As I continued the pursuit of new and better ways to meet parenting challenges that were out of my league, two common and repeated themes emerged in the places I turned to for help. The first was that the parent must be the first to change.
Read MoreI was checking out at my dentist's office a few weeks back, and I came up on an interesting conversation. "Christmas is for men and for children." What followed was a long vent on how these two women had to do everything related to shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, and coordinating the many aspects of their particular family Christmas with their adult children.
Read MoreEvery year since our now thirty year old son was born, Santa deposits an ornament in the stocking of any child sleeping under our roof on Christmas eve. Santa has enjoyed choosing each ornament with love and care.
Read MoreIn recent days, an ancient Christian spiritual practice called examen has danced before my eyes and mind on several occasions. Examen has much to teach me about the ever present need to pay attention and notice exactly what is life giving for me as well as that which falls in the category of life sucking.
Read MoreGrief shows up in the midst of many life experiences - from the loss of one that we love to dreams unrealized to close relationships falling short to career shifts to children growing up and out. Sadness is a part of the human experience.
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