Apologizing to our Kids
The Power of the Apology
Paradigm Shift for Education
“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…
Heal Yourself Parent.
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.…
Judging Mothers and Their Babies
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…
You wouldn’t spank Grandpa…
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…
Potential Pitfalls of Peaceful Parenting
The practice of peaceful parenting has a solid foundation and has transformed my life, but it is relatively new and it is evolving as we speak. Thank you 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 my children…
A Life Changing Conversation (son and dad)
Son: daddy, why are you mean to me? Dad: 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? Dad: What do you mean differently? Son: …you always seem angry at me. Dad:…
Don’t Cry! You’re 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 son. Hmm. I wonder why?…
CALL the Manners Police!
From the desk of the Politeness Investigation Unit – Scene of the crime: My kitchen, 11:30am February 4, 2015 Crime Report: It was a cold day. No different than any other winter day I’d seen before, but I get a sense, on this particular day, there might be some trouble brewing. I scan the room,…
Forgiveness
Parents do well if they can. All parents. It depends on awareness, education, resources and past conditioning. If nothing much changes from generation to generation, most parents will parent similar to how their parents did. In this regard, I have come to understand no one really is to blame. Blaming my parents for my pain…