When it comes to parenting, I believe that mothers know best. I have a son and a daughter. They mean the world to me, and, of course, I want what’s best for them in love and life. I didn’t grow up seeing what a healthy, loving relationship looked like, so it is important for me to show them that example through the relationship I have with my husband. As a mom, I know how big … [Read more...]
Remember, Your Kids are Learning How to Love by Watching You
I have two kids and one on the way. If there is anything they have taught me, it’s how to be more mindful of how I behave and interact with others. Kids are always watching you. Even when you think they aren’t, they are. I believe it’s their way of trying to make us better people. Now don’t get me wrong; I don’t think you should change who you are because your kids are … [Read more...]
5 Small Changes that Will Make You a Better Parent in 2017
When I reflect on all the challenges I have faced in life, I can honestly say that nothing has been more challenging than being a parent. Don’t get me wrong; I love being a parent. I love it so much that I am pregnant with my third child. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. It’s not. On my best days, I smile and pat myself on the back because I made it, but on my worst days, I end … [Read more...]
Is Wanting the Best for Your Kids Setting Them Up for Pain?
Years ago, I went to a parenting conference. During one of the sessions, I remember a speaker sharing a personal story that ended with a major lesson she learned. She admitted that she was so focused on who her daughter wasn’t that she was missing out on embracing who her daughter was. That remark has stayed with me for years. It made me realize that despite our best … [Read more...]
5 Things to Every Parent Must Say to Their Graduate
I have spent more than a decade of my career working in higher education. I’ve helped students transition into college, giving them access to the tools and resources they need to be successful. I’ve spoken on the phone to parents who are concerned about their child’s journey and who are frustrated because they aren’t sure how to help. I admit my children are only 3 and 6, so … [Read more...]
3 Reasons Why Your Kids Need You to Do Better in Love
Romantic relationships are far more complicated than any child can ever truly understand. But the thing is, our kids are a lot smarter than most of us give them credit for. They may not understand the complexities of intimate relationships, but they are able to detect drama, negativity and unhappiness without us saying much. You see, our kids feed off of our energy. When … [Read more...]
Parents: 4 Practical Guidelines for When Your Kids Grow Out of Your Nest
As your child grows into a young adult, things change. Your son is growing into manhood and he needs you to grow with him. Your daughter is becoming a woman and she needs you to acknowledge it. I tell you this can be easier said than done. It will take effort on your part. I remember when my son was ready to catch public transportation in the Washington DC metropolitan area … [Read more...]
Parents: Are You Raising Helpless Kids When You Help Them Too Much?
Growing up I always felt like my mom had my back. She was loving, supportive, and very encouraging. I knew she valued education, and it was very clear she wanted much more for us than she had for herself as a child. I have always appreciated and admired her because of that. And although I recall my mom helping me with homework and projects, the help was minimal. If I asked a … [Read more...]
What’s Really Behind Some of Our Parenting Challenges?
Months ago I remember having an issue with getting my son to listen. It was nothing too concerning but enough for me to notice that his behavior was changing. At first I figured it was just a phase, but that really didn’t sit right with me. Then I thought the kids at his preschool were negatively influencing him, but that just felt like a random stab in the dark, … [Read more...]
5 Decisions Your Kids Will Thank You For When They Grow Up
As parents, we do our best to make the right decisions. We don’t always get things right, but we try. Parenting is hard work and as our little ones grow up, we realize how much they understand, what they internalize, and how our day-to-day decisions impact their lives. We often find ourselves consumed with the impact our decisions will have on their childhood. We try to get … [Read more...]
Take Off the Cape: 5 Things We Can Do to Become Better Moms
As a mother, I can honestly say that even though I do my best, I know I come up short. My guess would be that most moms feel that way. I have yet to meet a mom who says, “I’ve got this and I never mess up.” If you meet her, please send her my way. I want to know her secret. The thing is, moms are meant to make mistakes. Our quest shouldn’t be for perfection, because we won’t … [Read more...]
How to Know If You Are Prepared to Be A Parent
As the author of a book and blog about parenting, it should come as no surprise that I am often asked questions about – you guessed it parenting. Oddly, for as long as I have been writing and advocating for parents to revere parenting as a divinely granted and highly honored profession, it has been rare that anyone has taken the time to ask what I believe is the most important … [Read more...]
The 5 C’s that Great Father’s Teach Their Sons
"We never kicked it at all, never pitched or kicked at a ball, you never taught me how to fight, ride a bike, none of that....!" This a lyric I heard from a Jay-Z song as Beanie Seagle rapped about being a "fatherless son." While fathers usually do teach these things, there are some other lessons that great fathers out there teach. And hence, the reason we need their presence! … [Read more...]
4 Parenting Lessons I’ve Learned from Having a Teen and a Newborn
Within the last month, I gave birth to my third child and watched my eldest graduate from middle school. Although I have moments of feeling all the way crazy for starting over again, parenting a baby with the perspective of having a child who’s all the way at the other end of childhood is a bit of a gift. As a brand new mother, having an issue and hearing someone say … [Read more...]
3 Huge Life Lessons I Want My Son to Know
Let's get the obvious stuff out of the way: Parenthood is hard, children won't fully appreciate your efforts for years to come, and in spite of our every hurdle we're thrown, parents around the world will still try their best. My son has reminded me that he deserves my best every single day. This reminder has led to many long nights wondering what key lessons I would like … [Read more...]