Empathy vs Sympathy: Do you care more about your child’s feelings or your own?

There is a fine line between sympathy and empathy. Learning the difference can make huge changes in your relationship with your child. My mother was a professional worrier. Whenever I expressed having a problem with anything, she sympathized, “Oh my poor dear. That’s so awful. Do you really have to do that?” Her sympathy was not helpful. As a matter of fact, I stopped sharing my problems with her because then I had her feelings and worry to deal with as well as my own problem.

a note about consistency

Society tells us that parents need to be CONSISTENT in order to be effective and responsible. If we aren’t ‘consistent,’ we will end up with a child who is out of control; a monster, who manipulates everything to their own end.

OooooomMy God! Compassion is a Two Way Street!

You Can Reach Enlightenment in 1 Easy Science-backed Step!

Science now has documented evidence that anyone CAN reach enlightenment, (or at least find peace, joy, or satisfaction) in one easy step!

I am tossing out my meditation beads!! They have found the holy grail!

Men Should Not Cry (What are You Living Toward?)

You see a 5 year old child who is crying and screaming, sobbing about something. His parents are sitting with him, trying to sooth him. You might think “That child cannot control his emotions. He is emotionally immature. He needs to learn how to control his emotions.”

Should We Let Our Boys Play with Girls’ Toys?

I refuse to damage my sons! I will not allow my sons to play with girls’ toys, because I want to preserve their authentic selves….

When you hear yourself saying “No!” “Don’t” “Stop” “Please Stop!” “Stop!!” ……

When you hear yourself saying “No!” “Don’t” “Stop” “Please Stop!” “Stop!!” “No!” “No!!” No!!!”……

Exposing our Children to Violent Events

This is an article by Patty Wipfler of Parenting by Connection which teaches the Hand in Hand tools of listening so parents and caregivers can be more connected to the children in their lives. I found this helpful and illuminating in light of the recent tragedy.

Taking a Step Back Can Provide All The Freedom your Child Needs!

We all know that our children are not reflections of us, but every once in a while we get tricked into that lie again! It sneaks in, and we spring into RE-action, rather than mindful response. That way of “reflective” thinking is a trap that often leads us to seek approval from the random parents around us. It can throw us into a tizzy of self-judgment: Oh my gosh my child is screaming (at me)! What is that father/store clerk/woman thinking about us/me?! Instead of, “Oh my gosh my child is screaming… what does my child need that I can give him?” The irony is that those parents who we are trying to please in that hot moment of crisis don’t actually matter to us as much as our own children do, nor are they even in line with our own core values!

Passionate People

I have never met a kid who wasn’t passionate. But I meet plenty of adults who aren’t.

PlaySchool for Big Kids?

Whoo-wee! PlaySchool for older kids! What will THAT look like?

Hiking, Collaborating on BIG plans, building, creating, exploring…….being free (like a kid should be….) (do you remmember those days? Wish you had them back? Why not provide that for Your child?)

Kindergarten through 2nd grade welcome!

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