When my friend Lindsey (my girls call her Izzy) is in town – she wants advice and some mentoring time and love from her ole big sister here. And I just want parenting help. You see – Lindsey has been a nanny and babysitter for YEARS.
We calculated one day and I think she had mentored about 75 young girls in her young life. And I cannot even count the number of families she has saved through her outpouring of love.
She offers to babysit because she KNOWS you need a date night.
She stays overnight.
She actually likes your family and prays for you.
She teaches our kids to clean.
She requires obedience.
She instills virtues.
She delights in kids.
I am not kidding. She’s Super Nanny plus a Genius Bar plus a Home Organizer and a Life Coach.
So…. I have been begging her for years to write on this blog, but she hasn’t felt capable because “she’s not a mom.”
I said “WHATEVER, YOU’RE DOING IT” because I have seen her in action. She has a unique, fresh view of our homes and our kids… because she isn’t in the trenches. She can see clearly and nip a problem. She handle things with a cheerful disposition. She’s consistent and structured and not emotional about it all.
You know, like Mary Poppins but a modern version. Izzy.
She doesn’t claim to know all the answers – but I’ve tried many of her suggestions and they work.
So, new series is coming.
Today’s task.
FIRE AWAY THE QUESTIONS. Then, mark calendars for Monday, August 6
Here are a few of my questions.
- How do I decrease whining and complaining?
- Is structure really that big of a deal for kids?
- What is one big mistake you see parents making today?
- What is one thing you see a lot of parents doing well?
- What makes a kid thrive at home?
- What do you wish parents would start doing tomorrow?!
- How can we help babysitters thrive in our homes?
PS. She is finished up her seminary degree and is nothing short of amazing. So, Kelly Stamps – consider this my official “Show Us Your Singles” entry. Get my girl an awesome husband. Preferrably in Orlando, FL. Thank you very much.