Judging parents and kids

Recently I was in the gym locker room cleaning up after my Wednesday workout. A mother and her son were there also. The mom was speaking at her son in a critical way as if he himself was a problem for her. Her tone was harsh — think “barking” drill...

Children need imperfect parents

When my mom died, I was 21. At her memorial service, many of the people I spoke to told me that I reminded them of my mom in many good ways. I was deeply touched to be considered so similar to this amazing woman. As the decades have passed since this time, however,...

Seeing your authentic self as a parent

“What judgments about you get in your way of seeing yourself as you truly are?” While it may sound strange, I’m learning that denying my negative judgments about myself makes me a worse mom. Let me explain. I’m loathe to think of myself as...

Role modeling and changing our speech habits

“What is one thing you are ‘role-modeling’ for your child/ren that you want to change?” I grew up with loving, generous, and “work in progress” parents. Though they were kind-hearted, their words when upset could be judgmental and...

Forgiveness…for we the parents

This morning I cried. Sorrow for not being the mama I can be. Sadness for not putting joy into my daughter’s morning like I could have. Heartache at my own short-comings and lack of greater awareness. In all honesty, I hadn’t done anything horrible or...