Monday I talked about our kids’ issues with us not always being our fault. And that is true. Yet, as in every relationship, we have influence. We cannot determine someone’s response to us, but we can provide fertile the ground in which the relationship can grow. I’m […]
Read More...I hate that feeling. I hadn’t experienced it for a few years so maybe that’s why it disturbed me so much at the end of a recent phone call with one of my girls. If you’re a parent of a pre-teen, teen, or young adult child, you’ve been […]
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“My efforts to show Katie (and all our girls) that I love them no matter what has been more about me changing than her changing. This is the key to a meaningful relationship with our kids: we must let God help us be the parents they need. . .We must […]
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One thing I miss most about my girls being on their own is our daily interactions. I miss doing life with them. I found a way to keep the connection in a way that works for everyone. This is so simple you might miss it so read slowly. […]
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I have a love/hate relationship with this time of year. I’m ready to get back into a schedule even though I’ve had a ball spending time with friends and my family. But I also hate that the girls are going back to school and it will be weeks between visits. […]
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I will start by honestly telling you I give my kids plenty of opportunities to offer me forgiveness. I mess up as a mom on a regular basis. My kids look into the eyes of a cranky, impatient woman and feel like she can’t be pleased. The perfect […]
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“The parent who plays the part of the backstage director, coordinating every little thing in the production of their child’s journey, will remain in a state of disappointment and worry. His child will not grow into a confident, wise adult. Since he has not had the opportunity to learn from […]
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This sad, guilty face belongs on a dog, not a mom! Recently while cleaning out one of my dresser drawers, I found one of the many “contracts” my husband, Gene, and I made with our daughter Katie to encourage better behavior and family relationships. Katie’s high school years were turbulent. […]
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Cool is not a word that accurately describes me, especially as a parent. I’m not into pop culture or the last lingo. The kids help me manage my technology. I’m still pretty sure cookies are a sweet treat, but apparently they’re part of my computer as well. The thing is—I […]
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I found this picture in an ad in a magazine in the seat of an airplane. It perfectly illustrates the conversation I recently had with a couple of moms in my generation. One was an empty nester and the other a soon-to-be empty nester. We were nostalgic as we realized […]
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brenda@brendagarrison.com