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 Power of Music
Music has the power to motivate, validate, comfort, energize, inspire, lift us up, or bring us down. I’ve seen it in my own life, and I’ve seen its effects on each of my children. My five kids (now teenagers and…
Graduation and All the Things
My son Caleb graduated from high school last weekend. He’s my second child to reach this milestone. But just because I’ve gone through it before doesn’t mean it’s easier this time. The ceremony itself isn’t what gets me emotional. I think…
Reflection Is Good for the Soul…and the Relationship
A friend of mine has worked with teenagers and parents of teenagers for more than two decades. During the particularly trying times of the teen years in a family, he encourages the parents to get one of their favorite pictures…
Coach
Iโve been called a lot of things over the years, but โCoachโ has never been one of themโฆ until recently. My 13-year-old daughter Katie signed up to play in a recreational volleyball league, and they needed coaches. Since I played…
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.…
Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Two of my children are just about to surpass me in height. Granted, this isnโt an overwhelming achievement (Iโm only 5โ 3โ.), but it is still a significant milestone in the life of a child. Theyโve been w-a-i-t-i-n-g for it…
Wisdom (or Something) at 40
I turn 40 years old this month. 40! I am really having a hard time believing it. No, I donโt think that 40 is old; Iโm just surprised to have gotten here so quickly. So now that Iโm in my fifth decade…
Now Entering the Teen Years
Itโs official. I am now the parent of a teenager. My daughter Callie turns 13 this month, and I can hardly believe it. Just like every other parent in the world, I find myself wondering where the time went. I…
