Facing a New ChalleNGe
Sometimes we have to do really hard things in parenting. Sometimes we have to give up control. Sometimes we have to recognize that we don’t have all the tools we need to help our children in certain situations, and we…
The Vault
“I have this thing I call ‘the vault,'” the pastor said as an introduction to the personal story he was about to share. I’m not sure why, but I immediately pictured the kind of vault that is a gymnastics apparatus.…
Making the Most of ALL This Family Time
These next weeks/months will likely set a record for the most family time any of us have ever had. Ever. We didnโt see this coming, but itโs here, and we are faced with a choice: We can either waste our…
The Problem with 4
When I see a problem, I have a tendency to get tunnel vision. It feels like it’s my responsibility to solve or fix the problem, if it’s within my ability to do so. But it can consume me. My brain,…
IDK
I told my husband that what I really needed to put in place of my column this month is a big question mark. Because it seems that the older I get and the longer I parent, the more I feel…
Caterpillars, Cars, and Lack of Control
Two-year-old Callie and I were walking down the sidewalk one day when I noticed a fuzzy caterpillar wiggling across the way. Wanting to stop and marvel at this tiny creature, I stooped down and pointed it out to my daughter.…
Happy Camper
Last summer I sent my firstborn to an overnight camp for the first time. This was a big step of faith for me. I really donโt think Iโm a โhelicopter mom,โ but I think we can all agree that dropping…
On Parenting Yourself
Hereโs what Iโve discovered: My firstborn daughter is the most like me. Hereโs what else Iโve discovered: She is quite often the most difficult child for me to parent. And I think I know why. So many of the things…
