The Empty Nest

Aug 23, 2018 | Parenting | 2 comments

I’m writing this post ahead of time because on the day that it’s sent out I will be moving my youngest child into his college dorm. Two days after that move-in, my husband and I will drive away, get on a plane, and come home to an empty nest. It will be the first time...

Fully Present

Aug 16, 2018 | Happiness Fulfillment & Self Esteem, Parenting | 2 comments

When my first child was born, I was so overwhelmed and stressed out that I found it difficult to be fully present in the moment. Over time I got better at it, but I found that motherhood and its demands made it very difficult to be emotionally present. My mind was...

The One Thing You Should Stop Doing If You Want To Raise Happy, Successful Kids

Jul 19, 2018 | Parenting

This post was originally published in mindbodygreen on June 26, 2016. *** We all have basic expectations of our children, such as good manners, following house rules, and meeting moderate academic requirements. That makes good sense and leads to relatively...

The Dad Advantage

Jun 14, 2018 | Parenting

This weekend is Father’s Day. Since my father lives many states away, I won’t be spending this day with him. Yet his influence in my life has little to do with a daylong celebration once a year. When I think about the influences in my life and the people who gave me...

Dear Teachers

May 24, 2018 | Parenting | 1 comment

This week marks the last week of public school for my children. My baby is graduating from high school and although he will have teachers in college and beyond, public grade school and high school teachers are a breed all their own. I am filled with emotion this week...

Mother’s Day Realities

May 10, 2018 | Parenting

This weekend is Mother’s Day. I vividly remember my first Mother’s Day as a mom. My husband and I got dressed up and met my in-laws for a fancy dinner at a country club. It was a total disaster. My baby screamed bloody murder throughout the whole dinner, so I spent...