School has started or is about to start ’round here. For the moment, we’re all online, and many parents are struggling with the situation. Different households have different dynamics. Parents and kids have a wide range of personalities and interpersonal relationships. Be open to possibilities. Take what works; leave what doesn’t. As a teacher with … Read more
So much going on, both inside and outside of my brain. I’ve had a lot to say and it all bleeds together and nothing has come out clearly, so I’ve been quiet here on the writing front. I decided to be productive (in terms of writing) by transcribing onto the computer some pieces for my … Read more
This post passed through my Facebook memories and it helped me to synthesize some of what’s going on. Maybe it will help you, too. This activity has circulated for a while in parenting and teaching circles in the hope of teaching children to understand the power of words. In case you can’t read the text … Read more
I finally hit the wall. Which is funny, because I’ve mostly been sitting. For the past six weeks, I’ve been going for a walk almost every afternoon, to get some sun and fresh air and get out of the house. Until recently, it’s been nice out. Now that it’s officially “hot” (100+ degrees), I’ve started … Read more
I have a thing about writing. I enjoy it quite a bit. Also, it’s often therapeutic. And I have a hard time making time for it regularly. I haven’t dissected the why of that yet. Years ago, I read a piece about the benefits of journaling first thing in the morning. Whoever the piece was … Read more
Here in Arizona, the governor recently announced that public school buildings are closed for the rest of this school year. (Schools aren’t closed; the buildings are closed.) Teachers and principals are still working. I’m sad for all of the kids and teachers and parents who had something in the fourth quarter to look forward to. … Read more
Kids work through stress and unfamiliar situations through play. (This is why play therapy is very effective with littles.) The last play date we had (two weeks ago?), the kids were playing “corona zombies.” Since play dates have ended, The Kid was playing a robber/spy game by himself where he had to steal and avoid … Read more
“Every time you learn something, your brain changes.” Whether you learn it correctly or not, whether you learn something big or small, something important or not important, something loving or hateful, it physically changes your brain. I heard this somewhere a couple of months ago, and it stuck with me. (Happy to cite if you … Read more
Solidarity incited among introverts via memes in the theme of staying home versus socializing. They’ve always rubbed me the wrong way because they didn’t fit me. I’m definitely an introvert. And I definitely enjoy socializing. (In certain contexts.) And, as I wrote about recently, a good girlfriend date is definitely energizing. My depression is always … Read more
“You choose what you put out into the world.” I don’t remember where this crossed my path recently, but it was timely. It ties in to an earlier post about negative people—from a first-person perspective. My output of complaining goes in cycles. When I notice it’s increasing, I make an effort to cut it back. … Read more