Abby Hopper’s Post

You don’t need more parenting hacks. But you do need more connection. How to build deeper bonds with your kids in 5 simple steps 👇 Last Friday…. and the Friday before then… I’ve posted a handful of traditions that are great for families. Here are the posts: DAILY: https://lnkd.in/emgJJN2u WEEKLY: https://lnkd.in/eJ5zXf9Z I made this 3-week series to unlock more time for you as a dad. Because who has the time to come up with new traditions? You’re busy with a million other things. So I did the work for you. Enjoy it! And here’s the 3rd one in this series: MONTHLY traditions! Things to try MONTHLY: 1. Host a family meeting    → Appreciate each other, check in, and adjust what’s not working.     2. Explore a new place    → It could be a new park or part of town. New experiences strengthen connections.     3. Cook a dish from a different culture    → Broaden their horizons—while making memories together.     4. Do community service as a family    → Volunteering teaches empathy and shows the importance of giving back.     5. Invite your kid’s friend over    → It strengthens their social bonds, and you get to know the people shaping their lives.     Start small, but stay consistent. The deeper connection comes from being present— and those moments will stick with your kids for life. Try these this weekend! Get the traditions going. Happy Weekend! ⚡ If you want to get taste of how to get more TIME, JOY, and AVOID that parent GUILT along your dad journey, sign up for my newsletter in my profile or in the link via comments below. I share weekly playbooks on: → how to find more time in the day → resources on activities covering all age groups → learning common child behaviors and how to respond effectively  _ Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it. Follow Greg Garunov and hit the 🔔 to be the first to see my new posts.

Parenting with love. When your child returns from school, do you instinctively ask: How was school today? Did you behave? What homework do you have? If yes, it’s time to hit pause. Instead, welcome your little one with warmth. A smile, a hug, and a simple “I missed you!” can work wonders. Hugs are more than just gestures of affection; they’re building blocks of trust and security. They make your child feel loved, which makes them happier and more open as they grow. Give them some space to unwind, and you’ll notice a remarkable difference. They’ll start sharing their day’s stories on their own. When they do, just listen. Resist the urge to judge, correct, or jump in with solutions. Instead, stay open and let them feel heard. Over time, this simple shift transforms your relationship. You’ll find yourself not just being a parent but a confidant, a friend, and someone they trust wholeheartedly. Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Start with a hug. Happy parenting!

Parenting Then vs. Now: Why Are We Struggling More With Fewer Kids? I often find myself reflecting on my grandparents' lives—both my maternal and paternal grandparents raised 10 children each. Despite the large family size, they not only managed but thrived. Their children were raised comfortably and successfully. Meanwhile, here we are, struggling with 1 or 2 kids, constantly stressed, and often feeling uncertain about our parenting skills. Back then, parenting seemed to flow naturally. Today, we’re inundated with information—parenting classes, books, workshops—yet we still find ourselves questioning what is right or wrong. We do everything by the book, but the outcome doesn’t always feel as successful. Why is that? There’s no simple answer, but one factor could be the overload of information and societal pressure we face now. Our grandparents didn’t have social media to compare themselves to, or the constant advice from every direction. They trusted their instincts and learned from experience. Today, we’re bombarded with conflicting advice that can leave us feeling more confused than empowered. Perhaps it’s time to balance modern resources with the wisdom of the past—to simplify, trust our instincts, and remind ourselves that parenting isn't about perfection but about love and guidance.

