Take A Mom's Word For It

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Barbie I Can Be - Raising Girls

My girls are growing up. Of course, right?! I mean, I always knew they’d grow up, but so fast?! The twins are 6 and in Grade 1 while my youngest is 3 and happily attending day care. Where has the time gone? Just the other day Miss A read an entire picture book to me. And tonight, Miss H lost her first front tooth! Everything happens so fast.

As you know, I am a member of the Mom Central Team – a Canadian group of Mommy Bloggers, and I was fortunate enough to be selected to participate in the Barbie I Can Be Campaign. Yeah, you heard me, Barbie! Barbie has been around for many generations, and they have recently launched a new website (www.bethevoice.ca), designed to help Moms with the daunting task of raising smarter, stronger, happier and fulfilled daughters.

Raising a family of girls is a rewarding yet often challenging task. I want my children to have a voice; a voice with their peers, with their teachers and with those that challenge them. I want them to believe in themselves and their abilities. In my house, we consistently talk about what it means to “use our words” and why it’s important to treat everyone nicely (even when you may not want to!). It’s something we practice during dinner and quiet times. The older girls are in the throes of social chaos – 6 year old style. And as a parent, short of running to the school and “straightening out” a few children, the only thing we can do is be consistent in our message and keep the lines of communication open. We make efforts to acknowledge their positive actions and talk about appropriate choices.

The new Barbie I Can Be website features Leading Canadian Parenting Coach, Terry Carson of www.theparentingcoach.ca. She offers unique perspectives and experiences for those of us striving to be better parents. And what’s more, Moms just like you and I weigh in on issues of importance. There’s nothing like making a connection with another Mom living through similar experiences – very powerful.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Barbie I Can Be campaign by Mom Central Canada on behalf of Mattel Canada. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.