Communication
Given that many of you will be drawn to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, I’m posting today and I’ll leave it up until Wednesday’s post. You’ve all probably heard of tough love before, but what does it mean? Does it mean yelling at our kids? Does it mean pulling the no-flex authority trip, or copping […]
I’ve been watching the DVDs of the former TV series, “Everwood.” I became interested in this show too late to watch it live on the WB, but once I learned it revolved around a single dad raising kids after his wife and their mother dies, I figured I could learn something from it. (Plus it’s […]
As Christmas Day draws to a sleepy close, I thought I’d share something I did for my kids today. Since I’m a writer, I decided to give them each a gift of words that describe something I admire about each one. I rolled up each sheet of sentiments (four in all), rubber- banded it tight, […]
NOTE: HOLIDAY SCHEDULE I will post twice per week from now until January 11. Happy Holidays! What do you say when your daughter asks you the proverbial question: Do you believe in Santa Claus? Experience tells us there are many advantages to letting your child come to her own conclusion. Some kids get extremely upset […]
In last Thursday’s post I asked for feedback about night fears and received some really great comments, both on this blog and over my e-mail. As comments came in, I was reminded of the importance of vocabulary. The term “night fears” is so close to “night terrors” that I thought it worth distinguishing between the two. […]
Last week (Thanksgiving) we talked about showing gratitude all year long. One of the ways I do this is to randomly drop someone a thank- you note or card even when there wasn’t a gift given. Then there are the occasions when gifts have been given. You know that feeling – you or your daughter […]
You’re inspired to take your daughter to a movie or show that’s a little more adult than Little Mermaid, or someone else invites her to such an event. Can you decide ahead of time if it’s appropriate? If not, what happens if you get into the event and parts of it are not OK for […]
Continue reading about Is That Show Appropriate for Her to Watch?
Have you ever been caught off guard when your daughter, stepdaughter, or granddaughter is suddenly paralyzed to move forward because she’s afraid of some horrible outcome? For example, she contracts a huge belly ache that will prevent her from going to school on the day that she has to give an oral presentation. Or, she […]
Your turn: Inspire us with some ways you’ve found to talk about life issues with your tween/teen. Time and time again I have heard parents say they think it’s more important than ever to be available for their kids when they’re tweens and teens. Having helped raise two to young adulthood, I have to whole […]
This post is a reminder about the beauty of brevity with the young ladies in our lives. I know. I didn’t keep this post to 25 words. But you’re adults. : ) Many times (a day) we want to get across a message, request, or teaching point with our girls. Here’s the scoop: avoid crossing […]