Rachel Zabonick-Chonko shares parenting advice from the fitness industry she received at the 2022 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat.
At the 2022 Club Solutions Leadership Retreat a few weeks ago, I shared that my husband and I are expecting our first child: a baby boy due in December. The next day, Blair McHaney, the CEO of MXMetrics and the event moderator, asked fitness pros and sponsors in attendance to write on post-it notes words of advice and wisdom for my husband and I as first-time parents.
I received dozens of notes. Thank you sincerely to each person who took the time to share their thoughts or who has congratulated me upon hearing the news of my pregnancy over the last few weeks. It means so much.
Following is a sample of some of the advice that was shared, for those interested in hearing parenting advice from the fitness industry.
Parenting Advice from the Fitness Industry
“Be their biggest fan.”
“The days are long, but the years are short. Enjoy every minute.”
“‘We’ll see,’ is a game-changing answer.”
“Show up for the small stuff.”
“Piss-poor planning equals piss-poor results.”
“Make time to be in the moment with your child every day.”
“Allow your child the freedom to grow into who they are by giving them tangible tools along the way.”
“Sleep like a bear in hibernation.”
“Glow in the dark pacifiers! Must.”
“Let their spirit shine.”
“It’s OK to have a parent ‘time out.’”
“Every phase/stage is temporary. This too shall pass and if you love them, they will be amazing.”
“Lower the bar, raise the joy.”
“Give yourself plenty of grace.”
“Focus on giving them roots and wings.”
“Accept and understand there is no way to always get it all right. You’ll make mistakes and that is OK.”
“Love equals time.”
“Be willing to admit/apologize when you mess up. Own your mistakes.”
“Trust your own gut and listen to your heart when parenting through tough times. There’s too many books/advice, etc. Listen to yourself and do it your way.”
“Remember to be a couple, too. Parenting is consuming. Love each other and always make each other a priority.”
These are just a small sample of some of the advice that was shared. Thank you again to everyone who has offered their support. And if you have advice you’d like to share, please send it to rachel@peakemedia.com.