Being a dad is no walk in the park. Anyone who thinks otherwise probably hasn't experienced fatherhood. There were lots of surprises and lessons learned that came with bringing a child home. Some we were warned about but just had to experience, and some we weren't warned about. Here's some things I've learned. 1. 𝙎𝙡𝙚𝙚𝙥𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨: Parenting brings many sleepless nights. The sound of cries and the changing of diapers becomes routine. Perhaps mom has to take care of the feedings, but the nighttime demands should be a tag-team effort. 2. 𝙈𝙚𝙨𝙨, 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙤𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙐𝙣𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮: Embrace the chaos that is an unavoidable companion to fatherhood. Scattered toys and mysterious stains become badges of honor, representing the whirlwind of laughter and play that fills your home. 3. 𝙁𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙃𝙞𝙩 𝙃𝙖𝙧𝙙: The sound of your child's laughter is priceless, but the financial toll of children is undeniable. Diapers, baby gear, and education costs redefine your budget. Every sacrifice becomes a testament to your commitment, a tangible expression of love that goes beyond the balance sheet. Now, let's talk about the positives. Fatherhood, despite its challenges, brings unparalleled joys that make every sacrifice worthwhile. 1. 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙇𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝘿𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨: Your heart will swell with a love so profound that it defies description. The first time your child wraps their tiny fingers around yours, you'll understand the true meaning of unconditional love. The sleepless nights are forgotten in the warmth of this connection. 2. 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝘾𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨: Witnessing your child's first steps or hearing their first words is a joy unparalleled. The pride in these small victories is magnified by the shared journey between husband and wife. Each milestone becomes a shared triumph, fostering a bond that can withstand greater challenge. 3. 𝘽𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙡𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚𝙡: Fatherhood transforms you into a hero in the eyes of your little one. The joy of being the person your child looks up to, learning from your actions, and aspiring to be like you is highly rewarding. The financial sacrifices pale in comparison to the richness of being a guiding presence. There are many challenges of parenting, but the joy outweighs the challenge!!

Cherishing Every Moment: The Swift Passage of Time with Our Children As parents, we often hear the phrase, “Time flies.” Yet, it’s not until we find ourselves looking back at old photos or milestones that we truly grasp the speed at which our children grow up. In a blink, the tiny hands that once clung to ours are now waving goodbye on the first day of school, driving off to college, or embarking on their own life adventures. This swift passage of time serves as a poignant reminder to cherish every moment we have with our children. Embracing the Present: It’s easy to get caught up in the daily routines and challenges of parenting, from managing busy schedules to ensuring homework is done. However, amidst these responsibilities, it’s crucial to pause and appreciate the simple joys and spontaneous moments that fill our days with love and laughter. Whether it’s a quiet afternoon reading together, a walk in the park, or a spontaneous dance party in the living room, these moments are the ones we’ll treasure when our nests are empty. Making Time Count: 1. Be Fully Present: In an age of constant distractions, being fully present with our children is a gift. Put away the phone, listen to their stories, and engage in their play. Your undivided attention makes them feel valued and loved. 2. Create Traditions: Establish family traditions, whether it’s a weekly game night, a seasonal outing, or a special bedtime routine. These traditions become cherished memories and a source of comfort and identity for your family. 3. Capture Moments: While living in the moment is essential, capturing these times through photos, videos, or journaling can provide a tangible way to reminisce and share stories in the years to come. 4. Embrace Imperfection: Not every moment will be picture-perfect, and that’s okay. Embracing the chaos, mess, and imperfections of family life adds to the richness of our memories. 5. Prioritize Quality Time: In our busy lives, quality often trumps quantity. Make the most of the time you have together, whether it’s during mealtime, car rides, or right before bed. As we navigate the journey of parenthood, let’s remind ourselves to slow down and savor the fleeting moments with our children. It’s these everyday moments, filled with love, laughter, and even tears, that weave the rich tapestry of our family’s story. Let’s cherish every hug, every giggle, and every “I love you” – for one day, we’ll look back and realize these were the moments that mattered most. #Parenting #CherishTheMoment #FamilyTime #MakingMemories

