Dreaming Again: Part Four

This post is fourth in a series. Click here to read Part One: Dreaming Again,
Part Two: Three Steps to Jump Start Your Progress and Part Three: Prioritizing Your Dream

At the beginning of the year I was working on my dreams and goals for 2022. I found myself getting repeatedly interrupted by my kids which at the moment was super frustrating. But then it occurred to me, several of my goals for the year involved them and how I want to grow as their mom. Instead of getting angry with their interruptions, maybe I should ask them what their goals are for 2022?

So, I pulled out a stack of old magazines, scissors, glue and some construction paper. I told the boys to dream about what they want to do in 2022. Then, find images in magazines to cut out and glue onto the construction paper. It will be your vision board or bucket list for 2022. They loved it.

You know what I learned? Most of the things my boys want to do are pretty normal like going to the playground or swimming in our pool. Though I might not view this as a big deal, clearly these family moments are more meaningful to them than I realized. I never would have known these were their dreams if I had not asked. I’m so glad I did.

Ask

Take the time to ask your kids what their hopes and dreams are. Consider helping them make a vision board with magazine clippings or other visual reminders of what they’d like to accomplish. If you’ve never done something like this, start with a small, defined period of time such as a vision board of summer break.

Also, consider making a vision board for yourself.  You can use magazine clippings or create a digital vision board on Pinterest.

Plan

My nine-year-old son has a crazy impressive memory when it comes to what I’ve said and/or promised. He feels deeply wounded if I’ve forgotten to follow through on something. I’ve learned several things from this. First, be very careful and precise with what I say because my words matter. But more importantly, I’ve learned to follow through with what I say. Let my yes be yes. I can only image how it would feel to a child to be asked about their hopes and dreams and for the adult in their life to forget or ignore these precious ideas.

So, once you’ve helped your kiddos created their vision boards, don’t stop there. Make a plan to reach these goals.

I started with the low hanging fruit. Go to the playground – check. Play soccer – check. I’ll admit my hubby does this more with them than I do. He’s the sports-playing, outside-loving parent. I’m more the board game, reading or museum going parent. That’s okay, figure out what works within your family and enlist help where needed. My boys spent a week at my in-laws this summer and went to a petting zoo at a local you-pick farm.  They also had a blast at a children’s museum. I think that accomplished three vision board items for them: fruit picking, a zoo visit and a museum trip.

Document

My friend was on the verge of tears when she confided in me. She was distraught over not doing enough to teach her young kids. I knew this couldn’t be further from the truth. This was a dear friend of mine.   I’ve seen her lovingly care for and instruct her children time and time again.

Sometimes we are too close to see our own progress and accomplishments. I also believe self-doubt is a tool the evil one uses to distract, discourage and derail our dreams.

I suggested to my friend to start writing down what she has done, so she wouldn’t forget all the work she has put into raising her beautiful children.

I offer you the same suggestion. Find a way to keep track of the progress your kids have made on their bucket lists.

For myself, I’m working on taking more photos of the activities we do. I’m not naturally a photo taker.  I prefer to take in the joy of the moment. But then, I often regret not having a photo to remember the moment. My boys love looking through our family photobooks. So, I figured a photobook to document the progress they’ve made on their vision boards will be a fun way to see all they’ve accomplished.

Find a way that works for you to measure your kids progress so they can see and celebrate their own accomplishments. Try a photobook, a checklist or for larger dreams a giant thermometer poster they can color in as they make progress towards the finish line.

Model

More is caught than taught. Have you heard that saying before? It applies here too. Your kids will learn more about dreaming and making progress by watching you work towards accomplishing your own dreams.

I’ve recently started talking to my kids more about my dream of writing a book. I realized they see me on my computer often. It became clear they think I am surfing the internet and playing games. I didn’t want them thinking I was ignoring them just to play video games, so I shared with them how I’d like to write a book.

With excitement in his voice, Tommy said, “You’re an author, Mommy!” My heart melted. Once I told him what I’d been working towards, he was able to call me an author even before I could. Sharing my dreams with them has given me the sweetest encouragement from those I love most.

Share a dream you or your children have. How are you going to make progress and document your progress? I’ll go first, see my comment below.