Nobody wants their children to recognize their own mortality, and that of everyone around them. But death is a part of life. Let us strive to speak the truth to our children and help them to face bravely the many goodbyes they must encounter during this life's journey.

Let us uphold the three hundred million years of mammalian wisdom that course through our veins: the knowledge, baked into our DNA, that we must let go of the comforts of the past in order to welcome what is to come.

I'm not sure what it is about my parental role that has bestowed me with some preternatural sixth sense about where everything is. Nor am I certain how I wound up the guardian and keeper of things in this relationship. But perhaps more aptly, I'm very attuned to things being lost and missing, and desperately wanting them to be found.

In my last post, I said we were finding our rhythm, but when rhythm becomes too predictable, it becomes monotonous. What punctuates your rhythm?

Today marked day 22 of our self-isolation. I don't know about all of you, but we're starting to find our rhythm around here. For those who know anything about music theory, you'll recall that rhythm can take many forms.

What's a parent to do when their preschooler doesn't want to join virtual circle time? First, count your blessings. Second, join in and sing along!

Most outings are adventures for little ones, which is both good and bad news. Simple chores or errands can become massive Arctic expeditions when a small child is in tow. Here are some tried-and-true mindful offerings in service of helping parents everywhere get through their shopping lists more efficiently.

Seedlings turn overnight to sunflowers indeed. And oh, how she is blossoming, even as I gaze. I looked away for a mere moment, and I almost missed it.

No book can ever make the process of welcoming a new child into your family completely seamless and free of pain. However, storytelling is a great way to help your child (and you!) navigate this monumental transition with a sense of the many feelings and possibilities that can accompany baby's arrival. Here are some children's books my family and I enjoy about this remarkable time of life.

There comes a time in all children's lives when they must do something new, unexpected, tricky, and even a little daunting: learn to use the potty. I'll save a longer discussion on the ins and outs (pun very much intended) of this task for another post, and instead share with you several of my favorite books for children on the subject.

Humans have largely lost their villages, replacing them with screens and the stories they tell. To update the old saying, it takes a village to raise both children and parents alike. Who - or what - is in your village?

The season of giving is upon us, for certain, but the spirit of generosity is alive and well year-round.  As parents and caregivers, we can help our children as they experience all kinds of feelings, among them the joy that comes from authentic generosity.  When we strengthen their hearts and souls, we strengthen our own in turn.  

Sometimes, appreciating a tasty meal or some fantastic glue is enough to make us feel a little less alone, and to remind us of the time when we were once cared for, sheltered, and held by the very gods themselves. 

Don't have a plan. Put away your phone.  Heck, don't even take off your pajamas.  And if you run out of stuff to do, may I recommend an expedition to your local drugstore?