Have your heard people say the first step is always the harderst? Well it definitely can be the scariest. Just remember your first  your first kiss, your first job or holding your first baby.

Kids are unique and they all bring their set of ideas and challenges (yes, mine too). Although the first step can be full of uncertainty, rest assured that there is always a greater plan (not one you need to worry about, but we often do.)

When founded ParenTeen Moments, I didn’t have all the answers. Heck, sometimes I still feel that way.  ‍

Six years ago, starting this company was just a dream. My youngest was just fourteen years old, about to start high school. Even though my oldest daughter had already gone away to college and graduated, I was still scared and full of doubts, like most parents. How would things be different?

At first, I struggled; it was nerve-wracking, especially when I decided to leave my career as an educator of 24 years to take the huge leap of faith. It no loner felt like one first step. This was frightening. I even put extra pressure on my family, as if everyone was watching us.

At this point, I felt the added pressure of having to be “the perfect mom” and live up to the expectations of being the "family without mistakes" so that I could teach others the “do’s and don’ts” in parenting without ever feeling like an imposter.  That was definitely an overbearing load, especially on my new teenager. Talk about emotional rollercoasters!

Finally, I decided to let go and trust. I focused on becoming the best version of ME, as a woman. Not just to get “Parenting” right, but to understand how my own beliefs created certain expectations that did not serve anyone of us. I developed ways to handle life situations differently, when things would turn out opposite of what I planned (because it happens). Most importantly, I discovered how to parent myself and heal. (It’s an on-going and fascinating process).  Consequently all this made me a better mom & wife too, who really learned the value of true connection.

Sure my decades as a high school teacher, numerous certifications and years of research have given me a wealth of knowledge, but my experience, grind and short-comings, provided me resilience and wisdom that I happily share today. For those lessons I am forever grateful. 

Thanks to those steps, I am where I am today. My Influential Parenting book (available on Amazon) was released last month and this week, launching a new facet of our company. We are stepping it up and we want to share more about how as a family we’re building an empire to connect, inspire and encourage other parents across the globe to be the best influencer that their teen’s got.  So, stay connected.

We can all learn from each other and embrace our imperfections. I believe our kids could very well tell us, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be unitl you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.

Allow ParenTeen Moments be part of your parenting journey. There is no need to take the step alone.

 

Mery N. Dominguez, ED.S.

Emotional Wellness Expert | Parent Coach

Professional Speaker | International Best-Selling Author