Welcome to Blossom's Korner! Hey there, I'm Chichi Dagogo – parent coach, fellow mom, and your new friend in this wild adventure we call parenting. I'm absolutely thrilled you've found your way to my little corner of the internet! Let me tell you, this parenting gig? It's no joke. The sleepless nights, the endless questions, the moments of pure joy mixed with total chaos – I've been there, and I'm still right in the thick of it. That's exactly why I created Blossom's Korner. I wanted a space where we parents could come together, share our struggles, celebrate our wins, and figure out this whole raising-tiny-humans thing together. Here's what you can expect from our community: Real talk about the ups and downs of parenting (no sugar-coating here!) Practical tips that actually work in the real world (because who has time for complicated strategies?) Expert advice to help you navigate tricky situations (I've got connections, and I'm not afraid to use them!) Heartfelt stories from parents just like you (sometimes you just need to know you're not alone) A judgment-free zone where you can be your authentic parenting self I'm passionate about helping parents create homes where kids can truly blossom. Whether you're struggling with toddler tantrums, tween attitudes, or anything in between, I'm here to support you. We'll explore different parenting styles, find strategies that fit your unique family, and tackle challenges head-on – all with a healthy dose of humour and compassion. Thank you for joining our Blossom's Korner family. I can't wait to get to know you, share in your journey, and provide the kind of support I wish I'd had when I first became a parent. Together, we've got this! So grab a cup of coffee (or wine, no judgment here!), get comfy, and let's dive into this beautiful mess of parenting together. Here's to growing and blossoming, one day at a time                                                                Chichi.                                                             https://lnkd.in/eE3etMCE

The Power of Mom Friendships: A Lifeline in the Chaos A Sanctuary of Support and Understanding Mom friendships are a treasure trove of emotional support, practical help, and unconditional understanding. In a world where motherhood can often feel isolating, these relationships provide a safe haven where moms can share their joys, fears, and struggles without fear of judgment. Whether it's a listening ear, a helping hand, or a reassuring word, mom friends are always there to offer a lifeline in the chaos of parenting. _Through Thick and Thin: The Unbreakable Bond_ Mom friendships are forged in the fire of shared experiences, from sleepless nights and tantrum-filled days to milestones and achievements. Through it all, these relationships remain a constant source of strength and encouragement, a reminder that we're not alone in this journey. Whether we're navigating the challenges of toddlerhood or the complexities of adolescence, mom friends stand by us, offering a steady supply of empathy, advice, and humor. A Network of Village Elders: Shared Wisdom and Guidance Mom friendships tap into a collective wisdom, a repository of knowledge and experience that's invaluable in navigating the ups and downs of parenting. From pediatrician recommendations to potty-training tips, these relationships provide a network of village elders who've been there, done that, and lived to tell the tale. By sharing our own experiences and learning from others, we become better, wiser, and more compassionate parents. A Celebration of Individuality: Embracing Our Unique Journeys Mom friendships honor the diversity of our parenting journeys, recognizing that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to raising our children. In a world where comparison and competition can often rear their heads, these relationships remind us that our unique experiences, choices, and values are worth celebrating. By embracing our differences and supporting each other's paths, we create a vibrant tapestry of motherhood that's rich in color, texture, and beauty. A Legacy of Love and Connection: Passing It On As we nurture our mom friendships, we're not only investing in our own well-being but also modeling the importance of relationships for our children. By showing them the value of empathy, kindness, and connection, we're passing on a legacy of love that will continue to ripple out into the world. In the end, mom friendships are a testament to the transformative power of love and community, a reminder that together, we're stronger, wiser, and more resilient than we ever thought possible.

