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elizabethnorton127

The Emerge Coaching Program - For Parenting

Yesterday my 10 year old son called me from the bus asking if I would pick up from the bus stop (it's 1mile from our house).


I said no.


It's windy and cold but I still said no. Why? I must be a terrible mother.


Nope. Here's the back story.


For 4 years I have driven to the bus stop at 3pm to pick him up. 2 months ago my son and I had a conversation about why he should start walking home from the bus stop.


We agreed on these key reasons:

  1. Walking is good for his body

  2. The 15 minute walk is good for clearing his mind

  3. It allows me to focus on my workday for a little longer each day

So even though we agreed to these reasons and the new plan, every day for 2 months he has called me to come get him. He's very persistent.


This child of mine is very feisty. He's one of 4 boys in our house and he struggles to find his place. We have a lot of emotional conversations. Like a lot.


In the past I have been scared to hold my ground with him. I give in because I fear his wrath.


Most parents can relate at some time or another.


But over the past year I have been applying my coaching strategies to my parenting habits.


Here's how yesterdays call went.


M- Come get me. My legs are tired and I have baseball practice tonight.

Me- A little walk may be good for your legs then.

M- Geez mom, come on.

Me- We agreed that the walk is a good idea.

M- Please mom.

Me- No response

M- Pleeeeeeaaassssee.


At this point I imagine him rolling around on the ground and strangers coming to his aide. But I hold my ground.


M- MOM. Are you even there???

ME- Yes, would you like me to make you a snack? It will be ready when you get home. We can spend some time together then.

M- okay.


He walks in and goes straight to his room. 5 minutes later he emerges and kisses me on the head. He sits down to eat his snack.


I exhale.


Since I have practiced my commitments to my children over the past year I have been so pleasantly surprised and how often they respond just like this.


They show me love and respect in response to holding boundaries.


I know. I sometimes think WTF-- did that just happen????


It happens. I can teach you how to do this too. I can hold you accountable when you want to quit.


Learn this skill and a treasure box of others in the EMERGE COACHING PROGRAM.








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