for your children with your words and your actions, because you are their First Teacher.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at at Time!

Direction vs Dictating

Hi Moms:
It's hard to believe I have a  High School Senior. The time between Pre-School and High School went by so fast! And although I'll always offer her advice, I must learn she is entering adulthood, I can't force or dictate what decisions she must make throughout her life.
As parents, we are always our child's Advocate. We may hold their hand as they cross the street at the age of 4, but if we are still holding their hand at 34, Houston, we have a problem!
It's hard letting go. However, you know you've been a successful parent when you've planted the seeds and you've done your best to "Train up" your child so later you'll see them grow into outstanding adults.
Pray, keep the faith and know you have prepared them for their next level.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

P/T Conference Success!

Hi Moms:

If you have children in grades Kindergarten through High School, you've probably experienced a Parent/Teacher Conference.  It should be a time where parents, teachers and students work together as a team to openly discuss any opportunities and challenges your child may be experiencing. And the goal should end with a positive solution for that child's success. Unfortunately, too many sessions end with a shouting match,  were parents feel berated having a stranger telling them what their child needs, the child feels defeated, because they feel they aren't doing a good job and teachers feel defensive, because no one wants to take their advice.

As one who has experienced many P/T Conferences, here's some suggestions to end the Drama:

1. Make a list. Instead of going to the meeting unprepared, write the talking points you want to discuss.
2. Listen.  Parents can become defensive, especially when the teacher shares negative reports. However, listen, think, breath and then respond.
3. Follow up.  Most Parent/Teacher Conferences are limited to a specific length of time. So, if you feel another conversation is needed to resolve any unfinished business, make another appointment with the teacher.  If needed, request the school Principal or Counselor be present too for support.

The bottom line: Advocate so your child receives services and gets the best education experience to keep them on the right track.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Happy MLK Day!

Hi Moms:
As we honor Rev. Dr. Martin  Luther King, Jr. today, let's not only remember him for his incredible speech. Find books to share with our children, so they'll know more about the life of his amazing man. And as we discuss his dream today, let's design our dream for a lifetime! #MLKDay

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Helping Eachother

Hi Moms:

As a seasoned Mom, not a perfect Mom, I feel pretty confident in my parenting skills.  I may not always make the right decisions (just ask my daughters) or manage my household with perfection.  But despite some exhaustive days and sleepless nights, I have the satisfaction in knowing I've done the best job I know how. And I may have this sense of confidence because I had a great Mom and some wonderful Mentors, who held my hand and gave me advice as I struggled in my new role of being a Mom.

And as we learn and mature, we should do the same thing for our younger Moms.  Scripture in the book of Titus says, more experienced Moms are suppose to teach and encourage our younger Moms; show them how to take care of their families.

Find a Mom you can mentor or seek one who you can gain some knowledge.  Build confidence to begin some Mentoring Moments.

A Message from N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!

Enjoy Your Life!

Hi Moms:
Back in the day I remember the song, Girls Just Want to Have Fun!  In the music video, quirky entertainer Cyndi Lauper belts out the catchy tune, joined by energetic girls, dancing and bopping to the beat!  Girls of all shapes, sizes and shades are enjoying themselves; young and silly and sassy.
Sounds like many of us before children. But now many of us have forgotten that carefree attitude.
That doesn't mean we live without purpose or direction, but when was the last time you had fun; laughing so hard until you cried?  Too often Moms forget that life should be fun too; not just busy and boring.  God wants us to have a good life.
So turn off the cell phone and turn on the CD; dance around the room with your husband and kids or just party by yourself!  You deserve a silly moment too, cause - Moms Still Need to Have Fun!

N. Michelle Sutton - The Mentor 4 Moms

Building Our Village One Mom at A Time!

For Auld Langs Syne?

Hi Moms:
As we begin a Blessed New Year, for many of us, it's time for a fresh start:  Starting that diet (again), learning a new skill, beginning a new career.  As we make new plans, let's also think about the old things we've left behind, like old relationships from year's gone by. Every year I promise to reconnect with my childhood friends and reminisce about the  "good old days".  There have been times when I've finally found an old phone number, reached out to that friend, and sadly discovered it's too late, and that friend has passed away. So I encourage you in 2016 to seek those friends, playmates, even family members who you haven't spoken too in a long time, for Auld Langs Syne.

                                                 N. Michelle Sutton, The Mentor 4 Moms

                                               Building Our Village One Mom at a Time!