Something that I do from time to time is to look into my crystal ball. Once in a while, I’ll look into the future and imagine my life in 10 or 20 years, or beyond. I do this so that I can compare the idea of what I want, with what my actions are now,…
Accepting our kids for who they are
What do I want for my kids? Who do I want them to be? What do I want from this parenting thing? What is my job as a parent? Why are we doing this? All good questions to ask if you are in the parenting game. It took me a few years to figure out…
The Power of the Apology
“In the last decade or so, science has discovered a tremendous amount about the role emotions play in our lives. Researchers have found that even more than IQ, your emotional awareness and abilities to handle feelings will determine your success and happiness in all walks of life…” –John Gottman, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child Parents…
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 was not ready for this.…
Do we unwittingly start judging children and holding mothers and their babies to an impossible standard from day one? In an attempt to support new mothers (and yes fathers too) and sympathize with them, are we also subtly judging the obedient goodness of their new children? It makes me wonder with questions like these: Is…
Young children and elderly people with diminished capabilities have a lot in common. For example, both groups have similar limitations that can make taking care of them challenging. They require a high degree of care and patience. Both groups can have physical limitations; generally they are not as mobile or as dexterous as the rest…
The practice of peaceful parenting has a solid foundation and has transformed my life, but it is relatively new (compared to the obedience model), and evolving as we speak. Thanks to all of the pioneers and early promoters of this approach, we all have benefited and learned so much. I have much better relationships with…
Son: mommy, why are you mean to me? Mom: What, I’m not mean to you? What do you mean, mean? Sweetie, you think I’m mean to you? Really? Son: well, you talk to me differently than you talk to other people? Mom: What do you mean differently? Son: …you always seem angry at me. Mom:…
