Parenting: The Hardest Thinking Behind My Biggest Investment.

We’re not rushing off on an exhausting European vacation where I end up playing Julie the Cruise Director, trying to keep everyone entertained and on schedule. 

Instead, I’ve intentionally chosen to stay put: to relax, work, enjoy our home in Atlanta, and spend slow summer evenings with my kids 

— especially with my daughter home from college.

Having Alexandra home has been wonderful. 

But it’s also been eye-opening.

She’s teaching me — sometimes directly, sometimes indirectly — about some of my own mistakes and unintentional behaviors as a parent.

I’ve been reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. Covey.

One concept that I'm working on: the “inside-out approach.”

To improve our relationships with our kids (and others), 

we first have to work on ourselves: 

our own attitudes, behaviors, and decisions.

Like many moms, I find myself being critical. 

Is this simply part of being a parent? 

Or a tendency to focus on the “circle of concern” as Covey describes — worrying about things we cannot control instead of choosing our response.

At the end of the day, my hope is simple:

That my kids feel so loved, supported, and safe here — that one day, when they have families of their own, they’ll want to come home for holidays, relax, work, and enjoy simple, beautiful summer nights together.

Honestly, I’m still figuring out how to be a parent. 

I don’t mean to be so critical or judgmental — I’m working on this. 

It’s hard to change. 

But I’m trying to be more supportive and loving.

The work of parenting doesn’t stop when they turn 18.

In some ways, that’s when the real growth begins — for both of us.

Hope you are enjoying your summer!

Thanks for reading!!

Tiffany Kent

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