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Showing posts with the label Myths

Even When the Kettle’s Bare

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Some paths are quieter than others—but walking them together makes all the difference. Today reminded me of the quiet weight that comes with being the one others turn to. I spoke with both of my daughters—separately, at different points in the day. One needed advice, the kind only a mother can give when life feels uncertain. The other’s voice held something heavier, and when I asked, she let it spill: relationship strain, financial stress, the kind of ache that’s hard to name out loud. I listened. I offered what I could—words, perspective, a little steadiness. And later, I followed up. Not because I had to, but because I know how it feels to be left holding something alone. They each thanked me. They each made a move forward. And I felt that familiar flicker of peace—the kind that comes from knowing you were able to help. But beneath that peace, there’s a quieter ache. The kind that surfaces when you’re still navigating your own storm, and yet you find yourself pouring from a cup that’...

🤝 Sibling Rivalry and the Hand-Holding Hack

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From swing disputes to teenage squabbles—sometimes you just need a grip on the situation.   They say siblings are built-in best friends. I say they're also built-in sparring partners. Whether it’s a tug-of-war over a cookie or an all-out emotional showdown over the TV remote, the sibling dynamic is as unpredictable as a toddler’s taste buds. In our house, I’ve learned that peace doesn’t come from perfect fairness—it comes from creative parenting. Exhibit A: the “hand-hold method.”  👐 The Method That Works Like Magic One day, in the middle of a loud, dramatic standoff between my kids about who touched the remote last (very serious business), I pulled out a wild card. I made them hold hands. Not just a quick grasp—I told them they couldn’t let go until they calmed down and talked it out themselves. There were groans. There were limp fingers. There may have been a few theatrical sighs. But somewhere between the awkward grip and reluctant giggles, something shifted. They tal...

The Truth About Birth Order: Breaking the Myths in My Own Family

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Everyone assumes the youngest child is reckless, spoiled, and irresponsible. It’s basically a universal truth—eldest kids are the responsible ones, middle kids are the forgotten ones, and youngest kids? We’re the chaos. Except… that’s not always *true*.  If the stereotypes were right, I’d be a nightmare—irresponsible, entitled, constantly seeking attention. Instead, I’m *exactly* the opposite. I’m level-headed, easygoing, sharp as hell (even if some people underestimate me), and fiercely independent. So, where did the myth break down? And more importantly, how did I make sure my own kids weren’t boxed into these tired family roles? Birth order might shape experiences, but it doesn’t *define* who we become. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that breaking the cycle starts with *seeing it for what it is*.    Breaking the Cycle: Raising My Kids Differently If my childhood taught me anything, it’s that labels don’t just shape how people see you—they shape how they *f...

Parenting Myths Debunked: Lies, Legends, and the “I Told You So” Moments

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  Ah, parenting advice—it comes at you like a relentless infomercial. Friends, family, that one mom at the playground who swears by kale smoothies for infant genius development. Some of these tips are gold, others... not so much. Let’s spill the tea on these classic parenting myths and set the record straight—grandparent style.   1. “Holding Your Baby Too Much Will Spoil Them” - Oh yes, because babies should obviously enter the world fully independent, pay rent, and file taxes by age two. Holding your baby doesn’t spoil them—it comforts them, builds trust, and keeps them from screaming like a tiny, angry CEO demanding better management.   2. “Sugar Turns Kids Into Maniacs” - Listen, kids don’t need sugar to turn into pint-sized tornadoes. Have you ever seen a toddler who’s been awake too long? Unstoppable force. Unhinged energy. Sugar doesn’t fuel chaos—kids do. Science backs this up, but honestly, so does common sense.   3. “Letting Kids Win Makes The...