“Beep, beep, beep,” the alarm clock rings, summoning the whole family to rise from their night of deep slumber. Time to greet the new day!

Winters chill still in the air, I look out from my frosty window to see the birds dancing from treetop to ground to sky. Behind me, the sudden, rapid pitter patter of my boys’ feet approach. I brace for the morning tackle in 3-2-1 … Snuggle Fest! Showering them both in a sea of kisses and hugs, I find both sets of their baby blue eyes meeting mine in the moment to share our good morning, “I love you!”

From “Snuggle Fest” to breakfast time and the rest of our daily morning routine combined, there is an intentional flow and mindfulness I surround my kids in well before they ever set foot outside the door. Because while I do certainly guide, nurture and support my kids in their interactions beyond the comfort of our home, I’m not always by their side physically, in the moments when some of their most difficult challenges arise in the social setting.

Proud Ninja Parents, as much as we would all love to be there to step in and intervene on behalf of our kids in real time when they get picked on in school or get chosen last to be on the soccer team in gym class for example, we cannot. There is a time, place and space where we hug them tight and keep them close and when we let them go to spread their wings and fly. But in the moments where we let go, how can we best prepare them for the world they will face on a daily basis?

By Keeping it Real!

1. Fill their cup! Parents, while the events that take place at school, extracurriculars and more beyond home can present challenges, we are well-equipped and capable of supporting our children, nurturing them to ensure their spirits are filled with all that is good, pure and full of love, light and truth. Consider how you feel when you are seen, heard and valued. Even when the tough stuff arises, there is a wholeness and sense of peace within because while the environment you step into beyond home may be challenging, you know that a safe zone full of love and support is waiting for you back at home. The same is true for your children! Keeping home a safe place to land after a hard day, a place flowing with love and support is a must.

2. “But what do I do if daily my efforts to fill my child’s cup are not enough because of _______ ?” That’s a great and very honest, valid question. Perhaps the fill in the blank space to this question for your child is a bully; “Though I surround my child with all of the love in the world at home to ensure their cup is full before they set foot outside our front door, they come home every day depleted and defeated because of a bully in their class.”

Parents, if you find your child in a position where they are coming home with an empty cup on a daily basis for any reason, then it’s time to grab your superhero cape and stand up to advocate for your child within the setting that is crushing their spirit! If there is something happening in the school environment for example that is not allowing your child to

learn, grow and feel safe while doing so, intervention is a must. You are your child’s voice. You are their #1 advocate. Getting your eyes, ears and presence within the setting of distress is critical. Not only does your child need to see that you hear their cry for help and that you will stand up for them, but so do the teachers, instructors, coaches, etc. need to see, hear and know that you are present, you are listening and keeping a careful, watchful eye out for your child.

While I wish with all of my heart that things like bullies of any kind, in any place or space did not exist, the reality is that they do exist. If you find yourself and your child in a season where they are facing a giant of any kind, please know that your stand and your fight is not done alone. Our team of Pediatric Ninja Specialists are standing by to assist, guide and advocate alongside you. Because no child or parent should ever walk through the challenges of life alone. You are surrounded by a tribe of love and support that will see you and your child through this storm. Don’t suffer in silence Proud Ninja Family, we are here for you.

About the Author

Meg Klettke is the proud owner alongside her husband, Alex of Family Strong Sussex, a SKILLZ Lifetime Gold studio in Southeastern Wisconsin. With a background in traditional and alternative therapeutics, Meg is an active advocate for today’s youth. Her passion for supporting and nurturing the whole child resonates through all she does as a Proud Ninja Mom of two boys with special needs, Certified Pediatric Ninja Specialist and Content Creator for SKILLZ Worldwide.

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