In today’s culture of snowplow parenting where all obstacles are pushed out of the way of kids, I would like to talk about a radically different concept that is so old it is new. In fact, my paradigm demands the opposite. I believe in intentionally putting obstacles smack dab in the middle of the way [read more] …
self esteem
Allow the Stumble
Last weekend in an art workshop, I had a front-row seat watching the activities of a bonified helicopter parent. On jet fuel. If you’ve read this newsletter for any time at all you know that my childrearing style is closer to boot camp than a luxury spa, but I am always fascinated to watch the [read more] …
An Interrupted Journey
Life is unpredictable; even when you are a teen and the world should have a rosy glow. One day everything is progressing and building as expected and, in the next breath, existence is a virtual free fall. There are many things that can interrupt the anticipated progression through the high school years. Natural Disasters – [read more] …
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] …
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] …