Relationships or things? Which one are you focusing upon this holiday season? To be honest, my family’s first Christmas 20 years ago was over-stimulating. An emotional roller… Read more “Christmas Reinvented: The 12 Days of Connection “
Category: Parenting Opportunities
Kids and Money, Oh My!
Here’s my two cents. The challenge with money at my house has been very real for the past 20 years. But I’m not talking about the financial… Read more “Kids and Money, Oh My!”
My Child Struggles: How Much to Share?
With a new school year around the corner, most parents can’t wait for the return to structure and routine – from which kids benefit. But parents also… Read more “My Child Struggles: How Much to Share?”
The Envious Parent
Envy. You want what someone else has. But it’s different than jealousy – when you worry about someone taking what you have. Both, however, are counterproductive emotions.… Read more “The Envious Parent”
Evolution of the Angry Teen
I expected a little teenage “attitude” during my adoption journey – but never the level of anger seen in five of my six children. Over-the-top. Aggressive. Anti-social.… Read more “Evolution of the Angry Teen”
Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family
Never underestimate the impact that families can have one another. By being transparent. By describing real-life challenges. By identifying their children’s strengths. By sharing hard-fought successes without… Read more “Testimonies of Hope – Family to Family”
Respect Thy Parent Voice
Plain and simple. Parents now their children best from years of observation and interaction. They might not used fancy terms. They might not know the latest clinical… Read more “Respect Thy Parent Voice”
Forgiveness – Personally Powerful
Upon arriving at Auschwitz, 10-year-old Eva Kor and her twin sister watched their family disappear – never to be seen again. Then Josef Mengele subjected them to… Read more “Forgiveness – Personally Powerful”
Manipulation or Desperation
One word has been used more than any other over 20 years to describe my children’s behavior. Manipulation. It’s direct – by creating a perception of the… Read more “Manipulation or Desperation”
Blame the Parent
When a child is struggling, one technique is quick. It’s easy. It cost no money. Yet it skirts any sense of personal responsibility – while undermining the spirit… Read more “Blame the Parent”