“Go Away, I Want MOMMY!”
It’s a challenge to know how to respond when kids pick a favorite caregiver, regardless of whether it’s mom, dad, a grandparent, or even a daycare provider. It’s no surprise that the most common scenario is a young child who…
What Changed My Mind About Dad
Dear Connected Families family, I write to you today with a heavy, but hopeful, heart. The reason? My dad passed away on October 14th, and his funeral was October 25th. His passing was expected, but came much faster than we…
Youth Sports: Is It All Worth It?
Like many parents, I have a strong interest in athletics. I competed in four sports in high school and continued with track and field in college. My three kids have all competed in a variety of sports and to my…
4 Simple Ways to Bridge the Mother-Son Divide
Father-daughter dances bring delight as tall suits and little skirts whirl around the dance floor. A mother-daughter brunch is bright with “girly chatter.” Adventurous camaraderie abounds at father-son outings. But how many of us have ever been to (or even…
When Out-of-Control Kids Can’t Hear Your Gentle Voice
Whether it’s angry sibling conflict or just wild and silly craziness, it’s hard to know how to engage kids’ mayhem without using a fast, large, and loud response to intimidate them. Let’s face it. Oftentimes, out-of-control kids can’t hear your gentle…