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Remember the first time you held your baby in your arms? Were you excited? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Did you ask yourself, “Holy cow, what have I gotten myself into?”
 
Somewhere along your journey you realized your baby depends on you 100%. Feeding, diapering, gross and fine motor skill development, language, hygiene, transportation, education and independence are your parental responsibilities.
 
The journey to foster your child’s independence is somewhat like a roller coaster. Leading your child to independence will be filled with steady upward climbs, rapid descents, quick turns and occasional loop-de-loops. Give these steps a try to foster your child’s independence and remember to smile for the camera!
 
1. Praise the effort, not the outcome.
You live in a competitive world. Someone’s child is always outperforming yours: reaches milestones faster, scores more points, has higher test scores, gets married and has children before yours. While your child’s outcome might earn you bragging rights, praising the outcome might limit your child’s potential. A study conducted by Carol Dweck, Professor at Stanford showed that children praised for their outcome (versus effort), “enter a fixed mindset, they play it safe in the future and they limit the growth of their talent.” The next time your child finishes, praise the effort, perseverance, leadership or positive attitude. Remember that coming home with the blue ribbon isn’t the end-all-be-all!
 
2. Let your child fail.
Why is failing so important? Learning how to overcome failure is a process that develops character, builds resiliency and fosters independence. Options: you can fix the problem for your child or encourage your child to find a solution. Let your child forget his/her homework. Watch your child have a temper tantrum. Witness your child quit when the going gets tough. THEN, coach your child on how to be responsible, model logical reasoning to your child and demonstrate problem solving. Your child will not only persevere, but will become independent, a winning combination! 
 
3. This is how we roll!
Moms, as you can see by the above photo, sometimes you just need to roll with it. As an A-Type personality, it is not always easy for me to just “roll with it”, but at the same time, my kids need to see that life is messy, chaotic and not prim and proper. After a long week of single parenting (my husband was traveling), I was grateful that my kids could set the table, prepare their own dinner and engage in conversation…their journey to independence. Define how you want your family “to roll” and help your child gain independence.
 
Being the strongest mom is as much about effort as it is the outcome. You wake up everyday and put your best foot forward reminding yourself it is about progress, not perfection.
 
You are all special and the strongest moms I know. 

      


Niccole
Co-Founder
469-573-1MOM

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Biking with friends.JPG Grab a friend and get out and ride!

Are you disorganized? Feel run down? Is life getting the best of you? 

My calendar popped up and reminded me that tomorrow was going to be a busy day. In addition to the normal busyness of being a mom of four, I had 9 appointments and a husband out of town. That’s when I paused and asked myself, “Do I really need to do my 30-minute workout today?”
 
The short answer: yes! Making your workout a priority is one of the best decisions you can make as a busy mom. Why?
 
  1. Increase productivity. It is hard to imagine that you can be more productive that you already are. From the moment your feet hit the floor, you are up and running. Tackling everything from A to Z to meet the needs of your child, care for your home and contribute in your workplace. How does exercise increase your productivity? Exercise improves the blood flow to your brain, makes you more responsive and gives you more energy to get through your busy day.
     
  2. Boost your immune system. Are you or your kids suffering from the "back to school" common cold, strep throat, ear or sinus infection? According to SMU Senior Lecturer of Biology, Eva Stalnaker, Ph.D, "Exercise will boost your immune system by decreasing the body’s inflammatory reactions, and by mechanisms we do not yet understand.  But it works!" Moms, what are you waiting for? Go exercise and boost your immune system.
     
  3. Boost brainpower. You eat blueberries and salmon to make you smarter. Did you also know that exercising regularly makes you smarter? Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells and increases the production of BDNF, the gene that helps our learning, memory and higher thinking. Want to boost your BDNF? Exercise! Purchase our 30-minute workouts, get it done, feel great and get smarter! 
You are all incredible moms. Isn't it time to let exercise help you become the strongest mom, increase your productivity, boost your immune system and boost your brainpower?

      


Niccole
Co-Founder
469-573-1MOM
 
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four, SMU graduate and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 
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30-min Boot Camp.png Get it done! Feel great!

Are you disorganized? Feel run down? Is life getting the best of you? 

My calendar popped up and reminded me that tomorrow was going to be a busy day. In addition to the normal busyness of being a mom of four, I had 9 appointments and a husband out of town. That’s when I paused and asked myself, “Do I really need to do my 30-minute workout today?”
 
The short answer: yes! Making your workout a priority is one of the best decisions you can make as a busy mom. Why?
 