My worst parenting fail As I reflect on my journey through parenthood, one lesson stands out with crystal clarity: the importance of self-regulation. During the tumultuous years of parenting tweens, I often found myself grappling with the challenge of controlling my own reactions. I wished I had had better self-regulation skills to navigate the myriad emotions that this stage of parenting brought. You see, the responses we give to our children during these years lay the foundation for how they will engage with us as they grow older. And raising tweens, well, it's an adventure unlike any other. As our children transition from childhood to adolescence, we, as parents, are also navigating uncharted territory. It's a phase filled with growth, exploration, and yes, challenges. It's easy to feel alone. To question our abilities. Harboring feelings of guilt for not being the perfect parent we envisioned ourselves to be. But here's the truth: Parenthood is messy. It's imperfect. And that's perfectly okay. If you are a mom out there who may be feeling overwhelmed, guilty, or alone, I want you to know that you're not alone. We're all in this together. It's okay to have moments of frustration, doubt, and yes, even anger. But it's how we respond to these emotions that truly matters. Learning to regulate our own reactions is not just a gift we give to ourselves, but also to our children. So, to all the moms navigating the tween and teen years, I offer this piece of advice: Be gentle with yourself. You're doing the best you can with the knowledge and resources you have. And that, my friend, is more than enough. Drop your best parenting advice in the comments below. Let's create a space filled with encouragement, empathy, and shared wisdom. Here's to embracing the challenges of parenting with grace, compassion, and a whole lot of love. You've got this. 💕

Lessons from the book "The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids" By Ryan Holiday 1. Be present and engaged: Take the time to truly be present with your children and engage with them in meaningful ways. This not only strengthens your bond with them but also helps them feel valued and loved. 2. Lead by example: Children learn by example, so it's important to demonstrate the values and behaviors you want to instill in your children. Show them kindness, empathy, and integrity through your own actions. 3. Practice gratitude: Teaching your children to be thankful for the little things in life can help them develop a positive mindset and cultivate a sense of contentment. Encourage them to express gratitude daily. 4. Set boundaries: It's important to establish clear boundaries and rules for your children to follow. This not only helps them understand expectations but also provides them with a sense of security and consistency. 5. Foster independence: Encourage your children to take on responsibilities and make decisions on their own. This helps them develop confidence, self-reliance, and problem-solving skills. 6. Be patient and compassionate: Parenting can be challenging, but it's important to remain patient and understanding with your children. Show them compassion and offer support when they make mistakes or face difficulties. 7. Embrace the journey: Parenthood is a journey filled with ups and downs, joys and challenges. Embrace the experience and enjoy the moments you have with your children, as they grow up quickly. Book: https://amzn.to/48h2RKZ You can get the audiobook for FREE by using the same link above when you register on the Audible platform.

Parenting: Are We Raising Our Children, or Are They Reflecting Us? “My child refuses to eat healthy, says no to everything, throws tantrums, and eats junk food.” Sound familiar? But pause for a moment—are we talking about our children, or ourselves? We often say, “I raised you, taught you how to walk, educated you,” but how often do we reflect on the ways we may have shaped our children into someone we didn’t intend them to become? It hits us when they start living independently, distancing themselves, or worse—when we feel left behind. We’re quick to blame the “new generation” for lacking empathy and respect, but where do they learn these behaviors? More often than not, it’s from us. Today, we pay parenting coaches for advice we already know deep down. We dedicate time to these sessions, yet sometimes fail to dedicate that same time to our children. If we had, perhaps we wouldn’t need external guidance in the first place. Parenting, at its core, is about self-reflection and self-realization. We’re all juggling—competing in careers, chasing success, striving to provide luxurious lives for our families. But at what cost? Are we compromising the quality of our time and connection with our children? We socialize, party, and enjoy life’s moments, but amidst all the noise, do we notice those little eyes observing us? They’re learning how to navigate the world by watching us. We often push our children to befriend those we approve of or to study subjects we want, all while expecting to be seen as “good parents.” But here’s the truth: our children mirror us. They will follow what we do, not just what we say. So how can we blame them when they don’t turn out as we had envisioned? I’m not perfect—none of us are. Like many, I’m still navigating the balance between my own life and my responsibilities as a parent. But one thing I’ve learned is this: love is the most powerful remedy. Love for my family, love for my friends, and respect for those around me. This is the legacy I want to leave for my children, and I believe it’s what they’ll ultimately learn from me.