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] …
self esteem
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] …
It Matters That We Matter
As human beings, we are hardwired with a deep need to matter to someone. Even those of us who are extreme introverts want to be in relationship with others who care if we show up, who depend on us. This is part of the reason that the empty nest hits so hard. Suddenly children don’t [read more] …