(Girl) Power of Us - Hi Sugarplum!

Cheers to Friday, friends! What are your weekend plans? We’ve got a few kid functions, but mostly our sights are set on cleaning the garage. That whole ‘car incident’ with the teenager left a bit of a mess. #wompwomp He’s also got his first Sadie Hawkins dance Saturday night, so I’m looking forward to seeing him dressed up! I’m sure I’ll embarrass him and his darling date on my Instagram Story, so be sure to watch all that cuteness.

This parenting gig is not for the faint of heart, is it? I remember when they were newborns, being so exhausted and overwhelmed, and someone told me, ‘Enjoy this phase. The real work begins in about 10 years!’

I thought they were crazy….how could it get any harder than no sleep, round-the-clock feedings, cracked nipples, and dragging my uterus around behind me? #tmi? I was in the trenches, and the light at the end of the tunnel was teeeeeeeeny tiny!

But what they meant was, that was the physically exhausting phase. All I had to do was keep them fed, bathed, and rested. The most demanding role as the parent was to shower them with love. #done! A few years later, my job was to teach them to share at playdates, stay out of the street, and not eat their boogers. (Among other things, obviously, just go with me here.)

Now is the emotionally exhausting part…they can feed and bathe themselves…so my work is to make sure they’re growing up to become kind, compassionate, giving, and functioning humans! People that tell the truth, think of others, work hard, and give back. I have to show them how to live a life full of gratitude and to choose joy. #therealwork

We teach both our kids the same core values and life principles, and raise them as equals. I want them both to be leaders, and rely on their faith to make the right choices in life, and I pray they love themselves and respect others.

But even in this day and age, the specifics are different for our son and daughter. I want him to be a willing and able partner someday, one that contributes in all aspects of his home and work life. And I desperately want our daughter to stand up for herself, work for what she wants, and demand what’s fair. I encourage her to set big goals and dreams, and know that they’re attainable with hard work and kindness.

And the only way I know how to teach this life, is to try and live that life. It’s overwhelming when I think of it in terms of a lifetime, but I can handle one day at a time. Today I can lead with kindness and gratitude.

And with my daughter turning 11 next week, and starting Middle School next year, it’s more important than ever that I show her the power of friendships, empathy, and self-confidence. She needs to know life is not a competition, and there’s strength in lifting up other women, and giving back.

One of our favorite activities to do together, is volunteer at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, a local living history site depicting life in the late-1800s. We sweep out the barn, wash the tables, weed the garden…and all the while, she’s chatting away, sharing her dreams and school dramas. I mostly listen, but look for opportunities to talk about tolerance, patience, sympathy, and gratitude.

So when Sole Society invited me to be part of their ‘Power of Us’ campaign, in honor of Women’s History month, I knew immediately it would involve my favorite Little Miss, and this special place. How can I resist her little face, and darling fringed sandals?!

My go-to sandals last year were these, and it looks like Sole Society has done it again with this new fringed style! They are super comfy, and a great go-with-everything neutral color (although, the red are fun, too!). I carried this bag on our recent Spring Break trip, and don’t see my swapping it out anytime soon! It held everything from my phone and wallet, to my laptop and snacks!

Fit Tip: The sandals are true to size, but if you’re in-between sizes, I’d recommend going down half.

Circle Ring | Fringe Sandals | Tote Purse | Off-the-Shoulder Top (on sale!) | Favorite Jeans

Fringe Sandals | Tote Purse | Off-the-Shoulder Top (on sale!) | Favorite Jeans

Tee | Jeggings | Similar Necklace | High-Top Sneakers

I found this darling one-shoulder top in my latest Dressing Room Diaries, and it’s a good one (plus, it’s on sale right now!!). And I can’t rave enough about these jeans!!! Comfortable mid-rise, dark rinse (no distressing!), lots of stretch, and a great weight for Spring and Summer. Under $60 doesn’t hurt, either.

Circle Ring

I treasure my kids, love spending time with them, and think they’re the funniest people around (next to Mr. SP, of course), but I am not their best friend. I am their leader, their conscience, their ethical meter. Until they can do it for themselves, it’s my job. I screw up more often than I get it right, but I’m honored (and terrified) by the responsibility.

What’s the hardest part of parenting for you? Do you have advice for empowering your kids, especially young girls? For those of you with older kids, please tell me this stage gets easier! Happy weekend, lovebugs!

{Shop Our Styles}

{More Fun Fringed Sandals}

{Flirty One-Shoulder Tops}

These treasured photos by the darling and talented Mary Summers.

*Proud to join Sole Society in their celebration of Women’s History Month, but all ideas, opinions, and grateful heart are my own. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors.*