The Continuum of Co-dependence and Narcissism On the continuum of ‘self-focused’ and ‘other-focused’, the ideal and healthy place to fall is somewhere in the mid-range. Being too self-focused could be described as narcissistic and being too other-focused could be described as ‘co-dependent’. Neither is a healthy quality in an individual much less an intimate relationship […]
What to Say to Young Children During COVID-19 – 5 Tips to Use Today
We are one full week into our new schedules and lifestyles amidst the COVID-19 Virus. Some of you are settling in and others are still feeling very discombobulated. Either is just fine – adjustment takes time and you get to do it at your pace. Your kids are adjusting too! Little children may not notice […]
Kids, Corona Virus and Work
We are all overwhelmed and trying to figure out how to juggle kids, social restrictions and work
Pretend Play and Empathy
I love watching little kids engaged in pretend play! From the older toddler who wipes their little play table with a bib to the preschooler who believes they are Buzz Lightyear, and right on through to the 5-7 year olds who are conducting business with their play kitchen and cash register. Pretend play is an […]
The Myth of Motherhood: Delighting in Each Other
I went to see Fr. Greg Boyle speak today. Fr. Greg is the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang intervention program in the world and the author of the incredible books “Tattoos on the Heart” and “Barking to the Choir”. If you are looking to feel that sense of humanity, kindness and purpose that […]
The Myth of Motherhood: Co-parenting vs Parallel Parenting
We often think of co-parenting as a topic for divorced or separated parents and it definitely is a big one. Co-parenting can also be a challenge for married or ‘together’ parents too. Just because two parents live in the same home doesn’t mean they are successful at co-parenting. What is co-parenting? Co-parenting is when both […]
The Myth of Motherhood: I Like My Children as Much as I love Them
We love our kids! For most of us they are the center of our world – every thought begins and ends with them. Loving our kids is different than liking them. Loving them is something that just ‘is’, its unconditional. But, liking them is something altogether different. When we like someone its usually because we […]
The Myth of Motherhood: “I love to play with my kids”
Admit it! You love it when your child says “mom….will you play with me?!” or “let’s play trains” and “you be the ‘mom’” while handing you a Little People. I love the idea of playing with my children but I don’t really love playing. I prefer to ‘do things’ like go to the pool or […]
The Myth of Motherhood: Being Good Enough
I attended a training about a year ago on child and adolescent brain development with Tina Payne Bryson who co-authored the amazing book “The Whole Brain Child.” She shared a stat about parenting that stuck with me. She said research shows that if we are getting it right about 50% of the time we are […]