Parenting

"I want you to lean in closely so that you get the full breadth of what I’m about to tell you."

You may think that this affects only you, or even your and mom’s relationships. But it has had a profound impact on me and all of my siblings as well.

"In my 12 years as a family therapist, I’ve seen many well-intentioned parents mistakenly employing strategies that aren’t meeting the emotional or developmental needs of their children or families. I’ve also observed an increasing number of parents that are successfully mapping out new and healthier ways of raising children."

"If you say no, you better mean it. By changing your mind, your child has gained more than a piece of candy; they've gained the knowledge you can be broken down easier than a cardboard box."

"Looking back over the past days, I am in awe of how gracious God has been to me in so many ways."

Parents often act as though our role is to shape our children into an idealized version of our younger selves.

"I was worshiping at the altars of control, success, convenience, and let’s just say it—reputation. But my son refused to bow down. And I was furious."

"One day, they wouldn’t want to cuddle. They wouldn’t rush outside to meet me at the truck door when I pulled into the driveway. They wouldn’t require my kisses to make pain go away, or need my help reaching the tangles in the back of their hair."