Words
Silence in the Backseat
We pulled out of the orthodontist’s parking lot, and it started — again. From the backseat came the sounds of two sisters who were doing their best to convince me that they hated each other. Nitpicking and sniping over the littlest things. So, I did it. I pulled the car over. Despite many threats, I’ve … Continue reading
3 Ways to Teach Your Kids That Their Words Matter
I’m taking a blogging day off today. Enjoy this post from the archives about the importance of choosing our words wisely. I was taking the girls to their various practices last night, when my younger daughter found her take-home sheet from church in the car. She picked it up and read, “Sticks and stones may … Continue reading
Just Stop
I watched a lot of hockey this past weekend at my daughter’s tournament. In one game, the other team had little stop signs on the backs of their jerseys, just above where their name should go. That stop sign is there for a reason. It’s a visual reminder to the other kids on the ice … Continue reading
Fixing a Mistake
I did something in this space yesterday that I try really hard to teach my girls not to do. I did it unintentionally, but I wanted to use today to correct it. Yesterday’s post was about “the popular girls.” I had a reader gently point out to me that just because a girl is popular, … Continue reading
Navigating the Political Melee
My younger daughter ran for student council representative for her class last week. She ended her speech with the words, “I’m C______ Fairchild, and I approved this message.” Clearly, someone has seen and heard too many political advertisements. Doesn’t it seem like we’ve all seen and heard too many of those? And it’s only September. … Continue reading
Getting Your Kids to Talk
She walks through the door head down, tears in her eyes. I know she’s had a rough day. Yet, when I ask the question, “What’s wrong?” I get a muttered “Nothing.” As she heads to her room to do homework, I stare after her, wondering “How can I get her to talk to me?” Does … Continue reading
You Play Like You Practice
All summer long around here we’ve been talking about words. We’ve been working on tone of voice. We’ve been trying to change the tone of the conversation in our house. I’ve tried sending the girls outside when they can’t speak nicely to one another. I’ve sent them to separate rooms. I’ve talked until I’m blue … Continue reading
Words and Anger
“Don’t say it unless you mean it.” Those words have come out of my mouth no less than a dozen times in the past three days. After spending five days with my parents, including close to 30 hours in the car, my girls came home to snipe at one another. Apparently they’ve had a little … Continue reading
Rejoicing Over Progress
My younger daughter said something mean to her sister the other day — and immediately apologized for it. It was a true, contrite apology. It wasn’t prompted by me. It wasn’t given grudgingly. It was an immediate recognition that what she had done was wrong and she needed to apologize. I was stunned. I looked around … Continue reading
My First Job is Mom
My older daughter came through the front door yesterday afternoon. She looked awful. Pale skin. Tired eyes. She collapsed in the chair. “I don’t feel good.” Out comes the thermometer. I was sure she was going to be burning up. She looked that bad. No fever. No runny nose. Just a vague complaint of an … Continue reading
