The hardest part about motherhood is that every single day we're called to encourage, support, and nurture our kids so they can grow up healthy and on the right track. I'll admit this is not something that ever even entered my mind as I was pregnant with my first son and picking out nursery decor. I was too involved in all the "fun" and cutesy things that would be involved with motherhood. And, although there are SO very many {yes, even with boys}, now that I'm a more "seasoned" mother with three kids, I feel the stress of raising children as something that I am hugely accountable for. Everyday I try and find ways to encourage their curiosities, support what they're interested in, and nurture them so when they grow up and have kids of their own, they can do the same. So much of that encouragement, support, and nurturing is praising the process and not necessarily the outcome of their endeavors. My definition of helping my kids succeed means affording them with as many opportunities to learn about themselves as possible and teaching them how to love and believe in themselves, no matter what. The term "#WinningSmile" can be received both literally and figuratively, if you ask me. Sure, I want my kids to portray their very best outward by having a #WinningSmile, but that can also be reflected in their attitudes. And, what's important to remember is that in order for our kids to have their own #WinningSmile, we as mothers, have to be able to project that as well. After all, they will only learn that from us. It's important they see us at our best and succeeding in whatever it is we have set our sights on. I try hard to make sure my kids know about my accomplishments and everyday victories. How else will they learn to celebrate theirs?
Recently, I was invited, along with several other bloggers, to participate in a teleconference with Ondina Lopez, mom of London 2012 Olympic Games hopefuls Steven and Diana Lopez. I was so excited to get her perspective on this whole motherhood thing. As she gave us some insight into her journey through motherhood during the call, I discovered Ondina has always supported her children in their pursuit of Taekwondo. Her kids used to practice in the garage, and during the winter she would run the dryer when they were practicing to help warm the garage, and would bring them ice and water during the summer. Here are just a few of the Q & A highlights from our call:
Q: How did your kids first get involved in Taekwondo?
A: My husband was a fan of martial arts so we enrolled them into a class. We put the kids in Taekwondo and it was something they grew to love. We provided motivation to them which made them love the sport.
Q: How were you able to get them to be consistent with practicing their sport?
A: The kids have always had a passion for it so it was very easy to get them to practice.
Q: What are some of the ways you helped nurture their bodies as they were training growing up?
A: We would wake up early sometimes at 5:30 a.m. to practice at home. I also always made homemade meals and we hardly ever ate out.
Q: What is some good advice you can give other mothers who are helping encourage their kids through sports?
A: Have lots of patience with your kids. Maintain a consistent practice routine and tell the kids there is no limit on what they want to do or accomplish.
Q: As their mother, what important lessons have you passed down to your kids?
A: To be honest. This is the single most important life lesson. The other big thing is I have taught my kids to always give 110% in everything. You can't give up.
Q: Is there anything else you can add about being supportive?
A: No matter if they win or lose, I always hug them and kiss them and assure them there is always another day, another opportunity.
I can't tell you how gratifying it was to hear from a mom of Olympic athletes that she struggles with the same types of emotions that I do where my kids are concerned — and on a daily basis! It just validates the notion that motherhood is a journey that we are ALL on and part of together! And, I know that because of the winning attitude and upbringing that the Lopez children have had, they will always succeed, no matter what the outcome at the upcoming Olympic games. Because Ondina Lopez has set out to make motherhood a priority, she has automatically given her kids a #WinningSmile!
{Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with Crest and Latina Mom Bloggers. However, all opinions expressed are my own.}
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