A day at the park on the swing set.

Some of the best life lessons that I have learnt as a parent came from my children. A recent trip to the park indirectly motivated me as the boys played with each other.

During that moment of play, I recalled hearing my older son talking to his brother.

Their conversation was very moving as they were swinging.

I felt as if I was in a coaching class.

These were some of the words I could hear, “Even if you are a few feet off the sand, keep swinging, go fast enough, push yourself, keep trying.” Jali said to Jax.

My son’s encouraging words to his younger brother were just the right dose of encouragement I also needed that day.

Here are three ways kids can help to inspire us to believe in ourselves and make a difference.

1 – Children can inspire us to be a leader.

From a young age, I’ve always stepped into the light to make a difference as a Rotaract vice-president or as far back as my high school pageant queen and later on a local level as Ms. Manchester festival queen, Jamaica.

That said, I am passionate about being a leader and making a difference with my children. They have allowed me to discover that I have more within as I become a better leader for them and our community.

2 – Children can inspire us to be innovative.

As a parent, I understand that finding ways to be creative isn’t always easy to make family life fun. However, be reminded that you can use what you already have in the home, experience or ideas to make parenting a joy. Many well-known products started from parents being creative with their children. See the baby Boobie cover I created @jchessdesigns.

In 2014, I launched my first child-inspired company, JChess Designs, inspired by my eldest son when he was only months old. JChess focuses on the natural and matriarchal side of beauty. As a Human Ecology educator, my focus was to design a practical solution, supplying an essential tool for lactating mothers. My company offers mothers the ability to breastfeed discreetly in comfort and a more hygienic alternative when in a public setting such as restrooms or waiting areas in clinics and hospitals where sick persons often cough and sneeze nearby. These common dilemmas, combined with how shy most mothers are about breastfeeding in public, highlight the need for my Boobie covers and how useful they would be to moms.

3 – Children can inspire us to give back.

My supportive nature and passion for breastfeeding allowed me to help create awareness in my community. I launched a month-long charity event visiting hospitals to educate new mothers on breastfeeding, its benefits and donated maternity-related products from JChess and other sponsors to help young mothers in need.

Be encouraged and give back to your community with your children. As the winter holiday festivities are approaching, this is an excellent opportunity to engage with your kids and lend a helping hand.

Here is a little reminder from the JAG Brothers, don’t give up on what you want most. Keep trying. A few feet off the ground is a good start.

#Childrenwhoinspireus #EmpoweredVoices #Believe #moms #Children