I had a robust self-esteem from early childhood. Surrounded by family, grandparents and great grandparents, I knew I was treasured. I was a good student in my less than rigorous high school. I was a standout in my extracurricular activities as a big fish in a very small pond. I left that cozy environment, yet [read more] …
home environment
Life Lessons from the Sticker Patch
With a large rural acreage, there is always something a gardener is fighting. Sometimes it is a grasshopper invasion. This past year it has been wild hogs and gophers. Currently our battle has targeted the extremely persistent sandbur patches. After several years of serious spraying, we are making great progress against these painful little stickers. [read more] …
Changing Lives with Keystone Habits
In his very excellent book, The Power of Habit, Charles Duhigg makes a compelling case that some habits are more important than others. He calls these keystone habits which “can influence how people work, eat, play, live, spend, and communicate.” Adopting a keystone habit can start a process that has the potential to transform our [read more] …
Self-Regulating Kids
The habit of self-discipline is a fascinating thing. It predicts academic performance more than IQ. It changes our self-confidence. It literally shapes the way our brains develop. Back in 1960, psychologist Walter Mischel conducted the now-famous marshmallow experiment series with preschoolers to see if they would choose the marshmallow immediately or wait 15 minutes to receive [read more] …
The Problem with Princesses
I strongly believe that every child is unique and precious. With different giftings, personality and potential, children should be encouraged and nurtured. They should be given opportunity to thrive. They are not, however, to be placed on a pedestal and worshiped. Millennials, also called the Snowflake Generation by Claire Fox, author of “I Find That [read more] …