  1. Increase productivity. It is hard to imagine that you can be more productive that you already are. From the moment your feet hit the floor, you are up and running. Tackling everything from A to Z to meet the needs of your child, care for your home and contribute in your workplace. How does exercise increase your productivity? Exercise improves the blood flow to your brain, makes you more responsive and gives you more energy to get through your busy day.
     
  2. Boost your immune system. Are you or your kids suffering from the "back to school" common cold, strep throat, ear or sinus infection? According to SMU Senior Lecturer of Biology, Eva Stalnaker, Ph.D, "Exercise will boost your immune system by decreasing the body’s inflammatory reactions, and by mechanisms we do not yet understand.  But it works!" Moms, what are you waiting for? Go exercise and boost your immune system.
     
  3. Boost brainpower. You eat blueberries and salmon to make you smarter. Did you also know that exercising regularly makes you smarter? Exercise stimulates the growth of new brain cells and increases the production of BDNF, the gene that helps our learning, memory and higher thinking. Want to boost your BDNF? Exercise! Register for 30-minute boot camp, get it done, feel great and get smarter! 
You are all incredible moms. Isn't it time to let exercise help you become the strongest mom, increase your productivity, boost your immune system and boost your brainpower?

      


Niccole
Co-Founder
469-573-1MOM

P.S. No experience needed for the 30-minute boot camp. Workouts can be modified or intensified to meet your needs. The boot camp will be 5-weeks, September 29-October 30. Please email me with questions.
 
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 
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Bad Habits.jpg Break Your Bad Exercise Habits

Next week, our 7 and 8-year old boys will participate in a Taekwondo “Bad Habits” board breaking ceremony. Students write down 3-4 bad habits, read them out loud, and then kick and break the board. This is such an awesome (and simple) way to kick bad habits!

Can the same be done when it comes to bad exercise habits?

Here are three bad exercise habits and simple ways to break them:

Bad Habit #1: You take a break from exercising and feel guilty. While walking with a friend the other day, I asked how she was feeling, and she said “mushy.” We both chuckled. Taking a break from exercise, whether it is one week, one month, one year or longer, makes you feel guilty, myself included. The flip side is that getting back into an exercise routine makes you feel good, inside and out. If you haven't exercised lately, raise your right hand, nod your head and say out loud, “I haven’t exercised lately.” Now, go and exercise. Take a walk, go to a spin class, or order our 30-minute workouts. Hopefully after you exercise, you'll find yourself saying, “It feels so awesome to exercise again!!”

Bad Habit #2: You forget to set fitness goals. What is on your calendar today? It is hard to imagine what your day looks like, or the amount of things that need to get done. More than likely, you are a very busy mom. Forgetting to set fitness goals can limit your potential to change the way you feel and look. Fitness goals help moms build physical strength, improve self-esteem and have a positive attitude. Need help in setting your goals? Here's your goal: try our fitness videos for 60-days, follow the 5-day workout plan and see your life change physically and mentally!

Bad Habit #3: You repeat the same workout. Remember the movie Groundhog Day? If you do the same workout it will be really hard to reach your fitness goals, change the way you feel or achieve the best results possible. Variety is a key component to the success of your workout program. Think about what you want to change, find a program that offers variety, encourages you to work hard and builds your confidence.  

Moms, even though you are busy taking care of your family, you can find time to break your bad exercise habits. Start by letting go of your guilt, take the Strongest Mom 60-day fitness challenge and mix up your workout routine. 

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

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Lake Aloha.jpg Children are capable of so much more than we can imagine!

Dollars? Airline miles? Steps? 

The median wage for salaried workers in 2014 was $41,000. After Uncle Sam gets his cut and you don't spend one cent of your net earnings, you will earn $250,000 in 8 years. The average person will fly less than 600 miles per year, or needs 416 years to earn 250,000 airline miles.

So how do you earn a quarter million steps? And how long will it take you? 

Ask 4 kids and they will tell you, it will take you 19 days and 97 miles to earn 254,625 steps!

How can moms help children achieve their fitness, life, work or relational goals?

1. “Prepare the child for the path, not the path for the child.” Brad McCoy, father of Colt McCoy, the Washington Redskins Quarterback, shared that message with a group of parents many years ago. My husband heard it and it is a philosophy we’ve adopted while raising our children.

To earn 254,625 steps, we prepared our children by giving them:

  • Backpacks, water, energy bars and fruit.
  • Hiking trails.
  • Encouragement. 

