We all know the famous bumper sticker. There's a reason why "sh%* happens" can be found anywhere classic bumper stickers are sold. We all have our stuff to deal with. And the other day, I had to deal with some. Literally. From our next-door neighbor's dog. The kind that's been marinating under the snow all … Continue reading Showing Your Kids How to Deal with Poop
Tag: communication
Playing with Rocks and Perspective
A co-worker disclosed to me some stresses from his personal life. His daughter who is approaching the age of two has to have surgery on her kidney to improve function. Her second surgery since birth. Not sure of the stats, but you could probably catch a daily news story about the Make-A-Wish Foundation and their … Continue reading Playing with Rocks and Perspective
Climbing Toward Contentment
It's my first time having a child receive an official spring break. No school for an entire week. But this isn't going to be the year of sitting on white sandy beaches as a family. This is the year of the staycation activities. So day one involved a father and son day of indoor rock … Continue reading Climbing Toward Contentment
Catching & Spreading Emotion
Whether you realize it or not, your mind is an open book. Maybe not all the time but a study published in Psychological Science in 2014 shows how the thoughts or moods can be transmitted through the mother and infant relationship. Simulate to watching a movie and getting anxious at the same suspenseful scene as the others … Continue reading Catching & Spreading Emotion
No. No. No.
The resistance is upon us. I’m not talking about politics or civil rights. I’m talking about the toddler “no” stage. Everything is no. Time to go. No. Let’s get your pajamas on. No. Are you all done with your food. No. (Even after the ASL signal for all done/no more was thrown.) Would you like … Continue reading No. No. No.
Letting My Son Lead Even Though It Isn’t Where I’d Choose
We kept things simple New Years Day, hanging out in pajamas for the majority of the day. We played Play-Doh, ate various snacks, read books and continued our adventure sessions with various Christmas toys. There's been a pattern over this holiday break, one driven by an extremely cold streak--we're talking negative air temps for several … Continue reading Letting My Son Lead Even Though It Isn’t Where I’d Choose
The Good ol’ Days of Changing Diapers
My daughter and I were debating the need to change her diaper, which at one-and-a-half means her saying no and running from me, in the middle of an extended family gathering on my wife’s side. The debate was a mild inconvenience and allowed me to step away and be with my daughter. Just as the … Continue reading The Good ol’ Days of Changing Diapers
Is the Quantity of Toys in My House Hampering Imagination?
I love giving my kids presents and watching them receive presents. They get pumped up, eyes wide and explore the wonder of the new object. Whether it is a car that pulls back and races on its own or a fresh plush animal, it brings me joy to be able to give them things. Let … Continue reading Is the Quantity of Toys in My House Hampering Imagination?
All Kids Are Home Schooled
My kids aren't home schooled as you may think of the traditional parent-become-teacher home school program. But according to Seth Godin, we are all home schooled. Think about it. There are 186 hours in a seven day week. My kindergarten son sleeps an average of nine hours a night, so eliminate those off the bat. … Continue reading All Kids Are Home Schooled
The Foundation for An Easy Child
One of my favorite parenting books is Your Baby Your Child by Penelope Leach. She does an amazing job presenting a psychological approach to parenting, really digging into the why she suggest things should be done a certain way. My son is strong willed (and a friend questioned me the other day...."I wonder where he got … Continue reading The Foundation for An Easy Child
Father Through Me 