“You did it!” “Congratulations.” “You’ve come so far.” “What an achievement.”

Everyone wants to be successful. Society shouts their view of success. However, what truly does success look like for a parent?

If we had to name five top indicators of a successful parent, what would they be? Perhaps what first comes to mind centers on a child’s exterior performances, a child’s visible achievements, or how a parent’s child rates on the popularity scale. But is that really parental success?

By definition, success means achievement of intention. In that light, the question becomes what as parents do we plan or attempt to achieve?  The picture of success then changes.

If busy schedules overwhelm you, then having an actual sit-down dinner together three nights a week becomes a parental success. If one-on-one time with your children is always overshadowed by daily demands, then one planned outing every few weeks becomes a parental success.

So take a moment today, to define what successes you intend to achieve as parents. The culmination of little parental successes brings about achievements with lasting value for our children.

Typically, at this time each year I find myself baffled at how quickly summer has passed and how little I did on the list I hoped to accomplish. This year is no different.

How is it that each day is quickly consumed and we find ourselves at the end of the day wondering how we spent our time? I often find myself discouraged when the day ends and my list did not budge. But when it comes down to it, I have to ask myself what is more important — my list or my influential role as a mom?

Obviously being a mom is most important, but I wish I could readily say each evening, “Today, I made my role as a mom my top priority.” I’m human and I fail at times like everyone else. Life crowds in swiftly and at times I find myself giving in to its push.

It is times such as these that I have to stop and remember to not forget the little things that matter. Breakfast together. Listening to my daughter without multi-tasking. Joining her interests for the day, rather than finagling her into my life demands. Just hanging out, laughing, talking, and being together.

These things matter every day. It’s the little things that make a big difference. Even though not mapped out on our to-do list, they should top a parent’s list.

Do our children know by our actions that they top our priority list? Perhaps some days, but if you’re like me … some days not so much.

God’s plans for parents are significant and I’m pretty sure checking off a to-do list isn’t at the top. As parents, let’s remember the little things God has purposed us to do and be for our children.

As a reminder to me of my powerful role as a mother, I wrote out my heart’s prayer and set it on my desk for me to see every day.

“Guide me Lord to do what You desire me to do this day! May it not be just a list of things to accomplish, but a day to fulfill Your plans.”

Puppy. Firsts. Shiny penny. Souvenirs. What do these all have in common?

They all represent something new. At a recent garage sale, I bought a $.50 purse — a cheap find, but a gem to me. A few months ago, I got my braces off. That new luxury of smooth (and straight) teeth was exhilarating. I couldn’t stop smiling!!

Have you ever had an “Ahhaa” moment? You know, the moments when a new concept or idea just suddenly comes together in your mind and everything makes sense. It’s so profound to you that the moment lingers a while as you discover its deep meaning or affect on your life. New things don’t have to come with price tags and they aren’t always enjoyable, but one thing is for certain … something new does something to a person.

Puppy: Our beloved miniature poodle, Oscar, died unexpectedly last month days after discovering a blood disorder. He has been greatly missed, but our home without a pet is like a refrigerator without power — it just doesn’t work. So, after research, we found our new labradoodle puppy. She is now just a mere six weeks old. We’re quite excited for this new addition to our home soon, but this new change will mean major puppy proofing of our home over the next few weeks and breaking a few bad (messy) habits.

Firsts: We just returned from vacation and had the wonderful opportunity to experience for the first time an area we had never been to — New England and New York City. Going to a new area never explored is full of firsts. Historical sites — the place where it all began. Whale watch — can’t do that in Colorado. Times Square — a city’s nightlife incomparable. Firsts are exhilarating new explorations.

Shiny Penny. Everywhere we went on our trip, Hannah spent $.51 — two quarters and the shiniest penny we had. The result — a flattened penny embossed with the attraction’s symbol. It’s a token memory of the little enjoyments she saw.

Souvenirs. No vacation is complete without a few new souvenirs. After wandering all over NYC and finally finding the best deal, we got 20 postcards for $1.00 on our last day. What a find!! After we made our purchase, much to my surprise, the next shop boasted 30 postcards for $1.00. Go figure. I know when I drink from my new coffee cup or hang our Christmas ornament on the tree this year, the memories of our trip will be renewed.

Yes, new things do something to a person. What new things will you experience this summer? Will you try something new with your kids? Will you see something you’ve not seen before? Will you read a new genre of book? Or learn a new creative outlet?

Make a point to cut loose from your status quo and discover something new. Sure, it will stretch you. It may not be comfortable and it may even take some extra time and effort. But the benefits will be worth it!