Category: Parenting

  • Boundaries set by little neighbors

    Boundaries set by little neighbors

    “Don’t come on our drive way!” yells in a tiny voice our little neighbor girl. We were coming back from a walk with Rufus. I said ok. But then she kept repeating this boundary for all to hear. It didn’t even cross my mind to go over. People’s driveways are private property, and unless I’m…

  • Acknowledge the good in everything

    Acknowledge the good in everything

    Pay attention how you speak about the good and the bad in your life.  Yesterday it hit me. Both girls are anxious about the long trip we will endeavor to take to Bosnia. And though they have never been to Trebinje, they anticipate crowded pools.  Their complaining irritates me. But I think there is a…

  • In good company

    In good company

    Introverts don’t try hard to be part of many groups. But something they do is follow through with what they committed to do. They get stuff done but have to rely on others to see the introverts who don’t advertise their skills. In the work place we learn to document what we do, market our…

  • Self-confidence built by necessity

    Self-confidence built by necessity

    When we do for our kids things that they can do for themselves we steal their sense of self esteem and self confidence. Insecure parents do things for their kids to feed off of that satisfaction of accomplishment.  As a second / youngest kid, I always wondered when is it my turn to be the…

  • A new chapter of connection

    A new chapter of connection

    I was organizing the information for an event on Saturday, while preparing some communication material and listening to Monday night study at Iris led by Beni. Jackie was next to me on the couch, chatting with her friend on whatsapp and researching some info about the Aurora. We sat like that for nearly an hour.…

  • MomCo Iris Team

    MomCo Iris Team

    When I got promoted to Lead Creative, I had been a stand-in Lead for a few months to try out the role. I was the youngest in the group. But though I don’t like telling people what to do, my colleagues and managers believed I’m the right person for the role. My enthusiasm, communication skills,…

  • Prompts

    Prompts

    Conrad and his dad set forth to write a novel based on a prompt. Each developed it as he saw fit and felt inspired. The novel I translated for Conrad, called Exolegacy, had this prompt of “memory.”   I personally write as I go, living life, inspired to write as my kids ask questions or certain…

  • The youngest as the only child

    The youngest as the only child

    My brother left for college when I was 14. It changed my life. I was the quiet kid, self aware, peacemaker, never getting into trouble, walking lightly through the house. The four years I spent in the home of my parents without a sibling were transformative. I am very grateful for them. This week Ivy…

  • Talent (measurement)

    Talent (measurement)

    The talent (Ancient Greek: τάλαντον, talanton, Latin talentum) was a unit of weight used in the ancient world, often used for weighing gold and silver, but also mentioned in connection with other metals, ivory, and frankincense. One evening I was re-telling the girls, the Bible story with the talents. They asked me what fructifying means, putting to good use, enhancing, growing,…

  • Integration

    Integration

    It matters how we are perceived in our social contexts, but it matters even more that we understand ourselves, that we know ourselves. I guess the sweet spot is integrating what we know of ourselves with how others see us.  This therapist was discussing with a young girl, who struggled deeply with depression, about her…

  • Conectarea cu copilul

    Conectarea cu copilul

    Scrisă de către 2 psihologi și cercetători, specialiști în adopție și atașament, “Conectarea cu copilul” te va ajuta: Să legi legături de afecțiune și încredere cu copilul adoptiv Să gestionezi eficient orice tulburare de învățare sau de comportament Să disciplinezi copilul cu dragoste fără să simtă nici o amenințare

  • Familia adoptivă, leac pentru suflete vătămate

    Familia adoptivă, leac pentru suflete vătămate

    Familia adoptivă, leac pentru suflete vătămate – Jayne Schooler, Betsy Keefer Smalley, Timothy J. Callahan Obiectivele acestei cărți sunt:​ Să valideze încercările grele, inima frântă și deziluzia unor părinți adoptivi care, din toată inima și nesiliți de nimeni, au adoptat un copil profund afectat Să pregătească părinții adoptivi și specialiștii cu informațiile și uneltele necesare…