A Piece of My Heart, a Piece of Your Tendon
I told my daughter I loved her, and that the reason I cautioned her to gather the reins of her anger was that her anger would slingshot back and hurt her.
I keep having this vision in my head of my little girl walking away, toward the building where she now lives.
The Ages and Stages of a Lifetime of Awe
I must parent for the long term, for his emotional health, for his full potential. I must parent for our relationship, to ensure it lasts a lifetime.
How Two Under Two at Age 40 Transformed My Life
I was frightened. I had no family close. I was over 40. The list went on.
What is the Perfect Age to Start Overnight Camp?
With a starting point and frame of reference, you can figure out where your kid fits on the camp readiness spectrum.
As I’m showering today, though, I realize that there will come a time when the kids will no longer linger.
I'm a Statistic, and That's Okay
There were warning signs that we were headed for the end, but I held onto a lifeless marriage so our son would grow up with both of his parents in the home.
I Disagree! 7 Civil Conversation Skills Every Family Should Practice
In this age of divisiveness, disturbing headlines, and excessive devices, strong communication skills are more important than ever.
One in Three Still Gets You in the Parenting Hall of Fame
What if I looked at family dinners according to baseball standards? What if I stopped striving for perfection, and tried for one out of three instead?
He walked three steps on that festive Christmas. Having just turned one, I was quite convinced that my son was talented beyond compare in his age bracket. Jay was a towhead, trim, and sported a con...
Finding My Place While Parenting as an Immigrant
I learned not only to come to terms with my role as a mom straddling two cultures, but to be proud of that identity.
Loving it All – the Way it is – Right Now
Maybe all this pressure to slow down and appreciate every moment is another form of the absurd expectations we put on ourselves, or each other, or both.
Let’s Quit Doing the Work for Our Kids
How are children supposed to learn to do their own best work when parents intervene and micromanage?
Can Your Child Stay Home Alone? A One-Question Quiz.
Several factors can help determine if your kid is ready to stay home alone. But this one question can bring even more clarity.
How to Be a Parent Your Child Wants to Talk To
Two habits that parents’ routinely engage in that shut down communication and drive a child away: negating feelings and mistaking sympathy for empathy.
How Our Reactions to Kids' Misbehavior Steers Their Future Outbursts
The way in which we react to this irritating behavior can influence how our kids learn to regulate their own emotions and behavior in the future.
What a Hostage Negotiator Can Teach Us About Parenting
Most of us will never be in a situation where someone's life is on the line, but knowing how to apply negotiation skills can make daily interactions easier.
My Dog Is Potty Training My Daughter
My daughter has been much more interested in the bathroom use of our Boston Terrier, Judith Weiland, than anyone else in our home.
8 Parenting Lessons From the Dutch on Raising Happy and Resilient Kids
Each culture has its own unique strengths and beautiful ways of living life, and parenting is no exception.
Could Attention Seeking Be Connection Seeking?
The term "attention seeking" generally refers to unwanted and demanding behaviors. When children seek attention, they are seeking connection and validation.
Want to Raise a Capable, Independent Kid? Say Yes to the Mess
Giving your kid free reign of the kitchen may mean spilled milk, dropped eggs and a few mini-catastrophes. But it's well worth the mess.
How Janet Lansbury Made Me a Confident Father
From Janet Lansbury's books, to blogs, to podcasts, I've found her to be my best parenting resource.
Why My Son’s Fear of Failure Terrifies Me, and What I’m Doing About It
This is what I want for my kids: that they believe in themselves, push past their fears, and never feel afraid of making mistakes (if that’s even possible).
The Real Reason My Biracial Son Has Long Hair
Not because I want to control him, but because it’s the one thing to which I’ve hitched the illusion that I can control the way people see him.