The worst thing I could’ve imagined was having someone think I ever coddled or spoiled my children. Okay, perhaps this is slightly exaggerated as the “worst” thing, but recently it did happen and I reacted with more emotion than expected. … [Read more...]
The Greatest Gift of All
I heard her first. Annoyed by the crying, I looked over. The little girl appeared to be about five years old with long, jet black hair pulled back with a bow. Her mom held her closely in the seat of the cart while her cries steadily grew louder. … [Read more...]
Encourage the Heart
“You are my sunshine, My only sunshine. You make me happy When skies are gray. You'll never know dear How much I love you. Please don't take My sunshine away.” This song was a staple in our home. I must have sung it a million (okay, maybe a thousand) times when my kids were growing up. They were young. I suppose my intent was to remind them how much I adored them. … [Read more...]
Love Unconditionally
Children are like mirrors. They reflect their parents’ every strength and flaw in ways that test everything a parent believes to be true about themselves. As parents, sometimes we like what we see, admiring our skills and beautifully executed strategies. Other times, however, we bump into a version of ourselves that we don’t like and never thought we’d become. … [Read more...]
Embrace the Light
Recently, I had a friend tell me my son is absolutely wonderful. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a “humble brag” post. It is, instead, a reminder to me and you to embrace the light within our children. If we are to embrace the greatness in our kids, we first have to recognize it. … [Read more...]
What Do Kids Really Need?
The 2000s brought a strange phenomenon of children’s sports teams giving everyone a trophy, regardless of participation level or winning record. Criticism of this practice is widespread. We folks in the United States value hard work. Many of us believe all good things should be earned. … [Read more...]
All That Matters is How We Love
Parenting love, just like other forms of love, is hard to describe. When a baby is born the world stops, if even only for a moment. We marvel at the tiny toes and softness of baby skin. Our love for tiny humans bubbles over just because of the miracle who is completely dependent on us. … [Read more...]