The primary goal of adolescence is for kids to develop a separate self with a mind of their own. Learning to speak your own mind is a very important goal. For parents, in the habit of setting limits and telling their younger kids what to do, this new communication shift will be a major one. Read More

Whap, whap, whap. The doggy alarm clock has gone off. And here comes the nose, and then the snarfing. Mr. Sherlock, our Covid rescue dachshund, is awake. He also wants me to be awake too, because he is hungry. Mr. Sherlock was found wandering the streets of San Antonio, and a dachshund rescue group brought Read More

It was finally winter! The SnowPeople tumbled and frolicked in the sparkling snowflakes, chortling with pleasure at the frosty air. Friends greeted friends, so happy to be outside after the long summer and fall hibernation. Families hugged each other and did their happy dances! But amidst all of this excitement, a quiet noticing began to Read More

In this year of COVID, being home takes on a whole new meaning. Being healthy, and being together, becomes a blessing like no other. We have awakened to the expanded possibilities, and beauty, of family time together. We sorrow for families that have experienced loss. And now, with the holidays around us, it may be Read More

We know you love your kids. But being in quarantine can be a very real stressor. While it can lead to a lot of quality time, it can also lead to a lot of testing behaviors as kids try to figure out this new world routine. Not to mention that growth spurts will guarantee that Read More

Developing an Optimistic Mindset, in spite of the Coronavirus!   What have you done today for the good of the country?  “Our society has changed from an achieving society to a feel – good society. Up until the 1960s, achievement was the most important goal to instill in our children. In the 1980’s, this goal Read More

Dear friends, So much can change in a week. Schools are closed, some thru April 5 in Austin—well beyond the anticipated spring break week. Many parents will have to consider working from home, with kids at home, as a result. But like all things, if we look for the silver lining, we can find one. Read More

A Legendary Power Struggle about a Candle… and a Fine Mind in the Making   Years ago, my daughter Jennie & I had the opportunity to babysit with my niece, Isabelle, then 18 months old. We had a lovely afternoon and evening, and bedtime was approaching. As we readied the bath, I lit a candle Read More