People Before Things

people before things.jpg

People Before Things

The text reads: Ask yourself whether your child could be getting the impression that material things matter more to the adults in their world than they do.

Even though this is a sometimes challenging value to uphold, being mindful of this can make a WORLD of difference in your relationship with the young folks in your life!!!

Lessons learned from a stone-versus-rear windshield incident.

Lessons learned from a stone-versus-rear windshield incident.

“…Those stones are perfect for little hands to throw. Our son was outside doing what came naturally, tossing stones, and one of the stones went rogue and hit the rear windshield of my late-model Toyota Corolla. Shattered it completely…” Here’s how we not only got through that event but even profited from it in the most beautiful way!

Read More

Understanding and Supporting Kids Through Tantrums and Meltdowns...

Understanding and Supporting Kids Through Tantrums and Meltdowns...

A couple of metaphors to help folks understand what's really going on when a child is melting down, which could help a person take a more effective approach so they can support their child AND stay as calm as possible under trying circumstances...

Read More

New Year's Resolution #3: Don't Believe Everything You Think

New Year's Resolution #3:  Don't Believe Everything You Think

Our suffering is actually caused not by what happens to us but what we think about what happens to us. It's not what other people do (or should do, or should not do), but what we think about what other people do or do not do.

Read More

"What's the matter?"

"What's the matter?"

"So, there I am at the supermarket.  It's a BEAUTIFUL late summer/early autumn day.  Warm, sunny, dry, fragrant air...  I'm putting my groceries into the car and just enjoying everything, and I hear a shopping cart go by.  I glance up, and it's one of those carts with a toy car in the front, and the little driver is taking his role very seriously.  My heart goes pitter-patter as I enjoy his enjoyment."

Read More

When you don't see eye to eye

When you don't see eye to eye

It happens!  You have one way of doing things and your co-parenting partner has a totally different way!  What do you do then???  Here are some things you can try that may reduce friction...

Read More

Life Is Like...

Life Is Like...

I have noticed that like is like a river. Or, better yet, life is like kayaking down a river. The more I test this particular pithy observation, the more it holds up. Here, if you are interested, is the genesis of my nugget...

Read More

That Screaming Parent in the Supermarket... What to Do?

That Screaming Parent in the Supermarket... What to Do?

I don't think there is one "right" way to handle a situation like this...I just want to offer this as a possible approach. Some folks would openly confront the parent, but I think that could potentially have a devastating backlash effect for the child later on.  Here's another possible way...

Read More

Just. Listen.

Just. Listen.

It's hard to keep our advice and opinions to ourselves...but, if we REALLY want to be helpful, the best way is to keep our mouths closed and our eyes, ears, and heart open. 

Read More