Have you ever heard yourself say “Why do I have to do everything?” Instead of perpetuating a never-ending cycle of housework, frustration and regret, consider asking instead, "What could I do if I stopped trying to do everything?"
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We were all looking forward to my stepdaughter's birthday celebration. Isn't that the way it goes with kids? They plan and we plan, and we all get excited to celebrate that they're another year older. But then the plans changed. Read how we salvaged the day amidst changing circumstances.
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In our blended family, we have three kids running from activity to activity. As I look at our family’s calendar, I find myself asking, “When are we going to see each other?” This article shares four ways our family is staying connected amidst a busy schedule.
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Do you and your partner ever have an argument that's really not about the thing you were arguing about? If you say no, then I wish you a hearty congratulations for somehow mastering exemplary communication, and you can stop reading now.
But if you're like most people who find themselves in a partnership, then you've probably argued and likely argued about something small that was rooted in how you were feeling about something bigger. Or perhaps you're like me, and all the small stuff matters a lot, but you don't even know why.
This post explores how to reset your family values, so you can focus less on the “small stuff”.
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For me, it is completely unimportant what political party my child will choose to vote with when he turns 18, but it is important that he knows how to learn the facts, how to listen to others respectfully and ultimately discern for himself which philosophy he aligns with. In our house, we intentionally do a few things we hope will help shape engaged citizens.
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After four months of a global pandemic, our family has a new daily rhythm down. We like it, but it will absolutely not work when school starts this fall.
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As a white woman of privilege, I have found myself struggling for the right words to say about the racism, protests, and riots happening in our country. I’ve also struggled with how to talk to our kids. As I explored my own feelings and sought to learn more, I turned to my friend and colleague Dr. Lawrence Chatters.
Lawrence agreed to be interviewed for a piece I wrote for Momaha.com.
Here is a short excerpt from that piece:
"Learn more about the issue. As a parent, we pride ourselves with being able to provide our kids with information," Chatters said. "However, as parents, we too need to learn about what’s going on in our world."
He said parents should do their research, look at a number of different resources, and learn about the issues. "Learn the names, learn what has happened and why," he said. "Learn about and understand your own privilege."
Chatters recommended some resources, including "Raising White Kids" by Jennifer Harvey, "So You Want to Talk About Race" by Ijeoma Oluo and “White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism” by Robin Diangelo.
I have personally struggled with what to say and Chatters said it's not necessarily a parent's duty to "have the right thing to say right now."
"That's 100% OK. But it is your duty to try to be as empathetic as possible in this moment, and make yourself available to listen to other people in this moment," he said. "Friends that you have that are people of color, and other friends that are struggling with what to say... be willing to sit with that struggle together."
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