Intentional parenting

Tag: hope

  • Intentional Parenting affirmations challenge

    Every month of November we are taking the positive affirmation challenge.

    Research on affirmations suggests that they can have a positive impact on the brain, influencing areas related to self-worth, self-integrity, and cognitive processing. Studies indicate that practicing affirmations may help in reducing stress, enhancing resilience, and improving overall well-being. They can also contribute to a more positive mindset, increased self-esteem, and a stronger sense of control over one’s life.

    We are encouraging parents to speak positively in the lives of your children. Most of you may already be doing this. What we are emphasising is the power of spoken words into the hearts and minds of your children.

    💡Tip

    You may also want to draw out traits that you need to see more in your child. For instance you may have a child who has either of these traits; fearful , indecisive, anxious, unkind, disorganised, confused, hanging with wrong crowds, lazy, indifferent, distracted, etc.

    Speak into those traits eg where there is laziness, speak diligence, commitment etc. Talk about it with your child in a sensitive and respectful manner:

    “I see you struggle to get things done. How can I help you?”

    Listen to their suggestions and be willing to work with them. Put practical strategies to support with what needs to happen. If you identify something that you nee help with, do get in touch with Fadzai via this link

    Talk about the challenge and how you are keen to support and make a difference as a parent.

    If your child is old enough, ask if there is anything that they need you to focus/ support or pray into?

    The idea of the challenge is to make it your own and meaningful as much as possible.

    We understand the power of the SPOKEN word especially when said in faith!

    Goal

    These are some potential goals for this challenge focused on intentional parenting:

    1. Encouraging parents to prioritize quality time and meaningful interactions with their children in order to foster strong emotional bonds and promote positive child development.
    2. Empowering parents to practice mindful, conscious parenting techniques that prioritize understanding, empathy, and effective communication, fostering a supportive and nurturing family environment.
    3. Promoting the importance of setting clear boundaries and consistent discipline strategies to help children develop self-discipline, responsibility, and healthy decision-making skills, ultimately contributing to their overall well-being and character development.
    4. Highlighting the significance of promoting emotional intelligence and resilience in children through intentional conversations, positive reinforcement, and modeling healthy emotional expression, thus equipping them with essential life skills for managing and navigating their emotions effectively.

    What you need for this challenge is to speak these AFFIRMING words into your child. If you are christian we encourage you to do it prayerfully.

    I encourage you to be creative, wild and think outside the box on how you want to do this.

    Below are examples of what you can do:

    Bedroom door.

    Affirmation JAR

    Choose a consistent time that works for you and your household. For example, a working from home parent may choose a time when the child/ ren are at school to surprise them when they come home each day with an affirmative word.

    Another parent may choose to share the word with child, pray together into that Affirmative word and may ask the child to stick it on the door.

    📌Do what works well for you and your child.

    Encourage the teens and young adults living at home to participate. Let them know you are taking the challenge. With this cohort of children, they may not be overly interested, do not lose heart. They need these WORDS more than than you can imagine. For Christian parents, you may want to pray into their rooms on your own each day using that AFFIRMATIVE word and then stick it on their bedroom door.

    For those of you with a children who share a bedroom, use different coloured post notes for each child so you can differentiate.

    If you do not have post it notes, use plain paper and coloured pen/ markers/ highlighters/ eg black pen, green, red or blue.

    Some of you may prefer to use digital notes. Use what is easier and best for you. This may work well with children who are not living at home may be in boarding schools, college, uni or left the nest altogether.

    Be as creative and wild as you want with this.

    As a parent remember to speak positively to yourself as well:

    I am a loving parent

    I am doing a great job

    I am raising the future

    I am the best parent for my child

    I am learning

    I am enough

    I am growing

    I am impactful

    I am open minded

    I am qualified to parent.

    I love what I do.

    The Challenge

    “Positive Parenting Affirmation Challenge”
    “🌟✨ Join our #IntentionalParentingAffirmationChallenge #IPAC and share your daily affirmations for a happier, more fulfilling parenting journey! Let’s uplift our children and spread the joy of positive parenting one affirmation at a time.

    🌈 Tag us and inspire others to embrace the power of positivity! Use these hashtags #ParentingPositivity #Affirmations #IntentionalParenting #IPAC

    Follow Intentional parenting socials via links below for updates and inspiration.

