In the first segment of Dodging Tragedy – Thoughts on How to Avoid Self Harm, we discussed factors that played a role in our son feeling isolated and depressed. However, the deeper contributing factor were well entrenched feelings of shame that ultimately manifested in the question of ‘to be or not to be’. Time alone for a person that has yet to develop self-control or gain understanding on the ways of being human can be [...]
Life is busy. With school, kids sports and activities, our daily life can easily be characterized by being hectic and overwhelming. Picking up Chic-fil-a on the way from practice can easily become the norm, rather than the exception, for getting everyone in the family fed. However, we discovered that Family Mealtime can actually make a significant impact on your family. Current research shows that having a shared Family Mealtime has huge benefits for marriages and [...]
For many of us, Summer means big vacations, a series of camps, summer sports leagues, pool days, amusement parks and other excitement to make it memorable, meaningful and fun. While all those activities are wonderful, the question many parents ask is, “How do we sustain the ‘fun’ on a day-to-day basis for the bulk of the summer?” What if we let our children play instead of keeping them entertained? Think back to what summers were [...]
When our boys were about 6 and 4 years old we began a new family tradition that helped us engage in meaningful conversations with them. Little did we know when we started how this tool would create many wonderful memories, help us communicate more effectively with our kids and take our parenting efforts and relationships with each of them to a higher level! One of Rich’s favorite memories growing up was visiting his grandparents and [...]
In talking with a dad of two boys, ages 9 and 7, he proudly told me the story of how his boys overcame adversity this past weekend. He had volunteered to be their basketball coach and, as such, was faced with corralling boys and girls into some sort of team, teach them some skills, and identify various positive qualities within each of them over the course of the season. It’s not about winning. The season [...]
Since we’re soon amidst the travel season, we thought it’d be appropriate to talk about traveling with children. This week is about planes, trains and automobiles and thoughts on making travel a pleasure for everyone. Yes, parents love their kids, but those rose-tinted glasses get a good cleaning when kids suffer the gauntlet of uncomfortable seating, long waits, time changes, strange food, disrupted sleep schedules, and stressed parents. Strangers will give your parenting ability the [...]
In every life there is a transition from the essence of youth into the experience of adulthood. Often within this transition is an episode that stands out as a hinge point of meaningful experience, which is designated as “the event” that dislodges one’s understanding from the rock of ignorance. These hinge point experiences are retold as testimonies. As authors of these weekly letters to you, we continually confront the question as to what is valuable, [...]
Our mindset has everything to do with our happiness and success in every area of life. What we’ve experienced over the last couple of years has certainly amplified that in so many ways. Dealing with the impact of the Pandemic, Politics and Unrest in the world has definitely affected our mindset. Navigating change, disappointment and uncertainty takes a lot of emotional work. We’ve all been under more stress and feeling more anxious which can manifest [...]
Children make mistakes. Just like when a toddler learns to walk, by leaning too far one direction then too far another, they learn balance. It’s during those countless “mistakes” of not getting balance exactly right that they learn to balance. A child has getting up and falling down experiences that supply a massive amount of information about gravity and strength. Then back and forth with use of hips and toes. Then staggering and eventually running. [...]
Have you ever been asked a question about the very thing you just communicated and you can tell your message is not getting through? We’ve all been there and it can be frustrating. Active listening may be a “blind spot” for those we are speaking with and for us as the listener as well. If you’re honest, when was the last time you intentionally listened in order to comprehend meaning, to show love and honor [...]