Our kids hiked the path. We didn’t alter 97 miles of hiking trails to make it easier for them. They were prepared mentally, physically and emotionally and set out to achieve their goal.

2. “Consistency is key!”
Consistency helps us build a solid foundation. One of my favorite bible verses is, “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24. Whether you’re a new mom or a grandmother, be consistent with your fitness program. We need to be strong and have energy to keep up with our growing family. I was able to carry our 2-year old for 97 miles in my backpack because I have been consistent with my Strongest Mom 30-minute workouts.

3. “Work hard and never quit.”
This has been a family motto for years. As parents, we have learned that stopping short of the finish line keeps us from reaching our potential. Mental toughness is required to keep a commitment and see things through, like hiking 97 miles. 254,625 steps didn’t impress me as much as the mental endurance our children displayed. At very young ages, children are capable of so much more than we can imagine. Let us provide a nurturing environment and challenge them to reach their potential. Encourage them to push through quitting points and achieve great success, not measured by dollars and airline miles, but by their determination to get to the summit and be amazed with the view once they get there. After all, they've earned it!

Moms, when we are consistent, work hard and never quit, we can become the strongest mom and build the strongest family. 

 

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.

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MtTallacLakeTahoe.jpg A lesson in faith, family and fitness!
From one mom to another...

Moms, do you ever mess up and make bad decisions? I do. Last week, we were several miles into a hike up Mt. Tallac in Lake Tahoe when my 6-year old said, “Mama, I really want to turn back.” What should have been a 9.6-mile hike, turned out to be nearly 14 miles, 8 hours, 15 minutes and 8,000 feet of vertical climb and decent. Pressing on was a bad decision by me. Yet, along the way, I witnessed some of the best leadership from my family.

How can we help our children become strong leaders?
  1. Have a strong faith. For more than 15-years, I have been a Christ follower. Raising our children to have a relationship with Jesus is very important in our home. Along the last stretch of our hike, our 9-year old encouraged my husband by repeating Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Having a strong faith can guide our children (and family) when we fall on hard times so they can become the strongest leaders.
  2. Build a strong family. When my husband and I were fortunate to become parents, we inherited a tremendous responsibility to build a strong family. The road of parenting hasn’t been easy or without heartache, but just like conquering Mt. Tallac, we face every day one step at a time. A strong family builds confidence in children, gives them the courage they need to face challenges and gives them a sense of belonging. When we have a sense of belonging, we have a greater purpose to serve others and can become the strongest leaders.
  3. Use fitness to bond as a family. As moms, fitness gives us a gender-neutral opportunity to bond with our children. Whether you are on a bike, swimming laps, hiking mountains or any other sport, make fitness a priority in your relationship with your child. After we soaked our aching bodies in the hot tub, we reminisced about our time bonding as a family on one of the most beautiful mountains. These life long memories were formed because of our passion for fitness. 
After our 8-year old led us across the trailhead finish line and gave us a high-five, I realized I owed my family an apology. I said to them, “I am sorry. We should have turned back and I was wrong. I made a bad decision. Will you please forgive me?” A lesson in leadership begins with us and along our journey; we just might get a leadership lesson from our kids☺

Being a mom is the greatest and most rewarding job and despite our shortcomings, I hope you feel like you are becoming the strongest mom.
 
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication. To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com.

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Regular exercise can add up to five years to your life!

What is on your summer bucket list? Is it sleep away camp, Fort Walton Beach vacation, Colorado mountain road trip or “stay-cation” in the DFW area?  Regardless of your summer plans, be sure to keep up with your fitness routine and join us for our StrongestMom.com™ Rise & Shine 30-minute workouts.

Why is keeping up with a regular fitness routine important? A regular fitness routine will help keep you strong, both mentally and physically. Research from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine indicates that regular exercise can add up to five years to your life!

Are you ready to Rise & Shine this summer? Moms and dads are welcome to come to our Rise & Shine 30-minute workout every Tuesday and Friday morning from 6-6:30 am, at the Curtis Park playground. Workouts begin Tuesday, June 2nd and will continue through Friday, July 31st. No classes will be held the week of June 30- July 3. You can choose from an 8-class ($12.50/class + tax) or 16-class ($10/class + tax) pass.  Register online @ http://shopify.strongestmom.com/collections/all . Questions? Email Niccole@strongestmom.com.

Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos. StrongestMom.com is dedicated to making moms the strongest they can be, both mentally and physically.  We produce fitness videos to help moms stay physically fit while keeping to their busy schedules, and at the same time through our be+positive™ messages promote values important to moms.  Our website serves as both a platform to sell our videos and as a public service to provide free resources to moms on all aspects of parenting. 

