Stop, drop, grow, and glow?

That’s Holly Swenson’s advice to parents. Swenson, a RN-turned-writer and mom of 4 boys (currently ages 10, 13, 15, & 15) was approximately seven years into parenting when she realized that “when you are taking care of yourself, you’re better able to take care of everyone in her life.”

She & Jen talk about her book, Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper & More Joyful Connections with Yourself & Your Children.

Takeaways:

• Self-awareness and self-care are essential for effective parenting.
• Balancing the needs and interests of multiple children requires intentionality and mindfulness.
• Reacting to situations can be counterproductive, while responding thoughtfully fosters deeper connections.
• Parenting is a journey of personal growth and self-improvement.
• The Stop, Drop, Grow, and Glow method encourages reflection, letting go of past experiences, cultivating growth and self-awareness, and embracing joy and gratitude. Self-care is essential for parents to show up as their best selves for their children.
• Children can be a catalyst for personal growth and healing for parents.
• Finding time for self-care may require creativity and microdosing self-care throughout the day.
• Water, such as taking a shower or bath, can be grounding and energizing for parents.
• Maintaining a sense of humor and lightness can help navigate the challenges of parenting.
• Prioritizing self-care and personal growth is an ongoing process that requires intention and discipline.

Links we mentioned (or should have) in this episode:

Stop, Drop, Grow, & Glow: Forming Deeper & More Joyful Connections with Yourself & Your Children, by Holly Swenson

liveyourglow.live — Holly’s website

Mom is in Control with Heather Chauvin — ON BOYS episode

Sponsor Spotlight: Avoila

Use code ONBOYS to save 10% when you shop Avoila Nourishing Face Oil

Sponsor Spotlight: Artifact Uprising

1st time buyers get 20% off (& returning customers get 15% off) with code ONBOYS

Sponsor Spotlight: IXL

The world’s most popular subscription-based learning site for K–12! Get 20% off at ixl.com/TODAY