Peels of laughter erupt at our monthly mother’s night out as we debate over what superpowers would be most useful to a mom.
“I’d like to be able to clone myself like Multiple Man,” muses one mom.
“I don’t know– I’d like telekinesis. Diaper changing would be revolutionized.”
“What about telepathy?”
“No! Can you imagine being able to read your teenage son’s mind??”
In reality, we already have super powers. Our super powers may not be as flashy as Marvel or DC’s cartoon superheroes, but that doesn’t make them any less special. Here are every mom’s super powers:
Listening
Sometimes all a child or friend needs is to have someone listen without judgment or anger. This simple act of being supportive and allowing a person to purge pent-up emotions can foster healing and improve his or her mood, and later choices, by loads. Follow with a hug.
Smiling
A smile is universal for happiness in any language. It can brighten someones day and warm their heart. Your child, spouse, friend, or even a complete stranger, could see you smile at them and it could change their day.
Truthfulness
Truth is power. Parents need transparency in order for our children to trust us, and this keeps them safe. Honesty is important in all relationships and it is what builds trust. If you are not truthful with your children, the trust you have worked hard to establish can be thrown out the window. Sometimes we face difficult situations and want to shield our children from the truth of what is happening, but being open and honest with them can strengthen the child/parent bond and in turn cause our children to be more truthful with us.
Fantasy/Imagination
Imagination is a staple for coping and living authentically. In fact, truth and imagination go hand-in-hand. You may need a little fantasy to wade through your murky feelings for the truth. Sometimes fantasy is the only way to find firm ground in this world of confusion and misconception.
Letting your child have unstructured play time is one of the best ways to foster a healthy imagination. Fantasy and imagination not only open up a whole new world for a child, but they can help you and your child(ren) through difficult times. Like when a loved one passes away. When your child expresses they are missing their loved one, you can encourage them to use their imagination to remember a special time they spent with that person and imagine they are in that space and time and can speak with their lost loved one.
Empathy/Tolerance
We are all on this giant spinning ball of dirt together. What affects one, affects all, directly, indirectly, or otherwise. Teach your children there is so much more to the Universe than just them. This will open their eyes to beauty amidst diversity; to seeing kindness in the most dire of situations.
And of course, remember the Golden Rule: Treat others as you want to be treated.
Bravery
So often our children tell us they are scared of something. Maybe they’re scared of the monster in their closet, or getting stung by a bee, or of having a bad dream, or getting made fun of at school. Our response as mothers is to hold them tight and to encourage them to be brave. We tell them to be brave with our words but we can also show them with our actions. When we encounter a difficult situation that requires us to be brave and we take that leap of faith and stand up to big and little injustices, we show our children what true bravery is.
Prayer/Meditation/Yoga
So often we need a way to maintain balance in our lives. Prayer, meditation and yoga can help us achieve that balance. These are things we can teach our children as well. They will help teach them how to listen to what’s within and outside of themselves. Prayer, meditation and yoga can be a tool to help maintain healthy balance in our children’s daily lives.
Quality Time
There are many ways to let your little ones know they are loved, but one of the most important ways you can do this is by spending time with them. By setting aside some time just for them, putting away the phone, computer, work, and all other distractions, you let them know how important they are to you.
Music/Art/Dancing
Help your child(ren) create a joyful inner dialog and embrace life’s sweet, fleeting moments. Put on some fun music and have a dance party! Get out the finger paints and get messy! By introducing your children to music, art and dancing, you are opening up an exciting new world; a world full of creativity and opportunities they may not have imagined.
Spending time in Nature
Nature is all around us. From each small blade of grass and tiny ant, to the tallest trees in the forest, our world is full of amazing natural creations. Show your child(ren) the peace that comes from nature; they are just one of many living creatures working together, on Earth to help them gain humility and respect.
Reading
Reading opens the door to other worlds. It lets our children experience new adventures, meet new people and animals, learn about other places, and allows their imagination to run wild. Reading together with our children is a special time. Not only does it allow you to explore new worlds together, but it enables you to be silly together, laugh together, wonder together, and much more…
These seemingly simple acts are powerful and necessary to a happy, worthwhile life.
