When it comes to our children, the simpler and more direct our messages, the better our chances are of being heard. When we speak in a lengthy format, trying to get our message across in a complicated manner, children see it as a lecture and start to tune us out rather quickly. When you address…
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It is never too late to change our behaviors, our beliefs, our thought patterns and our conditioning. Raising children is a never-ending job with lots of opportunities to do things differently. Each moment is a new moment. As we parent, it is important that we create opportunity or space for ourselves to pause and look…
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Sometimes apologizing is the hardest thing to do. Many of us have never learned how to do this. We were not born knowing how to take ownership of our actions, so the act of apologizing takes some time and practice. Apologizing is something that needs to be demonstrated to us in our families so that…
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They used to say, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I don’t really understand that concept since I think curiosity is one of the most powerful forces we have within us. What does it mean to be curious? For me, it is all about approaching something or someone without a preconceived judgment. When you are curious, you…
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Many times, as parents, we strive to be perfect. What does perfect even look like, anyway? We are all unique individuals who are perfectly imperfect. When we are in a place of acceptance of who we are and where we are in life, imagine the impact that has on our children? In the past, many…
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Recently I noticed that I was getting annoyed and heated up inside by the amount of screen usage in my home. During mealtime, we do not use screens. That has always been a time of connection, conversation, and sharing. What was really most upsetting to me was that during the hour or thirty minutes that…
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These last few months, I have noticed my 85-year-old mom not only creating busyness but always sounding busy. Are you familiar with that idea? When I call her, the sound in her voice is exasperated and almost annoyed at the phone ringing and the interruption of whatever she is in the middle of. Knowing my…
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A few years ago, I spoke with some students enrolled in a high school AP Psychology class about parenting, including the work that I do. We spoke about my parent coaching practice and how I help parents with everyday challenges with their children. One of the major topics that parents bring to my sessions with…
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Creating Comforting Connections What does that word connection even mean? The simple definition is that connection is a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked with something else, joining two or more things together. Recently, I went to a dinner that was all about bringing the community together in a connected manner.…
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Learning Self-Compassion Is Essential Often times, I have people contacting me asking for guidance and support. I take this as an opportunity to show compassion and kindness. I am a person who has a bleeding heart. I care for others in such a way that sometimes I have to protect myself, and not over-give. As…
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