We are a family who values independence. My daughter jokes about how she and her brother were expected to pack their own lunches in fourth grade. It’s true, though. While I made sure the shelves were filled with things they could easily make, they were responsible for their own lunches. … [Read more...]
3 Things I Wish I Knew Before I Became a Parent
I have a theory about the popularity of the hit show This is Us. For me, it is a television show that dives deep into the complexities of parenting. Even with the best of intentions, and a whole lotta love, Jack and Rebecca still got a few things wrong. Yes, even the perfect dad, Jack, made mistakes. There are things in life you only learn through living. Sometimes, a little reading, mentors, and, now, the internet can help. However, lessons in life can't always be … [Read more...]
3 Things Every Parent Should Remember About Being Good Enough
As you can tell by the picture, I wasn’t very good at planning my children’s birthday parties. I’m more the kind of mom that remembers birthdays just a week or so ahead. That is why I forgot the candles for my son’s sixth birthday as you can see in the picture. … [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...]
Challenge the Norm: How My Grandma Lived Her Way
He was a little guy, perhaps around 8 years old with sandy blonde hair that reached his shoulders. His dad was twice his size. Tears fell down the little guy's cheeks as his dad spanked him hard and yelled something to him about manners. My grandma and I were right outside of Disneyland’s crowed entrance, leaving after a full day. In a huff, my grandmother grabbed my hand and walked over to the dad. … [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...]