    Do share with your friends, families and colleagues.

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intentionalparentings

    Instagram : I’m on Instagram as intentional_parenting. https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?i=1ja8yyio9fp65&utm_content=3bmfqzz

  • Praying through Colossians

    For the next months of October, November and December we will be praying, reflecting and meditating on this book. It promises to be an incredible time of feasting on the WORD, growing your knowledge muscle and exercising your faith.

    More details here

  • Hello July 2023

    We are here , 7th month of the year and if you are anything like me, surprised at how time is flying! We are finally in the second half of the year and we all know summer time goes quickly.

    With that said, how do you prepare for the new month? Some people like to set intentions, find a word for the month, go out for a family meal, do a family activity, others fast for a day. What’s key is to do what works for you and your family. Setting family traditions/ rituals has been found to help keep families connected and thriving.

    For most Christian families we may well remember that the beginning or end of the month normally involve corporate gathering together to pray and give thanks. Some call it an all night prayer, empowerment night, night vigil etc. This is very biblical as we read in Old Testament the importance of beginning and end of seasons. It’s time to reflect on Gods goodness and mercy. May be the first half of the year was challenging, how do you anticipate to navigate the next half? Probably it was thrilling and exciting, how do you want to continue building on that?

    Living a life of intention helps to keep you focussed and motivated on your goals as parents. It’s not so much about the big ideas but the small everyday traditions that make a huge impact. It matters how you start the day.

    One of the key things I am passionate about is the dinner table. This has been transformative for us as a family. The discussions and conversations we have had whilst eating have been powerful and would never have happened if we watched TV whilst eating.

    This is a habit that I highly recommend to all families especially with younger children. You want to set that expectation before they become teens who want to do their own thing and spend as little time with you as possible. Laying that expectation early will yield some much needed benefits later on. If you have not been doing it, it’s never too late. Be prepared to do the ground work though 😀

    For more details on setting intentions, seizing the month and our annual vision board workshop coming soon, be sure to subscribe to our email list so you are kept update of what is going.

    To find out how I can help you achieve your parenting goals, do contact me via email below or book a FREE consultation via link here

    Wishing you a blessed and impactful month.

  • Praying for sons

    What a promise we have in God as we continue to hope and trust Him with our families and children!

    Rise and occupy your place as a praying parent. Believe in the power of your prayers and God’s faithfulness to answer prayer.

    June has been a phenomenal month, standing in the gap for the male child. As we draw to a close, Thursday 30th at 6am will be a time of praise and thanksgiving for what the Lord has done.

    Tomorrow again at 6am we are praying for his future. What vision has God given you concerning your child/ ren’s future?

    “I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.”
    ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬ ‭GNT‬‬

    His same WORD encourages us that
    ‘The people who KNOW their God shall be mighty and do exploits’

    There has never been a greater season to be mighty and do great things as parents.

    May the Lord hear you when you call. May He answer you from heaven.

    May you lift your voice and declare:

    ‘I would have lost heart, have I not believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

    Remain blessed and anchored. 💕

  • Diaspora diaries: My children and their education-supporting exam time.

    Webinar

    Below are the tips we shared on supporting your children.

    God has called us into a *living* relationship with Him and those around us especially our families, children in particular.

    By investing time, we are able to be effective in supporting their journey into their growth.

    – Loving them despite and beyond the grades is key.

    – Love propels us to invest time in prayer for them.

    – Supporting them with their studies throughout the year is more important than exam day.

    – Speak to their teachers, be involved at school.

    – For most of us, the education system is a whole new experience. Seek to learn from others, ask questions, be open and willing to learn.

    – Let’s be sensitive and empathetic towards other parents who may seem to be struggling at school.

    –

    Here are seven effective strategies:

    1. Create a Study-Friendly Environment

    •Why: A quiet, organized space helps concentration and reduces distractions.

    •How:

    • Dedicate a specific area for studying, free from noise and clutter.

    • Provide good lighting, comfortable seating, and necessary stationery.

    • Encourage short, focused study sessions using the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break).

    2. Establish a Study Routine

    •Why: A consistent routine reduces anxiety and builds productive habits.

    •How:

    • Work together to create a realistic revision timetable, balancing core subjects and weaker areas.

    • Include regular breaks and time for relaxation to prevent burnout.

