Why do you stop short of the hard question?

February 6, 2017

The conversation flows between you.

The dialogue bubbles as smooth as a leaf dancing down a swift current.

As the exchange deepens, the navigation gets tougher to dodge the whirlpools.

You hear a statement, and the pivotal question springs to your mind. It is the obvious question that will lay bare the situation. Your eyes lock, and you both know the inquiry must be asked. The answer will bring insight at the expense of embarrassment, discomfort or pain.

Do you choose to ask the difficult question and engage, or do you...

How do you bless your children?

January 14, 2017

A quick Google search of the world's major religions includes some form of blessing children. Jesus blessed the children; Abraham blessed his son's, religious leaders bless children at birth or upon attainment of specified milestones.

Merriam-Webster defines the act of blessing as, "to ask the favor or protection of God for." Regardless of your religious or non-religious tradition, this practice is an opportunity to communicate care and love for our children.

The Bible's Abraham blessed his two sons with specific words of encouragement, details of their inheritance, and prophetic words about...

How were you wrong about parenting?

January 12, 2017

The universe is unfair. The most basic electronic gizmo is packaged with at least a couple of pages of instructions. And yet, your precious baby comes out of the wrapper without a hint of operating instructions.

I was thrilled when my kids began to understand language. The ability to communicate took our relationship to a new level. I didn't like playing a game of 20 questions before I realized what toy she wanted.

Among the errors, I...

What has parenting taught you?

January 11, 2017

My short list:
Joy
To laugh
Patience
Humility
Weariness
Frustration...

How are you a contrarian parent?

January 10, 2017

Here is your justification to celebrate your eccentricities. The more "out there," the more fake Internet points you win!!

No parents adhere to the status quo in all areas as they are raising children. How have you chosen to push back on what society says is proper, and taken your own path?

One of my favorite contrarian moments occurred on a Saturday morning in the Washington DC suburbs. The kids were in their early teens and...

Who influenced your parenting?

January 9, 2017

I trust Harry and Zinnia Wormwood didn't establish your parenting standards. The 1996 film Matilda, based on Roald Dahl's book, followed a young Matilda Wormwood through her troublesome life as a youth with special powers. Her parents, played by Danny DeVito and Rhea Pearlman, apparently didn't do much reading to prepare for parenthood.

You would think that as long as parenting has been around, humanity would have the details of this monumental task figured out. The book What To Expect When You Are Expecting has the market cornered during pregnancy. But after the birth...

What is one thing you did right as a parent?

January 8, 2017

Parents can quickly explain parenting failures and desires to have parented differently. But that is not the question; what is one thing you did right?

The moment of holding your first newborn and realizing you will be taking the bundle home is an explosion of relief, joy, and terror. Thankfully, you and I were not the first riders at this rodeo.

We depend on multiple resources to help guide and shape our care of our children. Everyone tries to be helpful, although some advice misses the mark. A shot of whiskey...

How do you care for your kids?

December 29, 2016

First, we need to clear the air. Nope, not here to pile on guilt and tell you you're doing it all wrong or deliver 187 quick and easy steps to make everything perfect.

Every parent is aware of shortcomings. I was confident I was going to be the one exception, and I was wrong. I think it will only take each of them one lifetime to get over my shortcomings. Not bad, it could have worse and required two lifetimes.

There will be no trophies or fake Internet points...

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These INQUIRIES are here for you.

My intention is for you to ask better questions and think deeper.