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The 7 Stages of Motherhood: Loving Your Life Without Losing Your Mind
Motherhood is the ultimate transformation, a powerful and thrilling metamorphosis. Yet most parenting experts focus on the how-tos of baby and child care, not on the care or development of mothers. This lecture addresses the challenges and opportunities mothers face at every stage of motherhood – from pregnancy through the teen years. In addition to sharing hilarious anecdotes from her own history as a mom, Annie discusses how to:
- Be a mother, not Mother Teresa: Learn how to remain front and center in your family’s life, but not always last on your list.
- Put “Find Lego man’s hair” on your to-do list: Those small acts of caring count!
- Avoid parenting by guilt: Give your kids the gift of loving limits.
- Don’t compete in the Mommy Olympics: We all need some Mom to lean on.
How to Lose the Guilt and Make the Most of Parenthood
All mothers, whether they work outside the home or not, know that guilt is endemic to motherhood. But parenting by guilt is a trap that makes it difficult to discipline effectively, nurture one's marriage, or find the balance we all need to be good parents. In this talk, Annie dispels common parenting myths and inspires moms and dads to:
- Put an end to the “chore wars.”
- Discipline as a team.
- Avoid the “Keeping up with the Joneses” syndrome.
- Think “empowerment” not “punishment” when it comes to setting loving limits.
Striking a balance between work and family
Ann shares research on how working furthers a mom's personal development and may actually benefit her family. She offers advice on how best to:
- Feel confident about your decisions and shake the insecurity and self-doubt
- Ask for the help you really need
- Set realistic goals
- Manage the time crunch
- Avoid parenting by guilt
How to say "No" (When you can afford to say "Yes")
Research has shown that kids who are overindulged and overprotected grow up to be adults at risk for low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and a need for constant gratification. Understandably, parents worry that kids today seem to suffer from a chronic case of ‘the gimmes,’ constantly demanding the latest video game, iPod or cell phone. In this speech, Annie provides realistic guidelines to setting loving limits while addressing cultural influences that make parents feel that their love for their kids is directly proportional to how much money they shell out for ballet lessons. Annie teaches parents how to give kids what they need, not necessarily what they want, especially when they can afford to give their kids the moon.
Parenting your college freshman
Freshman year at college is often as nerve-wracking for parents as it is for their child. Parents must negotiate unfamiliar territory, redefining both long-held boundaries and establishing new rules and roles. In this lecture, Annie addresses common challenges, many of them culled from her own experiences as the mother of a college sophomore and offers advice on what to do when your child says:
- Please send money, but don’t tell me how to spend it.
- I want to hear your voice, not your advice.
- I want to reinvent myself, but I don’t want anything to change at home.
- I want you to call me, but never before noon.
Nurturing Your Child's Creativity
One of the joys of being a parent is watching our children’s natural creativity blossom. But did you know that creativity has been linked to better school performance, improved social skills, and emotional health? In an age when kids spend more time in front of a TV screen than they do in the classroom and when opportunities to build creative muscles are few and far between, Annie talks about ways to boost a child’s creativity, even if you’re all thumbs. Her advice includes:
- Keep play safe, simple, and uncensored.
- Enhance, don’t engineer.
- Emphasize process and reward effort.
- Build downtime into family time.
Acclaim for Ann
"Just wanted to let you know that Annie's talk was enjoyed by all! Numerous people told me after the luncheon that they really enjoyed her presentation. Here at the office, the feeling is mutual that she is warm, engaging, really funny, down-to-earth and, overall, absolutely wonderful! With the months of planning and anticipation of this event, believe me, I am so happy to report our complete and utter happiness. Thank you, Annie."
- Becky Steimle, Special Events Director, Metroparent Magazine
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