Category: school
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Ivy’s transfer
Over the last three years I have occasionally reflected on what I saw in Ivy’s intelectual development journey. Follow the #school tag. I am well attuned to her personality and needs. And I don’t overestimate nor do I underestimate her. I look the truth in the eyes. I don’t avert my gaze. I search in…
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Lone wolf
I have inadvertently taught my daughters to stand alone. Comfortably. If you know who you are and what you stand for, it’s not just easy but it is necessary to go the opposite way from the crowd sometimes. I saw some pictures from ivy’s last birthday. She had 3 colleagues come over. And it was…
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Resolution
Thursday evening before school started, I got a call that Ivy’s transfer request got approved. I can hardly believe it! All summer we were in limbo. Did we expose ourselves by submitting a formal request to transfer Ivy? Will she be the one to suffer consequences either way? We are ready for a change. I…
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The vacation in between
It’s a hot week. Mom & dad left Europe, and we are waiting for Brian to arrive in Romania for a teen conference. Nearly three decades ago Brian and his team changed my life. And he has been the gift that kept on giving: Through poetry. Stories. Vulnerability. I’m still waiting to settle my memories…
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Average
“Coasting the average life. Made comfortable by the parents.” We function motivated by our own experiences and often times we overcompensate. I usually lay down the facts in front of us. Without judgement. Without trying to manipulate emotionally. – This is how the world was when I was a teen. This is how I adapted…
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Entrepreneurial mindset
Kids may surprise us many times over if we are open to the possibilities. I don’t presume to know what they will do in life, even as I notice inclinations, interests, aptitudes. It is delightful to notice and image the possibilities. My left-handed junior, the visual learner, the technical and the architect type, she struggled…
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Transfers and anxiety
A familiar sense of agitation stirs in my stomach. It usually means I am alert and ready to complete a big task. But if this feeling lingers it erodes my stomach and my peace of mind. I am determined to observe my feelings and let them be. Take deep breath and pray about the outcomes…
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A deep sense of acceptance starts at home
My youngest is a lot like me. Quiet and observant. I know there is a lot going on behind these beautiful attentive eyes. And I have little control over what happens outside my home. She is learning to adapt to the world, its fickle friendships and exclusions, the sense of loss, lack of understanding, the…
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Home economics
The Game: 10 lei a week (it’s not about the monetary value). Pay taxes, tithe, utilities, rent, see about some savings and how much money will be left over for spending. Usually barely enough for a croissant. On the chores chart: reading daily, homework, cleaning their room, their bathroom, set the table, clear the table,…
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Motivation
The multiplication table was taught last week. Every day the teacher moved to the next number up, and before they knew it, the 2nd grade students had to know it all by heart. In a week. Unrealistic. Though I was a step ahead and tried different tactics to see which will suit her better. Memorization…
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Sub ochii mei
Se pot destramă lucrurile…In timp ce sunt prezenta si conectatăsi suplinesc toate nevoile de baza Note mici, neascultare, minciunaDar poate de asta nu ma panichez instantStau si cuget unde s-a rupt firul?La cine si unde si de ce?Ce as putea face eu in situația prezenta:Mai mult sau de fapt mai puțin cu așteptări clare. Sau…
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Misguided self-sacrificial parenting
When we teach our kids that they can do hard things, we gift them the best inheritance that will build their future. When the stakes are low enough, discomfort is manageable, the loss is insignificant compared to the gain of experience. I listen to the challenges of ivy’s classmates’ parents. The circumstances pull us into…