Author: Violeta
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Choices and other gifts
We make choices for our kids. All of the choices at first. Then we start involving them in the decision process. Eventually they learn to think for themselves and decide for themselves. We asked Jackie if she wants us to be her mommy and daddy. She was there years old. She said yes with a…
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Wishes and wants
“I wish you hadn’t changed my name” she says while playing with dolls. Not even looking at me. “I’m sorry.” I respond. She’s heard all the explanations and reasoning before, when she got obsessing about names. Like most 5 year olds with vivid imagination and creative spirit. Thinking of a name for her sister might…
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Crazy story
A couple of days before mom and dad returned to the States, I was doing some research on iTunes credit, for family sharing. I stumbled upon the information that there was a logic board manufacturing defect for iPhones 8 sold about a year ago in USA and a few other continents, except Europe. In March,…
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A visit. Presence of mind and clarity
This past month I have had some aha-moments. I’ve been looking forward to Conrad’s parents’ visit for quite some time. We hadn’t seen them in a year and a half. And I believe they have a positive effect on Conrad. They are wise and trustworthy. They are godly and loving. And on a few occasions…
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We’re in this together
After feeling that I finally detached myself from the guilt of anger, I not just mustered the courage but I had the desire and drive to pick up and read the book “when parents get angry” by Carl Semmelroth. I just read the first chapter. It’s good! Here is what I want to highlight though. …
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About intense feelings and “coasting” emotionally
Maybe this is what she needs more now. A composed mom, a warm plain background for her colorful emotions. I mastered the ability to take a deep breath and not react. I used to see my natural emotions as a right and a tool to put a stop to nonsensical behavior. I would give her…
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About generosity
We woke up earlier than usual. Had coffee with a side of cold breeze on the balcony. Conrad went to work on the preservation of a castle with a team of university professors and landscape artists. He got sunburnt. Came home a couple of hours earlier due to torrential rain. Everyone is gone. The summer…
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A dad and his son
I drove towards town a full van of people one early morning. I dropped off dad and conrad up to the left in the hills, then I turned around and took two kids to kindergarten. After that, mom read in the park with a view of the city, and I swam for an hour. We…
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On last day of Spring
My watch buzzes gently next to my pillow. It’s 6:45 am. I’ve been so tired lately. Conrad gets up to take the dog for a short morning walk. Rufus is as excited as ever, waiting at the bottom of our loft stairs. Barely reaching to the third step, he kisses my feet. Jackie breaths deeply…
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Parking and lawful boundaries
In my neighborhood community, I have spoken up on matters of common sense, trying to enlist other people’s common sense. But it backfired. People took (unexpected/unfounded) sides. Words were twisted. Meanness transpired. I still stand by my beliefs, but many moons later, I took a different approach on new matters. I don’t hide behind other’s…
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Embrace being unique while trying to fit in
I worry about our kids copying others’ choices and behavior. But if I take an honest look at our girl’s short life thus far, her ability to imitate is what propelled her into the well adjusted kindergarten stage. She adapts. Our job is to help her discern between right and wrong, as all the matters…
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Trei caracteristici
English below – Protejează când trebuie, dar permite când poți. (Dr. Steinberg – sfat pentru părinți de adolescenți) Fii Cald. Părinții cu temperament cald reacționează în așa fel la nevoile emoționale ale copiilor, încât aceștia pot aduna îndeajuns curaj necesar ca ei să funcționeze departe de părinți, din proprie inițiativă. Părinții calzi sunt afectuoși. Ei…