Letting Go, Independence & 7-year-old girls

“I’d like to go by myself on our next field trip.” It was a simple request slipped into normal conversation. My 7-year-old daughter didn’t need fanfare, a parade or a flashing sign to take another important step of independence. She was happy to have me along for the 1st grade trip to the aquarium, especially …

Rocking a Monster: Lessons in Letting Go

The last day of Spring Break arrived. In the late afternoon, I entered the room our kids were playing in and said, “Kids! It’s time for a sorting party!” Groans and eye rolls greeted me. The seven-year-old knew what was in store. The four-year-old had pleasantly been previously left out of these family experiences, much …

We need leaders who love the winding path

A few days ago I happened to notice on Facebook it was our neighbor's 65th birthday. And it was a snow day. This clearly called for fresh-baked cookies, a handmade card by my daughter and an adventure through the neighborhood to our beloved neighbor's home. Our two kids and I packed up our warm cookies …