My sister flew in to town March 10 from Seattle, WA. At the time her part of the U.S. was experienced the first recorded COVID-19 case in the U.S. She landed in the Minneapolis four days after this first case. Data projections, comparing the U.S. coronovirus outbreak to Italy gives me the chills. Originally, my … Continue reading Physically Apart During a Pandemic but Where are You Emotionally?
How Are You Taking the Test Given by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Today is the beginning of day four since schools have closed in Minnesota since the COVID-19 pandemic has reached middle America. There has been a shift in thinking, in work, in our communities and world as this virus has spread. A week ago, about 10 co-workers and I got together at a local restaurant to … Continue reading How Are You Taking the Test Given by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Rythm, Ruts and Hot Air
Routines develop throughout life. We wake-up, drop the kids off at the prospective camps or schools and we go to work. Tuesday's are spaghetti nights. Movie and pizza nights are Fridays. Routines are good. They're comfortable, efficient, and allow us to build lives. There are rythms to dinner, to our work life, to our relationships. … Continue reading Rythm, Ruts and Hot Air
Dad, What Can I Do?
Here it comes. There are occational moments around my house where my almost seven-year-old son will say, "What can I do? There's nothing to do." I'm a fixer, so I've always been quick to list off a number of things after suggesting he help with cleaning up. But here is why I'm thinking of switching … Continue reading Dad, What Can I Do?
Parents Take Care of Kids by Taking Care of Themselves
According to this blurb, parents who practice self care help their kids by: 1. Lowering stress levels 2. Teaching our children to value their health and wellbeing 3. Being better, healthier, calmer parents That's all great in theory. And it makes perfect sense. When I'm in better health, I'm much more patient with my kids. I … Continue reading Parents Take Care of Kids by Taking Care of Themselves
“Dad’s Dead,” But Don’t Get Heated
My almost-seven-year-old son was taking a bath with his sister. Bath nights at our house can drag for up to an hour, and I was getting tired of nagging to get out of the tub. I decided to lay down outside my kids' view next to the tub on the bathroom floor. After a minute … Continue reading “Dad’s Dead,” But Don’t Get Heated
Want to Stop Reacting to Your Conclusions? Seek to Understand.
He did it. The coach told my son to leave the club sport. The story according to my six-year-old son was that he was hanging out, playing on the mats (not playing basketball,) and the coach asked him to leave. The school then called to pick him up early. Proverbs 4:7 says to get wisdom. … Continue reading Want to Stop Reacting to Your Conclusions? Seek to Understand.
Economics Lessons from My Six Year Old
We live in an extreme climate where winter tries to kill you. We've experienced the polar vortex and now 32+ inches of snow in one month. So I made a comment to my six-year-old son while on yet another snow day at home from school that he should get to work and shovel snow for … Continue reading Economics Lessons from My Six Year Old
Who’s the Teacher and Who’s the Student Here?
Read books and blogs. Talk with other parents. Go to birthing classes, even parenting classes, before your baby comes. All a good idea, but nothing will truly prepare you for parenthood than actually becoming a parent. The weight of responsibility. The financial costs. The energy they have. The stubbornness they deliver. The temper-tantrums. All will … Continue reading Who’s the Teacher and Who’s the Student Here?
Encouraging, Enriching and Acknowledging the Joy of Childhood
Fatherhood is a lot of work. There are times where there is no end in sight, and it feels like I won't spend a minute to myself for the next month on end. Fatherhood, and motherhood, is also a lot of joys. You hear people say children are a gift, a blessing, a joy. To … Continue reading Encouraging, Enriching and Acknowledging the Joy of Childhood
