Tag: independence
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Embracing the Balance: Adoring My Kids While Relishing My Time Away
Get Pregnant Fast “I absolutely adore my children. No doubt about it.” I say this not as a plea for validation, but perhaps the addition of “no doubt about it” gives away my inner thoughts a bit. Let me clarify: “I love my kids. No doubt about it. But…” But I also cherish the time…
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Why I Say No When My Daughters Ask for Help
Get Pregnant Fast During a recent family getaway, I found myself with a rare moment of tranquility, nestled in a cozy spot, engrossed in a captivating book. Just as I was sinking into the narrative, one of my daughters strolled in to use the bathroom attached to our suite. In my usual effort to fend…
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I Once Judged Stay-at-Home Moms Until I Became One—Now I Apologize
Get Pregnant Fast During a recent weekend getaway with friends, one of my close pals, a stay-at-home mom, casually mentioned that her teenage children prepared their own breakfast. It wasn’t so much a confession as it was a proud declaration, void of any shame or regret. This sparked a lively debate among us, with opinions…
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Giving My Kids the Gift of Free Time
Get Pregnant Fast As a parent, I engage in various activities with my children, but I firmly believe in the importance of allowing them ample free time. I don’t pack our schedules to the brim, I rarely join them on the playground, and it’s uncommon for me to provide them with constant ideas for how…
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The Key to Nurturing Self-Sufficient Children
Get Pregnant Fast Parenting can feel like a balancing act, especially when it comes to encouraging independence in our kids. Whether it’s watching them tackle the jungle gym solo for the first time, sending them off to the corner store, or bidding farewell at the airport as they embark on a solo flight, knowing when…
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My Strong-Willed Child, I Recognize You
Get Pregnant Fast Dear strong-willed child of mine, I see you. You may doubt my perception at times, but trust me, I do see you. During those exhausting evening cleanups, when picking up just one more toy feels like an insurmountable challenge, I see you. In the midst of your preschool tantrums, when adding one…
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Parenting with Open Arms
Get Pregnant Fast Indulgent. Neglectful. Authoritarian. These three parenting styles send shivers down my spine just by reading them. The mere mention of these labels is intimidating, and I know I’ll likely resonate with at least 8 out of 10 characteristics associated with them. Have you ever caved and bought your kids something they wanted,…
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6 Ways I Still Treat My Older Kids Like They’re Toddlers
Get Pregnant Fast As I was packing lunches for my kids, it struck me how often I still behave as if my big kids—who are now 11 and 13—are still in their toddler years. Honestly, it’s a bit of a wake-up call for me, especially since I often feel like I’m perpetually stuck at 12…
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Cooking With My Daughter: More Than Just a Meal
Get Pregnant Fast The question, “Can I help?” is one that evokes both joy and anxiety in me when my kids ask it during cooking time. On one hand, I cherish the opportunity for them to engage in meal preparation, explore new ingredients, and gradually cultivate their independence in the kitchen. I yearn to create…
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Eighteen Summers With Our Kids: A Reflection on Time Passing
Get Pregnant Fast When I first became a mother to my baby boy, I had a seasoned parent tell me, “You only get eighteen summers with your kids. After that, they’re off to chase their own dreams,” as she snapped her fingers and waved her hands in the air. I smiled and nodded, trying to…