Tag: young adults

Who are your kids’ people?

Posted in Children, Christian, Family, Family coaching, frienship, Greek Orthodox Parenting, Joy, mindfulness, motherhood, Orthodox Parenting, parentingTagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The African saying, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ is so true and may ring even more true as they get older. My son graduated from high school a few weeks ago and had a ceremony at church honoring seniors. Our church pews were filled with people who watched our family grow and mature over the last 15 years. My husband and I observed our son greet fellow parishioners with heartfelt gratitude as they wished him well and showered him with blessings on his next phase in life.

We watched him shake hands with a man who has been his mentor as a Dj, offering business and life-advice, taking him under his wing. We saw him embrace a woman who has been his biggest cheerleader, encouraging him to continue being involved in the young adult Greek community in Boston. He hugged our priest, sharing a special moment as he has worked side-by-side on the altar serving in faith for many years.

At some point in the adolescent years, our kids listen better to others. It’s a normal part of their development and I saw how it can visibly be a positive source of support, motivation, and confidence building. These adults inevitably helped shape his course in life, helped mold his identity, and were vital in his maturing into the young man he has become. It does make you, as parents, realize just how essential it is to surround your children with people you respect, admire, and trust. It is these people your teens and young adults will emulate…know these people, believe in these people, love these people for they will do the same for your children.❤︎

Young adulting…family style

Posted in Family, Family coaching, mindfulness, motherhood, Orthodox Parenting, parenting, self-improvement, simply better yourselfTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

The summer transition from independent, college student to at-home son or daughter, can take time to adjust to. Finding the rhythm of giving space, curfews, helping around the house, doing laundry as well as cooking and shopping for meals all takes time. There are new boundaries, varied expectations, and different roles to get comfortable in. It’s also a time to find new activities to do together. For our family, we got a family membership to a local gym. Now if this sounds like a win-win for everyone, it sure has been!

First of all, it’s an outing we all look forward to. One destination and typically one car–so that means great conversation time! Yet when we arrive at the gym, we all go our separate ways. My oldest is rehabbing from ACL and meniscus surgery so she follows her prescribed exercises. My middle loves tennis so he tries to join a round robin or a pickleball class. My husband heads straight for a cardio machine and I head to spin. It simply works! We’ve never been an ‘exercising family’ but this was a place for us to work on new skills, keeping healthy and getting stronger as a family as well as individually. And honestly, I’ve really enjoyed it!

This young adulthood phase during summer break is turning into a time for us to reconnect in a healthy way for all of us. Embracing how my older kids like to spend their time has given us a common focus, planned outings, and sore abs…oh, how I love my young adults! ❤︎

Come up with a list of new activities you can do with your young adults:

  • What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Together and alone?
  • What’s fun to you as a family?
  • Where can you go together that’s a reasonable distance?
  • What can you each work on?
  • Where will you be excited to go?
  • How many days will you go together a week? For how many hours? Make a plan!

✺ Lauri is a certified life coach working with new grads on creating self-awareness and confidence in their unique selves navigating the space of young adulthood.

Advice to graduates…be true to yourself!

Posted in Family, Family coaching, goals, Life coach, parentingTagged , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

We have another high school graduate in our home. It’s been a week filled with joy, 18 years of memories, sweet tears, and a full heart. I desperately try to live in the moment and not wish for years past. I savor the time I have with my young adult children and truly enjoy the changing nature of our relationships, watching them make the most of this phase.

And my one bit of advice to all graduates is always the same…be true to yourself. God created only ONE you; one unique, incredibly special you. Listen to your inner voice…what gives you joy? What are you drawn to? How do you like to spend your time?

Look at what you’re good at…these are your strengths; use them to help others, to find a career that’s fulfilling. Don’t shy away from things that come naturally but challenge yourself to grow further.

Be honest with yourself…what is hard for you? These are weaknesses that can be turned into gifts. Put hard work into making changes that better yourself. We all have areas that we need to work on so embrace them for they will make you stronger.

Your path will not look like anyone else’s and it shouldn’t. Be proud of that! Take quiet time alone to get to know your true self, pondering questions, planning actions to answers. Self-reflection is a normal part of human development and happens quite often throughout your life so get used to it. Enjoy the process, the metamorphosis…this one unique life that only you will live. ❤︎

Guiding Questions for Graduates: Set aside some quiet time and write down honest answers to these questions. This is a valuable way to learn more about your unique self.

  • How do I describe myself?
  • What do I like to do in my spare time? What are my hobbies?
  • What’s fun? What brings me happiness?
  • What do I find hard to do? What’s challenging for me?
  • When do I procrastinate? When am I excited to start something?
  • How do I handle stress?
  • What do I value? What’s important to me?
  • Who do I prioritize? Who do I go to for help or advice?
  • What motivates me? Inspires me?
  • Here is a list of my goals:
  • Where do I see myself in 6 months? 1 year? 5 years? 10 years?

✺ Lauri is a certified life coach working with new grads on creating self-awareness and confidence in their unique selves navigating the space of young adulthood.