Since working from home has become a regular occurence, casual on-the-go looks have been my daily go-to. When getting dressed each morning, my goal is putting together an outfit that compliments my busy schedule while providing both comfort and style. Although I love throwing on a nice pair of oversized sweatpants when out and about, most days are a cause for elevation.
Even with minimal effort, I love maintaining my personal style. I want to feel and look good, even on an off day, so I'm taking comfy chic to the next level. Also, as a single gal, dressing to impress myself is always the mission no matter my attire. While my casual selections are on steady rotation, I love classic pieces that can be worn again season after season. Complete with modern basics and everyday accessories, get into these looks for the gal on-the-go.
Destroyed Denim Shorts & Button Down
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Denim shorts are a classic go-to for an effortless look. Paired with an oversized button-down, I decided to wrap the hem of my top to add some flair to this oversized basic. Opt to wear it open with a cami or buttoned for a variety of looks. For a sporty touch, I added an Adidas cap for an effortlessly stylish curated ensemble along with my favorite zebra print straw bag.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Soft Pants & Crop Top
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
When in the mood for those comfortable go-to sweatpants, grab a wide-leg soft pant as a lightweight alternative. Worn with a matching knit crop top, I paired this look with a bold green blazer and low-top sneaker for the ultimate comfy chic ensemble. Green has been one of my favorite colors, and with the rise in its popularity this summer, I'm having fun implementing it with my everyday looks.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Printed Trousers & Band Tee
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Geometric prints are having their moment this season as one of the biggest trends of 2021, so imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon these trousers at my local thrift store. I love wearing these low-riser oversized pants with just about anything, but sneakers and a cropped t-shirt is perfect when running around the city. My biggest lesson about wearing prints? Don't overthink items that are distinct. The best solution is always keeping it simple, especially when the goal is to be comfortable. This is the perfect look for minimal effort while flexing your personal style.
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
To get your fashion fix and to stay up to date with the latest trends, check out the xoNecole Style section here.
Featured image by Shahirah Ahmed/xoNecole
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The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
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Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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