Firstborns and only children tend to carry a burdensome load: perfectionism.
My firstborn cried out of frustration in elementary school many times unable to immediately master a skill. I noticed he changed dramatically as he grew older and became seemingly lazy and unmotivated; it took us awhile to understand he was still a perfectionist, but gave up even trying because it hurt too much to fail. We did not take any responsibility for the problem as in our
Bonus: They'll be happier adults too.
A friend recently confided in me that her son, age 7, is "such a softie." She cherishes his tenderness but worries he isn't learning to be, in her words, tough. In the current climate of individualism and look-at-me culture, it makes sense that parents would choose to groom their children in grit over politeness, but parenting experts say they need both. Mettle and resilience shouldn't develop at the expense o
Most of us have experienced feeling left out at one time or another. One would think that by the time we were moms we would not still feel hurt when it happens, but unfortunately it still stings.
Years ago, I vividly remember approaching three other moms when dropping off my child for the first time at a new preschool. I smiled shyly and told them I was a first-timer at this school, hoping for a warm response. Instead I received blank stares. The moms t...
Starting a conversation with “Please don’t take this the wrong way” or “I hope this doesn’t upset you” doesn’t mean that you can then go on to be cruel, insensitive or intolerant. It just means that really you know you are about to make a wrong decision but haven’t bothered to find an alternative.
Now it is likely that I am preaching to the choir. I am not writing this for the other parents of children with special needs who have seen their children be ...
Sharing
Seniors love your artwork! Brighten walls - and smiles - at the local senior center.
Got a favorite game? Teach it to younger kids.
Win brownie points! Organize canned goods at home and take extras to a food pantry.
Got talent? Share it!
Your old backpack needs a new friend...donate it!
Gather up outgrown, gently worn shoes and clothes for your local Salvation Army, Goodwill, church or synagogue.
Party leftovers? Local soup kitchen g
