Search Results for: blog helping from behind the scenes

Helping From Behind the Scenes

As my children get older, the role I play is much more “support” than it is center stage. More and more, I find that my parenting is happening behind the scenes and sometimes, they are not even really aware that I am involved… This support role is not always easy for those parents who prefer to be stage front and center. If you have let your own self worth and self esteem get wrapped up in your child’s activities over the years, then when your role starts to change and/or diminish, it can be a bit traumatic. You might be … Continue reading →

It’s Not Your Fault

Guilt. Is there any other word in the English language that can make you feel so bad, so quickly? No matter how many things we’ve done right, there is still plenty of guilt about the mistakes we’ve made or the things we’ve not done. For single parents guilt is a constant companion. We feel guilty because we work, because we are divorced, because our child is an only child, because we don’t have more money. The list goes on and on but nothing can make you feel guiltier than if your child misbehaves or makes a bad decision. If you … Continue reading →

Theme Park Fun

Silver Dollar City in Branson, Missouri just announced that it is teaming up with area hotels and other attractions to offer discounts on package deals to families who want to spend spring break in the Show-Me-State without breaking the bank. The popular theme park is just one of dozens of companies lending a helping hand to cash-strapped parents, who want to make this spring break memorable for their kids. Sea World in Florida and the San Diego Zoo are also appealing to families on a budget. Both theme parks are freezing the price of their annual passes, in an effort … Continue reading →

Scary Places: The Orpheum Theater in Memphis, Tennessee

Since I am doing the “Scary Places” series, I figured I would toot my own hometown’s horn and talk about one of its scariest places, the Orpheum Theater in downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Most Memphians are aware of the story of Mary. It is even said that she has a favorite seat – C-5. The Orpheum was built in 1890. However, that original building burnt to the ground in 1923. It was rebuilt and the “new” Orpheum was completed in 1928. It was after the rebuild that reports of a ghost named Mary started to surface. Mary is a little girl … Continue reading →

Micromanaging Family Life

Have you ever had one of those bosses—the kind who try to micromanage every little detail of the job you are trying to do? It can be incredibly frustrating as you attempt to get a project finished or even use your God-given intellect and talents to have someone constantly second-guessing or looking over your shoulder—or worse yet, someone who actually changes or undoes what you have already done. As a parent, what you think is facilitation or guidance with your child may actually be micromanaging. When it comes to the details of how your family is run—meal time, chores, errands, … Continue reading →

What Have I Done to My Marriage?

If you’re a regular reader you’re aware of the big changes that have taken place in my marriage recently. What I haven’t shared yet is all the behind the scenes drama I’ve been enduring. 10 Secrets to Success and Inner Peace I don’t really want to go into too much detail about it all. I’m trying to avoid thoughts that weaken me. (That’s a lesson I’ve been re-learning over the course of the past few weeks as I re-read Wayne Dyer’s book 10 Secrets to Success and Inner Peace.) In order to keep strong for my mom I have to … Continue reading →

Dream Trips for Kids (and Their Parents)

My 3-year-old knows exactly what she plans to be when she grows up: absolutely, positively, without a shred of doubt she plans to dedicate her life to helping animals as a veterinarian. (Her 44-year-old uncle, on the other hand, is still “researching” his career options.) My daughter’s love for all things four-legged and furry (or scaly and slithery) is what led me to this incredible travel find. She might not meet the age criteria just yet, but when she does this trip will no doubt be put on the top of our vacation destination list. The other travel package I’ve … Continue reading →

I Just Can’t Watch

Have you ever been at one of your child’s activities or in a situation where as much as you wanted to be supportive and encouraging of your child, you just couldn’t bring yourself to watch? Perhaps he or she was doing something very risky, or potentially dangerous, or just something that triggered old issues for you and you just couldn’t bring yourself to watch and cheer? I imagine that most of us parents have been in that situation and we have to negotiate a way to stay involved and supportive and acknowledge that it is hard for us to really … Continue reading →

Healthy Involvement Vs. Micromanaging

The term “micromanage” is pretty popular in the work world. I haven’t really heard it in relation to parenting much but it seems to me like it can apply. And, not just to parents of grown children either (although I’m sure we all know–and might be one ourselves–grown individuals who are still being micromanaged by parents with unhealthy boundaries.) As parents of growing young children and adolescents, we might cross the line from involved and supportive parent to overbearing, controlling and micromanaging… Have you ever had the micromanaging boss or supervisor? The person who looks over your shoulder and tells … Continue reading →

Making Room for New Directions

By now, most of us has come to accept that change is the very nature of life. When it comes to raising children and embracing the constant growth and change, it can be a little tough on a parent. Just as soon as we get used to a certain personality trait or interest that our child is exploring, he might change and seem like a very different person. I think one of our jobs as parents, however, is to create some space and make plenty of room for our child to head in new and different directions. None of us … Continue reading →