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…
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,…
Under Pressure – Rethinking Our Daily Lives
I remember sitting there, half drowsy from the 5am alarm clock rising and half in disbelief that she could be so rude. Did she really just whip her brown ponytail around and say, “It’s all in your head, you know.” I gazed over the bus seats to see if anyone else heard her. Really, how…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
Are Strengths and Weaknesses Interchangeable?
If you were asked to write a list of your strengths and weaknesses, how many qualities would be on both sides? So often in life we think that our strengths are our best personality traits and many quietly ignore their weaknesses, secretly hoping that makes them go away. What if your strengths and weaknesses were…
Love Your Pet? Why Our Connection To Animals Matters
For months one of my sons has been quietly asking for an animal. He feels so deeply connected to animals that sometimes we have to stop on the bike path just to make sure that the squirrel made it up the tree safely or that the ants got across before a bike squashed them. He…
The 1 Thing Most Kids Are…
Typical 9 Year Old Boy Behavior Myths
Striving for Mediocre – The…
The Quiet, Patient Holiday
Why Peanut Butter No Bake Oatmeal…
How You Can Change The World in the…
Drop Everything Now
This Works Wonders for Seasonal…
Worth the Risk
The Heart of It.
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Summer Brackhan: Thanks Sylvia for sending such wonderful good vibe...
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Sylvia Ternes: Hi Summer! I too think you are brave. You are rea...
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Summer Brackhan: How wonderful of you to see what he needed and to ...
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Joy: It is so important to say "many years ago" as th...
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Joy: I read your article again. It is even better the ...
