One thing most parents have in common is that we all want what is best for our child(ren). We want them to be happy and healthy, successful and confident, caring, considerate, honest and all that good stuff. The truth of the matter is that children learn by example. You can’t expect little Zoey to willingly brush her hair and teeth, put on her pretty little pink dress and matching shoes if mommy is hanging out in her sloppy bathrobe and torn slippers all day. You can’t expect little Jake to sit down at the breakfast table to eat a healthy balanced meal if daddy is scarfing down a muffin on his way out the door. It is hard work having to watch what you do and say on a daily basis, but instead of making it a job, why not just make it a way of life. I know it would do me some good to wake up every morning having a plan. Not only regarding time management, but encompassing every aspect of my life. A few simple tips I can give to those that want to lead by example are as follows (in no particular order of importance):

Rule #1: Be affectionate
Not only to your children, but to your spouse (or significant other), your pets, your family and friends, and to yourself.

Rule #2: Take a breather
When you are feeling overwhelmed and about to lose control, take a breather. Stop what you are doing, take a deep breath, walk away for a few minutes and come back when your heartrate goes back to normal.

Rule #3: Eat healthy
Stop buying junkfood and stop going to drive thrus. Meal planning and making a grocery list are so helpful with this. Include healthy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack and even dessert ideas so that your house is always stocked with SOMETHING substantial to eat. This will save you $$ as well.

Rule #4: Be productive
Get things done. Stop putting off your list of “to-dos”. Don’t make excuses. When you have a free 10 minutes, start working on something you have been wanting or needing to do. You don’t have to finish it right away, but atleast if you start it, you will have something to finish.

Rule #5: Be systematic
Having a certain way you do things makes you feel good. You feel like you have things under control and you feel accomplished.

Rule #6: Accept help
If someone wants to help you, by golly let them. Put your pride aside and take on random acts of kindness with a smile. Hey, even if they aren’t random…it is always nice to lend a helping hand to someone else when you see they need it too…..(could that be Rule #6.5 maybe?)

Rule #7: Communicate
If something is bothering you, TALK about it! You will be surprised at how good it feels to “spill the beans”. And be honest. Honesty is such an important quality. If your kids see you keeping things bottled up, they will do the same.

Rule #8:Let Go
Laugh, have fun, have a sense of humour about life and try to enjoy the “little things”. No one enjoys a stick in the mud.

Rule #9: Pamper Yourself
By this I do not mean go out and get a massage and pedicure every week (although if you enjoy it and you can, more power to ya!). I mean, take care of yourself physically and emotionally. Do things that make you feel happy and good about yourself. Get exercise. Keep yourself clean and healthy.

Last, but not least
Rule #10: Follow Your Dreams
Everyone invisions what their life will look like down the line and we all have a goal….whether it be miniscule or monsterous. Encourage yourself and encourage your children to “Go for the gold”!