Drop Everything Now

Listen, the whole life that you have been chasing in America, it’s all a lie. The problem is, everyone believes it.  Or at least on some level.  Because this lie seems like the truth. The truth is, you don’t need to enroll you kids in soccer and then race across town for music lesson, all while…

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The Heart of It.

While playing violin for a live Nutcracker production a few weeks ago, I was struck by something a friend said during one of our breaks.  She commented how she saw my pictures on Facebook and how perfect my family seems to be all the time.  When I thanked her and responded that while my family…

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21 Things I Learned About Kids Through Teaching Violin Lessons

  When I first started teaching violin lessons, I never imagined it would make me a better parent. What I learned blew me away at first, but now it feels like home. While people continue to debate nature verses nurture, the kids have taught me that it’s all about the parent. The impact a parent’s personality,…

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How Time at a Youth Correctional Center Inspired My Parenting

Growing up I was surrounded by “bad” kids.  Kids who stole, drank,  did drugs and got into fights. I spent countless hours with kids that most parents would shun their kids from spending time with.  Kids who society labeled as “Bad”. But I didn’t see it that way. I saw real people.  I saw broken…

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Gratitude Jar

The Unexpected Gift in the Gratitude Jar

A few years ago our family started a gratitude jar for the month of November.  It started simple with just an empty large Mason jar and a few slips of paper, but the impact the gratitude jar has had on our family over the years has been profound and bigger then I ever expected. When…

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building self esteem and confidence

It All Changed In An Instant

As I was walking my son to school this morning he casually said, “Mom, it’s funny how popular I am.  I was just playing soccer with these kids and after I heard someone else call out their name, I turned and called out their name to have them pass the ball to me.  Now when…

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Happy moms and happy kids

7 Habits of Happy Moms and Happy Kids

You’ve seen them, maybe you are one of them, a happy mom who is smiling and calm with her happy kids while shopping, in the park, at after school pick-up or at home.   You wonder if it is fake or real. It’s real.  There are a few secrets when it comes to happy moms.…

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Move over toys, something better is coming.

A few weeks ago my son came into the room and declared, “Mom, since my birthday is so near to Christmas, I am not really into getting gifts this year.  I would rather just be with friends and have cake and ice cream.”    I immediately gave him a hug and said how proud I…

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typical boy behavior

Typical 9 Year Old Boy Behavior Myths

As my husband and I stood by school the other morning waiting for our boys to enter it was evident that there are some myths when it comes to typical 9 year old boy behavior. The biggest myth about raising boys is the phrare boys will be boys.  How many times have you heard a…

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7 Step Personal Stress Management Plan for Busy Parents

Let’s face it, most of us are busy.  But with a good personal stress management plan, you can make your life feel like it is on auto pilot and that you are sailing smoothly on easy street. How do I know?  Because last fall I created a personal stress management plan after going through a…

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