What is Your Legacy?

If your parents are still alive, you are so blessed! Sadly my parents passed away several years ago: Mom in 2005 and Daddy in 2009. I miss them every day; yet, they still live on through me, my siblings, their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. My parents left special memories for our family.

Ephesians 6:1-2 reads, "Children,obey your parents in the Lord; for this is right. Honor your father and your mother..." Although my parents may not be with me physically, I still want to honor their legacy every day by:

1. Living a life that will make them and God proud.

2. Keeping my word as my bond.

3. Giving service to the family, the church and the community.

We have a responsibility to leave an endearing and enduring legacy for the next generation. How will you honor yours?

Respect the Water

Everyone needs water. We wash with it; cook with it. Some drink the recommended 8 glasses of water each day. And during the summer months, many of us are at the pool or on the beach splashing in it. Unfortunately the increase in summer water fun can turn tragic.  According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) more than 4000 accidental drownings happen each year. And sadly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1-4 years.

So how can your family still enjoy the water parks and not become a statistic? Here are some tips from the American Red Cross:

• Make sure everyone in the family learns to swim well;
• Swim in a designated area supervised by lifeguards;
• Always swim with a buddy; and,
• Never leave a young child unattended near water.

As you enjoy family time this summer, have fun, stay safe and respect the water.

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!

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!

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!

Planning Ahead

Hi Moms:

Many of us know how to earn money and spend money, but we have challenges saving money! So if you struggle with money management, get advice from a professional. A financial planner can educate you on ways to budget as you build your families nest egg.  So learn to share, spend and save your money. It could make your financial future a lot brighter.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Watch your Words

Hi Moms:

When you hear a rumor at work, at your church or in your community, what do you do? Do you Ignore it - Do you add to it - Do you help spread it?  Next time a rumor begins, why not go to the source. Ask the question, "Is it true"?  It may begin a much needed conversation and end a lot of wasted time.

                                          Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Seek the Opportunities

Hi Moms!
Volunteering is a great way to share your talents.  Churches, Recreation Centers, Girl and Boy Scouts and PTA always need volunteers.  Do you have the patience to care for little ones in the church nursery? Maybe you can gather clothes for the homeless. Or maybe you have the skills to coach a softball team.  There are many opportunities to serve in your community.  Volunteering is also a great way to meet new friends.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Take a Breath

Hi Moms:

Have you ever had a bad day; you blow your top at the children, break that special crystal vase that belonged to your Grandmother; burned the roast. Just remember - Nobody is perfect, not even Moms.  We all have days when things don't go as we planned. But hang in there. Tomorrow is another day and it will be a better day. So many people have faith in you. Learn to have faith in yourself too.

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time

Children See - Children Do

Hi Moms:

Our children are great observers.  And as a Mom, you know they will follow our actions; sometimes even closer than they follow our words. When we tell our children not to tell a lie, but then ask them to tell a caller on the phone we aren't home, what's a child to think?  We are our children's first teacher. What are you teaching your children?

Building Our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Hi Moms:

Many of us are celebrating the vision of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. today.  Dr. King was a man of purpose and service, who sacrificed his life for a better America.  So begin today to find your purpose.   Find ways to impact your home, your church or your community. Serve not just for today, but for a lifetime!

Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

What's in your view?

Hi Moms:
A Mom told me:   "Always have something beautiful in sight, even if it's just a daisy in a jelly glass".
Surround yourself in beauty today!
                            Building our Village one Mom @ a Time!

Your Community Needs You

Hi Moms:

Are you holding onto talents and skills that others can use?  Could you teach a child how to sew or could you help design a garden that would benefit your community?  Instead of watching the next segment of the Real Housewives of ..., find a way to make a difference where you live. Many schools, parent groups and recreation centers would love to get help from Moms just like you.  Share your ideas.  People need you.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Identify Yourself

Hi Moms:

As women of faith, many of us enjoy wearing Christian paraphernalia or having a faith-based bumper sticker on our car, and that's great.  But there are other ways to identify ourselves as Christians.  You shouldn't have to blast Gospel music from your cubicle or carry a huge Bible into the workplace lunchroom so people know you are a Christian. We can show our faith by the way we live, the words we use and how we treat others. Does your lifestyle make Christ smile?

Building our Village One Mom @ a Time!

Have Fun with Your Spouse

Hi Moms:

When I became a Mother for the first time, I felt it was such a blessing; I still do.  My children are true miracles.  And I'll admit, I tend to put their needs first, over my husband's needs.  It's difficult to manage husband and children. But I must realize just because I'm a Mom now, I was his wife first.  So I encourage all of us who are busy Moms to spend time with your spouse. Connecting with your husband is very important.  Find a way to have fun together this week.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Having one Good Friend - Priceless

Hi Moms:

Friendships are a special part of life.  I'm blessed with great friends.  But through the years, I've also had to release some friendships, because they were toxic and destructive.  You don't need a lot of friends to be happy.  Just having one trusted friend with character and kindness can be priceless.  When friends work together and support each other, everyone is blessed.

Building our Village One Mom @ at Time!

Awesome Weekend

The National PTA hosted their Annual Emerging Minority Leadership Conference this past weekend, in Washington, DC. Big Thanks to National PTA President - Otha Thornton, Dr. Renee Jackson, the National PTA Diversity Committee and the entire National PTA Staff for a weekend of interactive workshops, motivational speakers and great fellowship with new PTA friends. Thanks to all who attended my workshop - The GPS for your PTA's Success!  It was a fun and fruitful time for Parents, Educators and Students.  To all who attended, I encourage you to use your new skills this week to help PTA families in your community.

 

It's Not About Me

Hi Mom:

It's natural to speak for our children, but do you ever advocate for other children?  Consider the many parent groups that would benefit from your talents, like PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts. These groups and others encourage our children to be our future leaders. Maybe you could help them too. Find ways to encourage someone today.

 

                                                Building our Village One Mom @ a Time

Make the Connection

Hi Moms:  Looking for ways to network with Moms (and Dads) who serve families in there communities? Connect at the Emerging Minority Leadership Conference hosted by the National PTA in Washington, DC - October 11-13, 2013.  Great Speakers, Fellowship with Leaders and Fun and Informative Workshops, including my workshop - The GPS to Your PTA's Success - presented Saturday, October 12. Go to PTA.org for more information. 

                                 Building our Village One Mom @ a  Time!

New Moms and beyond!

As the Mom of two daughters - one in Middle School and one in High School - I have received some great advice over the years. Here are a few tips I learned as a new parent from Susan Jindrich that can help Moms of children at any age.

Ways to Help Your Child

1. Read to them every day.

2. Give them plenty of love and encouragement.

3. Set some simple rules and stick to them.

4. Talk to your child and explain things to them. You are your child's first and most important teacher.

5. Listen to your child; they are willing and able to have very interesting conversations.

6. Be patient. Everyone has their difficult days.

7. Teach them respect for others.

8. Be proud of your child and show it. This builds their self-esteem.

9. Be a good role model for your child.

10. Give them a few simple chores to do around the house; it teachers responsibility to the family.

11. Volunteer in the classroom. Go see what they are learning.

12. Always, always, love your children and let them know it.

Building our Village one Mom @ at time!