Although my last post provided a light-hearted foray into the concept of “planned emancipation,” today I’m getting into the nitty gritty. As a reminder, the term (coined by Dr. Kenneth Wilgus in his book Feeding the Mouth that Bites You) refers to an approach to launching teens into the world by gradually withdrawing your authority over various areas of their lives in…

“There are times when parenting seems nothing more than feeding the mouth that bites you.” ~ Peter De Vries When I read this quote for the first time, I couldn’t help but nod my head repeatedly, thinking to myself, “YESSSSS.” “If you’re reading this, you’ve likely already been bitten,” writes author Kenneth Wilgus. “But once you understand what adolescents really need to…

Should you treat your baby like your phone? You might be surprised! Discover Evolve Nest insights by Darcia Narvaez, PhD, in her Moral Landscapes blog.https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/moral-landscapes/202005/should-you-treat-your-baby-your-phone

In view of our changing perspectives and awareness of racial inequities in our country we offer a few sources of information from OMAHA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM. Read on… As educators, caregivers, parents and people committed to equal opportunities for all we need to have honest conversations about what is happening in our community and across the nation. To be advocates for a healthier…

During these days, weeks and months of the Covid-19 virus, Kim is sending her love as she tends to her brood of six kids and a working-from-home husband. Life has not slowed down, but has become more rewarding as they find new ways to come together.Checkout Kim’s recommendation for this month’s blog titled: HER VIEW FROM HOME; STORIES FROM THE HEART OF…

Reviewing Favorite Mental Health Resources Blog by Lindsay Goeckeritz on June 10, 2019 from https://powerofmoms.com/favorite-mental-health-resources/“In our family, we do kind. We do hugs. We do trust. We do second chances. We do loud (really well)! We do love. We also do mental illness—with its accompanying therapy appointments, teacher meetings, medication, misunderstandings, and near-constant uncertainty of how to navigate a world whose opinions…

When my teenage daughter was in third grade, she brought home the most nauseating series of books from the school library – “Rainbow Magic Fairies.” Every story involved best buddies Kirsty and Rachel helping fairies of various colors outsmart the mean Jack Frost. The adventures seemed contrived and all ended with a big “group hug.” (Ok, so I’m over-generalizing just a little…

Happy New Year! As the Christmas decorations come down, I often reflect on our celebration of this Holy Season. What went well? What needs a little tweaking next year? I find that making notes for the following year prevents making the same mistakes again and again. This year’s notes look something like this: For gingerbread houses, buy a kit for the little…

The story of Matt demonstrates the power of a parent or other mentor in helping a child recognize and develop his talents (see page 14 of Strengths Based Parenting).Growing up on a farm, Matt joined every 4-H club possible, and he frequently won the highest award for his projects at the fair. Upon receiving the coveted ribbon, however, Matt frequently dropped that…

Reading the results of my Clifton Strengths Finder assessment felt like looking in a mirror. I nodded my head repeatedly as I murmured, “Yes, I do that all the time. And that. Oh, and I am really good at that!” I was impressed by how accurately the report described the way I naturally operate. The Gallup organization uses the word “talents” to…