    • Monitor progress and adjust the plan if needed.

    3. Manage Phone and Social Media Usage

    •Why: Phones and social media can be major distractions during study time.

    •How:

    • Agree on “phone-free” study times and use apps like Forest or Focus Booster to block distractions.

    • Designate times for social media use, ideally during breaks or after study sessions.

    • Lead by example by minimizing your own screen time during family hours.

    4. Encourage a Balanced Lifestyle

    •Why: Physical activity, sleep, and a healthy diet improve focus and reduce stress.

    •How:

    • Promote regular exercise, such as walks, yoga, or sports.

    • Ensure they get 8-9 hours of sleep each night by setting consistent bedtimes.

    • Provide nutritious meals and encourage hydration, avoiding excess caffeine or sugary snacks.

    5. Offer Emotional Support

    •Why: GCSEs can be stressful, and children need to feel supported and understood.

    •How:

    • Listen to their concerns without judgment and offer reassurance.

    • Avoid comparing them to peers or siblings.

    • Celebrate small achievements to boost their confidence and motivation.

    6. Encourage Active Revision Techniques

    •Why: Passive studying is less effective than active learning.

    •How:

    • Suggest methods like mind maps, flashcards, practice exams, and teaching concepts to others.

    • Use online resources, such as GCSEPod, BBC Bitesize, or Seneca Learning, to diversify study approaches.

    • Discuss difficult topics together to help them articulate their understanding.

    7. Model a Growth Mindset

    •Why: A positive attitude can reduce anxiety and encourage perseverance.

    •How:

    • Emphasize effort over results: “It’s about doing your best, not being perfect.”

    • Share examples from your own life where persistence led to improvement.

    • Remind them that setbacks are learning opportunities, not failures.

    Bonus Tip: Stay Involved

    Regularly check in on their progress and well-being without micromanaging. Balance support with independence to build their confidence in managing their responsibilities.

  • Who takes care of the mother?

    Teen diaries; the fun, friends and frustrations.

    I had a new found respect for my mother the first time I became a mom 22years ago. Now that I am parenting two young adults, I adore and I am eternally grateful to both my parents. I have always maintained that my parents had it easy, I was in boarding school throughout my teen years, so they experienced NATHING!

    I love being a mom to our two, however going through their emotional roller coaster can take a toil sometimes.

    Most days, I am not sure whats worse, our somewhat quiet and reserved son or my extrovert, strong and opinionated daughter.

    With teen girls, the social aspect tend to take a massive turn. Life centres around she said and I said! O how I have to deal and cope with that. Having attended boarding school myself, I seem to lack the skills and knowledge to do that.

    So who takes care of the mother?

