Parenting isn't just about teaching right from wrong or setting rules. It's about guiding our children on the path ahead—with patience, love, and encouragement. Yes, kids can fray your nerves and drain your energy. You're juggling school, activities, community commitments, and the endless to-do lists. But don't miss the sweets—the moments worth celebrating with your kids.

Here's the hard truth: life doesn't have to be perfectly smooth for you to cheer on your children.

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In fact, that's when they need your encouragement the most. But when frustration creeps in, patience runs thin, and energy dips, the temptation is to miss those precious wins amid the noise.

If you want to be the parent who balances teaching and training with loving and lifting, avoid missing the sweets.

The K.I.S.S. ~ Avoid missing the sweets!

Here are three things you can do right now to avoid missing the sweets.

1. Celebrate Small Wins—Out Loud and Often

Too often, we wait for the "big moments" to praise our kids. Instead, celebrate the everyday successes: finishing homework without a fight, trying a new sport, sharing with a sibling, or even just showing kindness.

Example: After school, instead of asking, "Did you get your homework done?" try, "I noticed how focused you were on your math today. That's awesome!" Praise specific behaviors, not just results. When you verbally highlight their effort and choices, you pump in positive energy that reinforces their best habits and builds confidence.

2. Schedule Mini Celebration Breaks

When life gets hectic, carve out intentional pauses—not big productions—to just enjoy your child's company. These moments become your "sweet" spots.

Example: Pick one day a week for a simple "celebration snack" together—like homemade cookies or fruit smoothies. Use this time to ask not about grades or chores, but what made them laugh today or what they're proud of. These breaks remind both of you that the relationship matters more than the endless grind.

3. Lead With Encouragement When Discipline Is Needed

Tough lessons don't have to come wrapped in frustration or harsh words. You can hold boundaries and still fuel your child's self-esteem.

Example: Instead of, "You never listen!" try, "I know you can handle this—let's figure out what will help you remember next time." When kids feel supported, even when corrected, they're more likely to embrace the lesson—and less likely to shut down.

Parenting is hard work, no doubt. But if you become the parent who cheers and teaches, trains and encourages, you're giving your children a foundation they can't get anywhere else. Don't let the stress make you miss the sweetness right in front of you.

You're not just raising kids—you're shaping who they will be. So take a breath and look for those "sweets" daily.

"Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!"

#ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent

💍 The Christmas Ring by Karen Kingsbury: (https://karenkingsbury.com)

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Cover Art by Jenny Hamson

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Music by Mandisa - Overcomer

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Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.