Happy 2024! I hope you rang in the new year in good health and with your heart full of joy and enthusiasm for whatever resolutions you have chosen.
Ahhhh, resolutions. What are yours this year?
Click here to share in the PR Parenting FB Group, where we discuss our challenges, goals and experiences and learn from others on the PR Parenting path.
Now, if you are able to carry through with your resolutions straight to success, YAY for YOU!
And if you stumble, really, no worries! Like we say in The Power of PR Parenting, there is always a plan B AND, as there are 26 letters in the alphabet, we actually have at least 26 chances to get it right.
(Click the image below to get your copy.)
Years ago, my new year’s resolutions were to pay better attention to where I placed my coffee cup and to be more understanding of others. A retrospectively funny story led to both.
Back in the early 90’s, I was working at the office on the computer, when I accidentally spilled my full cup of coffee all over the keyboard. No saving it. It was destroyed. I was certain I was in BIG trouble.
My manager told me that I had to come clean with the BIG boss, a sophisticated, British-accented man who was very kind but also extremely intimidating to my 20-something self.
I nervously walked the long hallway towards his large office and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he replied with his commanding voice and motioned me to sit in the chair in front of his desk and across from him.
“I have something I need to tell you,” I said almost in a whisper, unsure of myself but knowing that I had to face the music.
“Yes?” he responded as he leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, eyes on mine.
I told him what had happened and apologized.
He paused for a moment, then half smiled and inquired, “Tell me, does the keyboard drink caffeinated or decaf?”
OMG. HUGE exhale. I smiled and chuckled with a sigh of relief.
The big boss understood my infraction had been an accident and acknowledged my honesty and willingness to take responsibility. I was given another keyboard, and that was that. Since that day, I am ESPECIALLY careful where I place my coffee cup when I am working.
More importantly, this was one of the experiences that taught me to respond more reasonably and less dramatically when someone makes a mistake or stumbles for some reason – my colleagues, my family and guess what, even myself.
Yes, your blood might boil, you may feel disappointed, or you may even lose your temper and raise your voice for a moment. Try to catch yourself and chill before you react on the outside. Understand the situation intellectually, and if you did raise your voice, apologize for losing your cool.
We all have careless or exasperating moments, when we make the wrong decision or do the wrong thing, or when, well, sh-t just happens.
We all make mistakes, just try not to make the same ones twice. This goes for your family too. Try to guide your children towards a positive learning experience, where they are inspired to always immediately come clean so you can help to problem solve if necessary and to encourage them to also not make the same mistake twice.
Our kids take note of our reaction for future situations. If we want those in our lives to come to us with the truth, no matter what happens, then I think it makes good sense to mirror the example of the BIG boss in my story – remain calm, hear them out, and then problem-solve together – and if you can, with a little comedy to lighten things up.
Do you think this approach could help at your house? In your life? Click here to send me a message to let me know why “yes” or why “no”.
Now hit send. Thank you.
Deep breath and forward, no matter the hiccups.
I am cheering you on the entire way – 2024 is YOUR year!