How to Uncover Potential in Your Child…and Your Home

    The end of summer…

Love it or hate it… it’s back to school time. Having taught for 12+ years as well as parenting two kids that are closer to graduation than kindergarten, back to school time = a little sadness. Saying goodbye to summer stinks. However, hopefully for you the dread of facing the rigors of a new year is coupled with the gift of hope. If your child is doing great you are hopeful for more growth. If your child is struggling, there is hope that a new year will lead to success.

As a former teacher I loved meeting my new students and after the first couple of weeks I would begin to see the potential in each child. While no two students were alike they all had potential to grow into the best version of themselves.

A Mom’s job…

As a mom I have learned that there is nothing more critical than to be the number one person in your child’s life visualizing their potential and helping them uncover it. If you are struggling with a child that has physical, academic, social or emotional issues I encourage you to:

* keep a laser focus on your child’s potential (not just their
issues)

*never become cynical about your child, because if you do, then
you give other people permission to do the same.

*identify specific problems and tackle them one at a time (Rome wasn’t built in a day.) Be as creative and resourceful as necessary and don’t stop until your child has the skills to do this for themselves.

*take it from me when I say, “Sometimes situations that look hopeless fade away as a child’s potential is teased out of them and they begin to taste success.”

*surround your child with good teachers, friends, neighbors, tutors, youth leaders, doctors, coaches, etc. Read books, read blogs, listen to experts and work towards solution and… hang in there!

And exactly how does this relate to my home?…

Okay, this is a home staging and redesign oriented blog so I should probably stick to writing something like picking paint colors or the financial returns of home staging.   I do realize that.   However, I have never been a person that can compartmentalize my life or thoughts. My life experiences as a teacher and mom have influenced the home redesigner I am today.   Those same thoughts and beliefs trickle down to the work I do in people’s homes.  My life, like yours, is linear in that way. The essence of what I suggested about your child’s potential can be applied to your home. So, when thinking about your home focus on this:

* Big or small, starter home or retirement home, rented or mortgaged all homes hold potential.

*There too is a best version of your home and you deserve to enjoy that.

*Creating the best version of your home doesn’t necessarily require new furniture or stainless steel appliances. If those upgrades are in the budget and you want them great. However, not being able to buy new things shouldn’t stop you from getting more function, comfort and joy when you walk into your home.

*Don’t just exist in your home while waiting for the day when you can purchase or create your dream home.

*Please stop apologizing for your home! If you pity your home you give other people permission to pity it as well.

*Begin to recognize that the very home you are living in has potential and with a little problem solving (again one problem at a time) and creativity it can be uncovered.

This is why…

I have chosen to help people with their homes because like in my former students as well as my own children’s lives I can see the potential.   My mind’s eye can’t help but see the version a home wants to be. So, with the return of school, remember to see what your child CAN be and while you are at it do the same for the place that you call home.