Category: Parenting
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My dad
We spent the week at Lacu Rosu in the mountains, in fellowship and studying the life of Jacob. This year did not unfold as we anticipated. We were thinking we would embark early on, on the adoption adventure, being drawn body and soul to the-grafting-of-lives process. God had other plans. We left behind computers and…
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Optimism & Altruism
Two essential qualities in parenting. We come into marriage with an average dose of altruism. Whatever we’ve witnessed growing up, and how we’ve been challenged to get involved in the family life or in our community. Self-sacrifice gives forth its fruit over time, so it has nothing to do with instant gratification. Unless we got…
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Full members
I live intuitively. And sometimes I believe it’s not half bad. On the contrary. The wisdom of relationships and of parenting is deeply seeded in us. It’s just that sometimes I need to know why I do what I do. To rationally justify my choices and to solidify them. I learned from a psychologist who,…
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Membri cu drepturi depline
Trăiesc intuitiv. Și uneori cred că nici nu-i asa rău. Dimpotrivă. Înțelepciunea relațiilor și a parentajului sunt adânc semănate în noi. Doar că uneori am nevoie să știu de ce fac ceea ce fac. Pentru a-mi putea justifica rațional alegerile și a le solidifica. Am aflat de la un psiholog care de 30 de ani…
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Rules of engagement
Mom, my friend tried to choke me. Did he succeed? No. But… Ask him to never do that again. And please don’t tattletale. OK. [5 minutes later] Mom, my friend didn’t let me speak at all. So I couldn’t ask him to not choke me anymore. [he was now present, visibly embarrassed] Ok. Let’s set…
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“When parents get angry”
-“What book you reading, mommy?”I lift my eyes from the book and smile. After a pause I respond: – It’s called “when parents get angry”. She is five years old. And yet. She smiles at me with a goofy raised eyebrow and responds: “Really? That’s cool!” Getting habitually angry is like drug. One shouldn’t use…
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Even if…
Even if the fig tree does not bloom and the vines have no grapes,even if the olive tree fails to produce and the fields yield no food,even if the sheep pen is empty and the stalls have no cattle— even then, I will be happy with the Lord. I will truly find joy in God, who saves me.1The Lord Almighty is my strength. He makes…
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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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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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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…