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6, 7 and 9-year old triathlon finishers, "I like how you stay fit!"
 

Modeling Life, Motherhood & Fitness
WHAT IS A ROLE MODEL?

A role model demonstrates a clear set of values and makes sound choices. To model life, motherhood and fitness, we need to be positive and surround ourselves with a strong inner circle.  

As moms, we have a tremendous responsibility and awesome opportunity to model life for our children. Even though we are all at different ages and stages of life, we share the bond of parenting, and being a role model.

Modeling Life:
1. Make good choices.
Every day, moms have a lot of choices that require a lot of decisions. If we do not make the decisions, someone will make them for us.
 
Our children know where we spend our time and our money.

A few weeks ago, Arianna wrote me a spontaneous note and one sentence said, “I like how you stay fit.” My choice and decision to stay fit positively impacts my 9-year old daughter. 

Commonality: In 30-minutes, Arianna finishes her 1st triathlon and I finish my StrongestMom workout. Results: We both have more energy, a better attitude and model fitness!
 
2. Be humble, admit when I am wrong and ask for forgiveness.
Ouch. This is hard. I remember early on in my relationship with Vito that it was very difficult for me to say, "I am wrong".
 
Growing up, being "wrong" meant that I was in trouble.

It has taken many, many years to be able to admit when I am wrong and understand that yes, I might get in trouble…but I am human and will make mistakes.

Commonality: We all make mistakes. Results: As a family, we practice saying, “I was wrong. Will you please forgive me?" And the person who was wronged says, “I forgive you.” Practicing this helps me model life.
 
3. Be a servant leader.
Being a servant leader means you treat people with dignity and respect, and be willing to serve the needs of others before serving your own. I ask a lot of my children. And I hold them to high standards.
 
At the same time, I try to model motherhood by listening to their needs, empowering them to make their own decisions, and encourage them to learn from their failures or missed opportunities.

As a fitness enthusiast, moms matter to me. Every StrongestMom program is designed to serve you, help you overcome fitness barriers and empower you to be strong, mentally and physically.

Commonality: We are encouragers. Results: We push through quitting points so that we can model life, motherhood and fitness.
 
Who is the most important role model? YOU!
As moms, we have tremendous impact on building the emotional well being of our child.
 
I encourage you to take control of how you influence and model life to your child. 

When your child sees you overcome challenges, push through quitting points and have an attitude of gratitude, they value you and you contribute to the betterment of their life and relationships. 

Commonality: “We're hired! To model life, motherhood and fitness!” Results: Our children will respect, admire and imitate us! 
 
Niccole Maurici, University Park mom of four and former certified personal trainer, is the co-founder and creator of the StrongestMom.com website and fitness videos, which promote values important to moms: encouragement, support, positive thinking, and dedication.  To learn more visit our website strongestmom.com. 

 

 

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Sizzle, don't fizzle this summer!

Believe it or not, in 6 weeks, the pools open, we’ll be sporting swimsuits and sipping iced tea. Does the thought of sitting poolside make you want to run for cover? Don’t fret. If this email doesn’t motivate you to sizzle this swimsuit season, then you’re one of the few that already look good and have the confidence to strut your stuff poolside. For those of us that need a few pointers, read on!

Who will sizzle this summer? YOU will!
No, I am not crazy. To sizzle and not fizzle this summer, you need to be motivated and accountable! Try any of these options and sizzle this swimsuit season!

  • Purchase our StrongestMom.com™ 8 30-minute workouts and commit to the workout plan.  
  • Register for our 21-Days To Sizzle This Summer Program.
  • Ask a friend/spouse/child to hold you accountable.

Remember, when you write down your goals, you are more likely to achieve them. It’s about progress, not perfection.

What can you do to sizzle?
Now that you’re committed and motivated to exercising, start eating right! You plan when you leave for work, for school and your next appointment. You plan what to wear and where you will take your next trip.

Put as much preparation and discipline into meal planning as you do for other areas of your life.

  • Eat every 3-4 hours to minimize impulsive/binge eating.
  • Try to avoid grocery shopping when you are hungry.
  • Involve your children in the meal planning process.
  • Fill your home with healthy snacks.
  • Drink plenty of water.

Remember, there is a direct correlation between eating well and exercise. The better you eat, the better results you get. Make a plan and do what you can!

Don’t want to fizzle?
Some days I wake up and have zero energy. Some days a child gets sick unexpectedly. And other days, there are many reasons (excuses) that keep me from getting in a 30-minute StrongestMom.com™ workout.

