How A 5-Star Attitude Changed Parenting For Me

Ever get stressed by your kids? Like getting ready for bed or eating meals?

It sometimes causes me stress even before the struggle starts.  Just the pure anticipation of the battle that is about to ensue is enough to put me on edge.   

What if I told you I discovered that problem might not my kids’…and the opportunity might be something I have control over….my attitude. 

First, an unlikely story to drive home how attitude can change everything. 

A fitness trainer walks into a DMV.  

Shaan Puri from My First Million podcast tells a story about his fitness trainer (let's call him Guy) at the DMV.  

You know the place you go for car stuff (license and registration), wait in long lines, always smells like weed, and comes with a thick dose of attitude from everyone that works there.

Well, Guy decided to make this time different.  He decided he was going to make his DMV visit a  5-star experience by acting like a 5-star customer. Here’s how:

He went in like he was going to a friend's party.

Held the door for another customer.

He cracked a quip with the first employee he saw and joked “now who is the best person to get me out of here quickly?”

Instead of telling him to get in line like everyone else she said “come over here, I will take care of you” cutting the line completely.

He complimented her outfit and she suggested he could come to see her any time he needed something from the DMV.

His 5-star attitude turned a dreaded DMV visit into a 5-star experience.

What does a DMV story have to do with dadding?

I’ve been working on being a 5-star dad with my kids.  It actually works. 

Instead of bracing for impact, I’ve learned that loosening up helps change the game. 

I found that being light and a little loose helps me better connect with my little kiddos.  Using games, stories or just a fun attitude helps us all make it through those tough transitions.

So try it…put on that going-to-a-friend’s party self and make your kids' bedtime, dinner, or teeth brushing a little special.

See if a 5-star attitude helps everyone loosen up rather than brace for impact.