By Dr. Jessica Monteleone, PT MS PhD
There were five of us kids. My dad was a well-respected school teacher who educated children attending middle school in a small town in New England. My momma taught sewing class at night school for adults. We didn’t have a lot of money to spend on school clothes and school supplies, but my parents invested in our success in many ways.
1. We never got hand-me-down shoes. Used shoes have wear patterns from how the previous owner’s foot hits the ground. Some folks are knock kneed, some have bowed legs, some have high arches and some flat feet. Some toe in and some toe out. The shoes tell the story. Shoes need to fit well. Heels should not slip out when you lift up your feet. There should be a thumb-nail length of clearance between the big toe and the end of the shoe. Shoes should feel comfortable and supportive throughout the day.
2. Our clothes were not always the best in fashion, but they covered what needed to be covered and didn’t give attention to parts of our bodies that didn’t need it.
3. As an expert seamstress, Momma knew that clothes need to fit. If they are too tight, they can hurt our bodies, cut off circulation, and cause distraction from what we are doing. Bra straps should be wide to disperse pressure, pants should be comfortable in standing and in sitting.
4. After school, we were not allowed to play outside until our homework was done. We always studied in the same spot every day. The consistency helps us to perform that task better and to learn a good work ethic that carried us through success in our jobs as adults.
5. We all helped with meal preparation, cooking, setting the table and cleaning up. We sat down as a family to eat our meals together. Once in a while, there would be discord, but for the most part, we shared our day to listening ears of those who really wanted to hear about it.
6. We were commended for good behavior and good grades. Kids need to hear how they have been successful. They are all different. Thank God. Find ways to encourage good behavior. If you are having a bad day, get over it before spending time with your kids.
7. Groceries are expensive even back then. Oatmeal is good food. Eggs are a perfect protein. Fresh fruit and veggies offer great nutrients as well. Getting back to basics can be more nutritive and less expensive.
8. Remember that saying “yes” to something new means saying “no” to something else. My parents always attended our events. We need to choose wisely. We cannot do it all.
Transitions can be difficult. A new school, a new teacher, the cry for belongingness. Let’s get back to basics to create success through structure, positive affirmations and working together as a family. Let’s do it for the health of our family and ourselves.
Visit Wholistictherapyathome.com.
