by smaclaughlin | Jan 9, 2020 | play, problem-solving, tips and advice, Uncategorized
Once the holidays season is over, it’s difficult to sustain the cheer through the rest of the long, dark days of winter. All that anticipation and fun come crashing to a halt. You’d think the kids would be busy with their new toys and all, but that doesn’t seem to be...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 16, 2019 | emotional intelligence, parenting, perspective, resiliency
It’s the third week of school and my son has already had his first cold. Why can’t they stay healthy? I don’t have any specific ideas for the runny nose and cough. We all know that good nutrition, exercise, and sleep (and maybe extra hand-washing) are the likeliest...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 4, 2019 | communication, family, fatherhood, gender bias, marriage, motherhood, parenting
What is gatekeeping and what does it have to do with parenting? gate·keep·ingˈɡātˌkēpiNG/: 1. noun the activity of controlling, and usually limiting, general access to something. I first heard about gatekeeping from a mother for whom I worked as a nanny. She used the...
by smaclaughlin | Nov 1, 2019 | babies, brain development
Babies, especially freshly born ones, can throw you for a loop. They are otherworldly in their intensity. They stare deeply into your eyes one moment and scream bloody murder with theirs tightly squeezed shut the next. It can be a little confusing. Over the next few...
by smaclaughlin | Sep 28, 2019 | books, handling meltdowns, humor, modeling, parenting
Every once in a while, I stumble on a parenting book that’s just FUN. Weird Parenting Wins by Hillary Frank fits the bill. This book is a collection of advice from the listeners of the podcast The Longest Shortest Time and includes quirky, funny, and relatable...
by smaclaughlin | Aug 6, 2019 | balance, hope for the future, motherhood, patience
Meet educator, mom, and wise spiritual teacher, Rachel Horton White. I sure can relate to her description of how her patience gets tested! I love how she gives it a capital “P” and names it—along with Selflessness and Sacrifice—all Life Lessons...
