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    The Biggest Shift in My Parenting

    This is letter is in response to a parent looking for some help on dealing with a disrespectful child. For me, there was no bigger step I could have taken than reevaluating my view of my child. That’s what this one letter is about. Question: My daughter disrespects me and…

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    Don’t Cry, You are Okay.

    Have you ever heard yourself say to your hurt or upset child something along the lines of “Don’t Cry! You’re okay. Up you get. You’re fine.”  Have you tried to distract your child or make them laugh when they are really having a hard time? I have, especially to my…

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    Good Habits – Teaching Personal Responsibility

    How do you encourage good habit forming in your children? It’s not easy. There is a lot to it, both for the parent and the child. Here are some things to help your kids learn good habits. Perspective Strong relationship Good agreements Real ownership Consistency Here is #1 – Perspective…

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    Faith Restored

    Having children for me has been more of a personal/spiritual journey than I could have ever imagined. This is how it went; my thought process boiled down: Oh wow my kids are good. They are pure of heart. They were born this way. There is nothing wrong with them. I…

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    Wounded Adults – Hurt Children

    “You are not Good the way you are” This is the core wound many of us have…and sadly pass on. Above all else, children want to feel affection and acceptance from their parents and caregivers. This is what most parents instinctively give their new babies. I know that my instinct…

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    On Praise

    I don’t think all praise is bad and that external recognition will necessarily ruin our children. I understand that we live in a society that commonly recognizes people for accomplishments. Families celebrate success and achievement as do communities, and workplaces. It can be done tactfully. If done in an appreciative…

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    Most Important Lessons

    I hope to teach my children… To love themselves, be true to themselves, be responsible for themselves, and believe in themselves…and then to act from this place, always. Then, to love others, be true to others, empower others, and believe in others…and then act from this place, always. Parents teach…

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    When I First Tried to Change

    I knew that I wasn’t providing the best, most stable and loving environment possible. I wanted to do better. I implemented exercises to increase my self awareness and self control. I outlined my values, and implemented strategies to stick to them. I got on the right path and still regularly…

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    Full Ownership Parenting

    Whenever I lose my cool, this is what I remember. I own my behavior fully and completely. Owning my behavior means not making excuses for it. Owning my behavior means not blaming someone else for it. Owning my behavior focuses on my actions, not on the actions of someone else.…

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    Triggered

    Looking back, I had no idea that having kids would bring to the surface so many intense emotions and judgement that was simmering inside of me. But, kids have this remarkable ability to poke at our sore spots relentlessly. It felt like my hot buttons were constantly being pushed. I…