The measure of your life is the amount of beauty and happiness of which you are aware. – Agnes Martin As I was rushing out the door today, I noticed my clematis had bloomed. It was in the shape of a heart. Sometimes I play a game with myself, looking for messages in nature … More Hunting for Beauty
Recently, I was talking with a mom whose son is having some emotional and behavioral issues. She wishes she had a better understanding of why he’s struggling, but her husband is adamant that they not have him tested. Dad doesn’t want his son to have the stigma of a label. Who does? He’s not the … More What’s in a Label?
One of the hardest aspects of parenting a child who struggles is that we don’t always know how to help. We can scour the internet late into the evening, looking for resources, insights and advice. We can seek out relationships with professionals. We can confer with other parents who have had a similar experience. We … More Steering Away from Guilt
In our bones we need the natural curves of hills, the scent of chapparal, the whisper of pines, the possibility of wildness. We require these patches of nature for our mental health and our spiritual resilience. – Richard Louv Yesterday I was getting that frazzled feeling you get when you’re thinking about everything that needs … More Scented Escapes
It’s almost strawberry season and I’m excited to tell you why strawberries could be the perfect snack for parents who experience extra stress (and anyone else for that matter). Some of my fondest memories from the early years of parenting have to do with family outings picking our own fruit: apples, strawberries and blueberries. What … More Give Yourself a Strawberry Boost
Last week a mom posted a powerful video about her frustrating IEP meeting. Parked in front of a CVS with her camera on the dash, she gave the world a peek into a very personal and agonizing moment. Through tears and deep breaths, comedian Dena Blizzard expressed her anger, sadness, and sense of powerlessness in … More Never Stop Advocating for Your Kids… or Being Kind to Yourself
The Boston Marathon was a rainy, chilly, hypothermia kind of day this year. Some might have called it miserable, but that wasn’t the common sentiment. Instead, there were loads of fan posters that pointed out the bright side, with messages like this: ‘At least you’re not at work.’ ‘At least you won’t have to shower … More Reframing: 3 Powerful Ways to Change Your Parenting Outlook
My family lobbied me for a dog for YEARS before I broke down and agreed to get one. I know it sounds heartless, but I just didn’t think I could be a dog person. The idea of stinky breath in my face, slobber on the sofa, vacuuming fur and picking up poops made me cringe. … More Zen and the Art of Emulating My Dog
Do you ever go through a whole day, thinking you’ll drink that glass (or 8) of water, but never quite get to it? When you’re occupied by other concerns, like taking care of your kids and juggling all your other responsibilities, it’s easy to ignore basic necessities. I know plenty of parents who do. But … More Life Enhancing Lemon Water
Just a few days after the horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, CNN hosted a town hall discussion with families, local politicians, law enforcement and a NRA spokeswoman. Amidst the profound anguish, what struck me was the language the NRA representative used to describe the gunman. He was a “madman”. … More How Parents Can Stave off Stigma
Kendra Egge Wilde 