Blogs
Blogs about Intentional Leadership at Home
My Mom is … (written by her 21 year-old daughter)
I think back on our journey up to this moment. How incredibly annoying it was when she, my working mom, experienced burnout, after which she was home to recover—just when I had gotten so used to having my own time and space. Those two hours a day that my sister and I spent at home on our own—after our school day ended and prior to our mother’s walk up to the house upon completion of her workday—had been delicious.
Lady Bird: Does Loving Your Child Mean They Feel Loved?
If you’ve seen the movie Lady Bird, directed by Greta Gerwig, you’ll remember the turbulent relationship between Christine, who calls herself Lady Bird, and her mother, Marion, played by Laurie Metcalf. Marion is hardworking, strong-willed, and deeply concerned about her daughter’s future. She’s a nurse working long hours to keep her family afloat. And I don’t question that she loves her daughter. But loving your child and helping your child feel loved are not always the same thing.
Why Can Visiting Family Make Us Feel Like Children Again?
When visiting my father-in-law, my four-year-old daughter became angry about something and hit me on the knee to show her disapproval.
I can still remember the howl that came out of my husband’s father. He was ready to lash out at my young child. And the look of disapproval he directed at me? It made me look away.
There I was, an adult, a mother myself, feeling the weight of someone else’s judgment. Does that sound familiar?
How Connection Makes our Kids Independent
I have empathy for what they are going through versus giving advice, or preaching, or telling them what to do. And that is why all my kids trust me and talk and share. They will come to me instead of trying to figure out the many challenges by themselves, in isolation.
I Love You. Also When We Disagree.
I Love You. Also When We Disagree. Why our children need to know that love isn't something they have to earn through good behavior. A friend recently told me something about her children. "All my children argue, but one of them does it much more than the others. I...
Mother’s Day: Are Your Expectations Setting You Up for Disappointment?
Six ways to create a meaningful Mother’s Day
1. Say what would make you happy.
A few days before Mother’s Day, tell your partner, children, or loved ones what you’d appreciate.
Perhaps you’d love breakfast together, a handwritten card, some uninterrupted time, or not having to organize the day yourself.
Be clear.
Communicating what matters to you gives others the opportunity to show up for you.
2. Communicate your wishes, then loosen your grip on the outcome.
Once you’ve expressed what you’d love, allow others some freedom in how they show their appreciation.
When Your Heart Is at War, Can You Still Lead with Love?
If we want our children to experience more love and peace in the world, shouldn’t they experience those things in their own home? And that brings us back to ourselves, their care-givers, parents, family. Because no matter how much we love our children, there are moments when we are angry, impatient, resentful, or overwhelmed. I know I do!
What If Success Is Something We Get to Define Ourselves?
But what if I decide for myself what makes my day successful?
Perhaps today it’s about having a meaningful conversation. Tomorrow it’s taking a courageous step toward my dream. Or finding a creative solution to something that has been troubling me. And sometimes, success might be recognizing that I need to rest rather than pushing myself harder.
Are You Shaming Your Children?
Are You Shaming Your Children? Why helping children take responsibility shouldn't mean making them feel small. Lately, I've been asking myself a rather uncomfortable question. Not if I shame my children, but how and when I might be doing it without realizing it. And...
What Does It Mean to Be an Empowered Mom?
You always wanted to be a good mom. Actually, a great mom? Me too!
But what does great really mean?
It’s not so easy to explain. To me, it’s more of a feeling, a vision of the kind of mother I want to be.