    Would love to hear your opinions, advice and strategies 🤣

  • Diaspora parenting

    Parenting is the most challenging and yet incredibly rewarding role that one will ever take. If you are a parent you will probably agree with me. Here i’m sharing 5tips from my upcoming book
    “Raising Fa: Surviving parenting in Diaspora”
    In this book I share on what has worked for me as a mom and I what I have learnt through my role as a public health nurse working with families in UK community as well as a safeguarding children’s nurse. Both roles have fundamental understanding of child development theories, family dynamics and the impact of environmental/societal factors on the development of a child.
    PARENTING TIPS:
    1– Partnering with God. For me this remains the best decision I made as a mom. In all circumstances, I have turned to God to help me as a mom and also help my children at whatever stage they are. By partnering with Him, it lessened the burden as when challenging times came, I looked and literally took my burden to His feet. I will share more on my next blog on how to lay at feet in prayer, interceding for our children. In that blog I will share tips such as praying for your child in their bedroom, playing worship songs continuously in their rooms etc
    2— Pray, pray, pray. Pray in faith concerning your children. Dare to believe God for the promises He says concerning your children. My favourite is “All our children shall be taught of the lord and great shall be their peace” Isaiah 54:13 O the price of peace!! That’s the greatest gift I could give my children. That they may know His peace that transcends all understanding. The bible says pray at all times and in all manner. If it bothers you, pray about it, philipians 4:6
    3—- Time is money, valuable and is precious! How true with our children! Give them the gift of your time. Let them know how much they mean to you. Drop everything and be with them. It’s the best investment one could ever make, it gives in returns. Imagine a romantic relationship with someone who can never prioritise you but gives you the leftovers all the time. It is the same with our children. Try to set aside time on a regular basis to do something fun with your children.
    Rather than tell them what not to do, teach and show them what they should do.
    4—Be equipped, learn how to be a parent. A lot of us feel we can just do it, maybe. My personal experience by not being equipped I made a lot of mistakes and now I am trying to rectify these especially with our first. Both my pregnancies were unplanned. Back home, when the community helped to raise a child, it was easier and doable. A lot of the older women were great teachers in informal education. Fast forward in the diaspora, that community is not there. Older women are around but busy and scarce.
    Parenting classes then become fundamental for a parent who wants to get it right. Local children centres offer bite size parenting courses, churches and charities as well as independent consultants offer parenting courses. Online courses are also available that are affordable and easily accessible. Society will not let you get on the road without a licence but it is ok to raise a human being on trial and error. Think about it.
    5—-In managing behaviours, use descriptive praise when they do something well. Say, “I like how you ____ when you ____.” Be specific.
    Help your child learn to express how s/he feels. Say: “You seem frustrated.” “How are you feeling?” “Are you upset?” “You look like you are angry about that.” “It’s O.K. to feel that way.”
    Try to see a situation the way your children do. Listen carefully to them.
    Above all remember to be kind to your yourself and remain hopeful. Some days are harder and some seasons are even challenging. The truth of the matter is that, it WILL come to pass. Take deep breaths, drink your water and try and get some rest. Sleep enough hours to build resilience so you can continue on the journey.
    Would love to hear how you are getting on in your parenting journey. Drop us a comment, like. Share the message of hope and let other parents know we can do it.
    Till next time,
    Remain intentional 🌱
    Love
    Fadzai x
    💕🙏🏽

  • Hey Q

    Prayer for my son on your birthday


    Becoming your mama was and continues to be my greatest legacy. Growing together has been exhilarating, exciting and challenging at most times. Can’t wait for what the future holds. Intentional parenting is you son. Thank you for the many lessons learnt that I get to share with other parents. Thank you for your patience as I continually learn how to mother you better. Thank you for your understanding that at most times, I am winging it with you. Thank you for the grace you extend when I am able to get it right with your sister. I love being your mama.
    So today on your birthday I pray that you continually know who you are in God’s eyes. I pray that your light will shine brighter before your generation. I pray that you never have to doubt yourself, second guess Gods purpose and capabilities that are in you. I pray that you will continue to rest in the love we have for you as your parents. I ask God to lead and guide you all the days of your life. Above all I pray that you will walk in Gods purpose, utilising all the gifts and talents that God has given you. I pray for your friends who are your greatest social capita, that they would love you sincerely, be there for you faithfully and that they would encourage you in all things. Quinton, I pray that in all things you will allow your faith to speak louder than your fears.

    Thank you for being an exceptional man of God. A man of integrity and honour. Your diligence and fortitude is admirable. Your mind is beautiful son. I am deeply honoured to not only love but raise you. I promise to continuously learn and dedicate my life to being your steward and Gods servant into your life.

    Love you always MaiQ.

  • Brethren

    Stumbled upon this verse and I have to admit, I was astounded!

    Astounded maybe because of my inadequacies, my flawed inability to stand long enough together with fellow bethren to see their prayers answered. Yet the Lord commands us to ‘stand together UNTIL”.

    When was the last time you stood in faith with someone for those things that He answered in your own life?

    #purpose

    #bethrenhood 🙏🏽❤

  • Love

    12.10.2021

    God loves you and me just as we are. Today He beckons us to receive this undiluted love. Love that is unconditional, pure and sacrificial.
    Would you recieve it?

    It is out of this overflow that we are able to share it with others.

    Father, move in me. Cleanse and purify my heart from things that easily stops me from receiving from you.
    I lay down my past hurts, disappointments, heartbreaks and frustrations . I open myself fully to receiving that which You have for me.
    Let your love flow through my veins.
    The love that is kind, patient, hopeful, faithful led and forgiving. The love that suffers long and endures all things. Remove every lie of the enemy and the lies that I have told myself. The expectations of men, society and the world.

    Today I walk in the newness of Your love. Your perfect love that is silencing very fear worry and anxiety in my life. Amen

    Receive His love anew today. Let it flow through you.

    Remain blessed and loved ❤️