So when life interrupts "my plan", I do one of these 5-minute workouts when I can’t workout! Be sure to use great form, because great form will lead to great results!

  • 45-second Chaturanga hold, repeat 5x
  • 20 jumping jacks, 20 burpees, 20 mountain climbers, 20 crab toe touches, repeat 2x
  • 15 frog leaps, 15 3-count pushups, 15 squat jumps, 15 1-arm side plank with rotation (each side), repeat 2x

Remember, doing something is better than doing nothing. Exercise is for my sanity, not my vanity! 

Join me and together, let’s sizzle this summer. It’s starts with your commitment, discipline and doing something, even when you do not feel like it!

University Park mom of four, Niccole Maurici is co-founder of StrongestMom.com.

StrongestMom.com™ is about making moms the strongest they can be, both mentally and physically. Our 30-minute workouts, be+positive™ messages and website information offer the tools and resources every mom needs. Why are StrongestMom.com™ fitness videos the best exercise program for moms? 30-minutes. Authentic. Convenient. Encouraging. Flexible. Instructional.  For more information visit www.strongestmom.com.   

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Grocery shopping with your kids can be fun!

As a mom of four, grocery shopping with kids ages 9, 7, 6 and 22-months is about as much fun as having a root canal (no offense dentists). Getting to the store is an accomplishment in itself. 

Yes, I pray for a parking spot near the entrance. With car parked, I’m cautiously optimistic this will be an uneventful trip. The big kids unbuckle, trample over one another getting out of the car and before they do, I remind them, “ladies first, stay near the car, we are in a parking lot and best behavior." After nine years, one would think this would become a learned behavior. It’s about progress, not perfection.

Babe, big kids, and reusable totes. We successfully navigate the parking lot and prepare for the next challenge, buckle my toddler into the cart before a complete meltdown happens and glaring looks from customers begin. Failure? Not today. Failure is simply one’s inability to recognize an accomplishment (like getting four children into the store).

Sound familiar? 

If your blood pressure isn’t bubbling yet, just wait, most parents shopping with their little ones inhibit an underlying feeling that at any moment in time, the situation will implode and the wheels will fall off. How we handle stressful situations effects our own health, and also influences how our children will learn to respond to stressful situations.

Ready to hit the panic button? Don’t. There is no need to seek professional help or blood pressure medication just yet. Try any or all of these suggestions on your next outing to avoid failure and have fun with your kids:

  • Speak your mind. Let you kids know what you expect from them. Stay near. Oldest to youngest goes first. Ask intelligent questions. No arguing. Hands to yourself.
  • Take deep breaths. Breathing deeply helps calm your nerves, relieves anxiety and minimizes over reacting to situations. Your kids will start practicing this too!
  • Understand your toddler. I would have a temper tantrum too if I could! Children have temper tantrums. It happens. Do your best to distract your child from what he/she wants and get him/her to focus on something else.
  • Have teachable moments. Your kids can write the shopping list. Count apples with your toddler. Big kids can multiply and bag groceries. It might take a little more time to navigate the store, but it’s worth it.
  • Keep it short! Your list should have 15-20 items. Why? You might go to the store more, but you will be less likely to waste, overspend and more likely to have happy shoppers.
  • Ask for help. At the butcher counter, “may we please have…?” In the aisle, “excuse me, can you please tell me where we may find…?” Demonstrating and interacting in polite conversation positively influences your child.
  • Stick to the list! Showing your children how to stick to a list teaches lifelong skills. If you buy more, talk about it with your kids, ask if it is really a need or a want and collectively decide if it’s the right purchase for your family.
  • It costs how much? It’s never too early to start talking about living expenses and the value of a dollar!
  • Be positive. Compliment your child when he/she helps push or unload the cart.
  • Reward your kids. We earn gas rewards, Starbucks rewards and frequent flyer miles. Your kids deserve a reward for a job well done!

Feel less anxious about your next outing? You should! Relax, breathe deeply and remember, a trip to the store can be fun, conversational, and accomplished.  

More Information:  University Park mom of four, Niccole Maurici is co-founder of StrongestMom.com. StrongestMom.com is dedicated to making moms the strongest they can be, both mentally and physically. The Strongestmom.com™ staff researches issues important to moms and publishes unbiased research summaries at strongestmom.com. We also produce fitness videos that are designed to help moms stay physically fit while keeping to their busy schedules. For more information on finances, happiness, fitness, and parenting, visit www.strongestmom.com.