Ways to Ask How was school today? It never fails, when I pick up our daughter (a/k/a Excitedly Eight) from school, I always ask “How was school?” and inevitably the response is, “Fine” or “Good.” Ugh. I really want her to gush about this story or that. But nada. Zippo. After our “lively” exchange, she… Continue reading Ways to Ask How was school today?
Family
Children Learn What They Live With
Children Learn What They Live With Hiiiiii! Wowsy, have I ever been MIA. I hope that you will forgive me. My absence is explained by the fact that I am doing my very best to live by example and walk the “balance” walk that I talk about so very often. The Silver Lining has been taking… Continue reading Children Learn What They Live With
Get Kids Moving
Get Kids Moving Despite the fact that the HOTY and I love to exercise, our daughter – the thespian! – isn’t so into it. Here is how our typical conversations go: Us: Let’s go for a family hike! Suddenly Seven: No thanks. I don’t feel like it. Us: Why not? C’mon. It’ll be fun! Suddenly… Continue reading Get Kids Moving
10 Things to Inspire Exercise in Children
10 Things to Inspire Exercise in Children Exercise has always been – and continues to be – very important to the HOTY and me. In fact, I do some sort of exercise – yoga (my new favorite!), running, hiking, tennis – at least 5 times a week. That’s not to brag. I exercise because it… Continue reading 10 Things to Inspire Exercise in Children
Talking With Children About Breast Cancer on LBBC
Talking With Children About Breast Cancer is one of my favorite topics. Not because I love to do it (heaven knows it’s incredibly difficult), but because it’s so very important. Including children from the time of a diagnosis demonstrates that honesty is a core family value. And if adults don’t talk with children, please oh… Continue reading Talking With Children About Breast Cancer on LBBC
University of Iowa Dance Marathon
University of Iowa Dance Marathon Helloooooo from Iowa! Today I find myself in this great state giving a talk at the University of Iowa for the Dance Marathon program. The Dance Marathon is an amazing STUDENT-run organization that provides emotional and financial support to families affected by pediatric cancer. Their tag line is: “Creating Tomorrow… Continue reading University of Iowa Dance Marathon
(Not!) Making Promises
(Not!) Making Promises In building healthy relationships with our children, I firmly believe that it is important that our words and our actions match. I grew up in environment in which words and actions didn’t match and I remember feeling very (very!) confused. One of my girlfriends (whose parenting skills I admire profusely) doesn’t make… Continue reading (Not!) Making Promises
Helping Children Express Their Feelings
After years spent as a bedside nurse and social worker, my clinical work now consists of co-facilitating support groups for children, including helping children express their feelings when there is a cancer diagnosis in a family. Many of you already know my philosophy about including children from the time of a cancer diagnosis: children deserve… Continue reading Helping Children Express Their Feelings
Parenting Manifesto by Brene Brown
In thinking about today’s earlier post about encouraging children to express their emotions, I am reminded of the great Parenting Manifesto by Brene Brown. Have you seen it? If not, I would encourage you to take a look and be inspired. It is a major Silver Lining! Speaking of Silver Linings, Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly is a MUST read. It will… Continue reading Parenting Manifesto by Brene Brown
Inspiring YouTube Sensation Talia Joy Castellano Dies
Unfortunately, I have just learned the sad, sad news that Talia Joy Castellano, the inspiring and uplifting YouTube sensation has died of cancer. Talia was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare childhood cancer, in 2007, and opted out of a potentially life-saving but risky bone-marrow transplant last year. I wrote about Talia a few months ago and… Continue reading Inspiring YouTube Sensation Talia Joy Castellano Dies