How Toddlers and A Broken Foot Are Alike

What parenting a toddler and having a broken foot* have in common:

*Considering you must keep off the surgery foot for 6 weeks by using a knee scooter

1. You can't reach things you need when you need them

2. You don't remember where things are

3. Strangers come up to you and ask questions

4, Your laundry hasn't been done in weeks

5. You keep changing your schedule

6. Going to the bathroom and showering is a challenge

7. It looks easier than it feels - every pebble is a jolt

8. You finally found your favorite top under the bed behind the laundry basket

9. You yearn for someone to make you meals and bring them to you

10. It takes a long time to get something done

11. The world doesn't stop and wait for you

12. People forget what it's like

13. Your car is full of a lot more stuff

14. Family members notice what you're not able to do

15. Some days, it's just hard to be upbeat

16. Whenever you sit down, you remember something you forgot in the other room

17. People say ridiculous things to you

18. You struggle to perform basic grooming

19. People forget it's challenging for you right now

20. Sometimes, it just feels good to cry

My Word of The Year

For the past few years, I have made it my practice to select a Word of the Year. Each January I have carefully chosen a word for my year's focus. That word becomes the lens to process my experiences and causes me to be more intentional and aware. It's been enriching to move through "Courage", "Gratitude"and "Balance". By focusing on the one key word, I've been able to see how many opportunities there are to explore and enjoy further meaning each day. Two years ago I selected " And, " as my Word of the Year and liked it so much I wasn't done with it so it's on again for 2022. I have notepads with my Word in my office and it's framed on walls in both my home and businesses offices. Even when it isn't my Word of the Year any longer, it will still remained framed on my walls. What makes " And, " so special compared to other words and why do I keep it on my walls? My answer begins with noting that And is capitaliz...

Are You Are An I-Told-You-So Parent?

If you can answer yes to 2 or more of following questions, you might be an I-Told-You-So parent. If that's the case, the rest of this post will describe why you need to switch to Reality Discipline. 1. I tell my kid(s) that if they don't _________, this ________ will happen [If you don't finish your breakfast, you'll be hungry] 2. I remind my kid(s) about things that they should have remembered to do/not do... [If you had brought your jacket, you wouldn't have been cold] 3. When I remove a privilege, I say something like "See? If you wouldn't have done ____, this wouldn't have happened?" [Aren't you going to remember next time????] 4. I think that describing things to my kid(s) ahead of time is very important because my words will help guide them [So if you leave you bike out one more time, it might get stolen...] 5. I give lots of warnings and don't follow up [You won't get to have your birthday party!! Your tablet is gone forever!!!...

Setting Up The Same Page Parenting Foundation

If you ever plan to have kids, it's never too early to talk about parenting goals and styles. In a previous blog, we discussed planning for the 18 year-old-kid you want to launch. This post addresses your mindset or philosophy along the way. It's never too late to get on the same page, as long as you and the other parent agree with the idea that same page parenting is foundational. What is Same Page Parenting? It's an approach to parenting that respects each parent and the children. It holds a "for the good of the family" mindset unless you no longer live together. Then it holds a "for the good of the children" mindset. With Same Page Parenting, both parents agree on major decisions and support each other. Both parents present a united front to the children. Both parents use the same discipline. Note that discipline is a lifestyle - punishment is a penalty. I do not believe in punishment. The proper discipline provides the framework you need to raise he...

Don't Therapize Me

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