kids and dogs, dogs and kids
I always had dogs growing up and I am obsessed (!!) with doggos now.
It has only been after my kids had grown up that I realised how many similarities there are in how we raise our kids and how I ‘raise’ my doggos now.
So much of it relates to being super clear when giving instructions and setting clear expectations of behaviour. Don’t get me wrong, both my kids and dogs are super cute and would give (and still give) adorable lil faces when they know they are being naughty so it is not always easy to stick to your guns as a mum in enforcing the rules. But I always felt it was important for my kids to know I loved them but also that they had to stick to the rules and respect me and my role as their mum. The same goes for my doggos. I need them to know I am their alpha. I am the boss. They may not always like it, but they need to respect it and as our fabulous dog trainer man taught us/me, dogs are allowed on the sofa or on the bed, but it always has to be on the alpha’s terms - Not just as the dogs please.
In much the same way as we cannot quickly shoot off a paragraph of information at our dog and expect them to understand what we have said, the same rule apply to our kids, especially when they are little. One of my kids infants teachers told us that young kids take 5 seconds to process an instruction or a question, so if you are bombarding your kid with repeated requests or directions, there is no wonder they will stand there, buffering. They need you to stop talking so they can think about what you have said. And give them the time and space to be able to respond. And this stat is for neurotypical kids. Consider how you are asking or telling your kid stuff, and work on how you can improve your delivery so that it is clear and succinct. Take out any unnecessary words or sentences!
The same with doggos. Think about their favourite words. Sit. Walk. Dinner. Treat. etc. These are not used in extended essays. You just say the word and the dog knows what you are talking about. All of the extra words are fluff and just get in the way of the dog understanding what you are trying to get them to do.
But this is not just about discipline or behaviour or compliance. This is also about joy. How many times do you lay on the sofa with your kids / dogs, just embracing? Noticing their little breath on your skin. Their clammy lil hands (or paws) resting in yours. Their little hair tickling your nose. Or down on the ground, playing.
Dancing.
Chasing.
Laughing.
Living.
Being in the moment so that if the world was to explode tomorrow, you would go with your heart full and the lil hearts of your kids / dogs equally as full.
And I guess that is the whole point of this blog, and the podcast. I hope to serve as the little tap on your shoulder to slow down. To breathe. To get off the little hamster wheel of daily life and start living intentionally.
Because none of us get out of here alive - so we might as well have an enjoyable, memorable ride!
Krissi x
