Search Results for: blog showing our kids our vulnerable side

Are They Doing it For Themselves…or for Mom and Dad?

There is a fine line between parental support and encouragement and pushing our children into doing the things we want them to. At least, I think this is a fine line. Even parents with the best intentions can put so much pressure on a child that the child is only doing what the parent wants—not learning how to motivate themselves and find internal rewards for activities, interests, and personal efforts. I don’t know how many times I have watched as parents forced kids out onto basketball courts or soccer fields, or heard teenagers sitting in my living room talking about … Continue reading →

Learning to Laugh at Ourselves

There is a difference between teasing, picking on someone, making fun of them, and just learning to not take things so seriously. We can help our kids develop a sense of humor and learn how to laugh at themselves–not by teasing and poking fun at them, but by modeling our own ability to laugh at ourselves and helping them to appreciate the silliness and humor in every day life. I do not think that people are born with a sense of humor. How’s that for a dramatic statement? I think it is something that is learned and shaped over the … Continue reading →

Showing Our Kids Our Vulnerable Side

When our kids are young most of the time they think we can do no wrong. They don’t consider that we might make a mistake or that we might have fears. I was talking with Tyler’s father yesterday and he heard me remark that I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. I never imagined that rebuilding would be such a vast endeavor. As we end our second day in New Orleans, I feel like I have not accomplished much of anything. For instance, on yesterday I waited over two hours for someone to come to my house and measure for kitchen … Continue reading →