Tag: parenting

  • Instructions Not Included

    Parenting might be the only job on the planet where they hand you a freshly hatched human being and say, “Good luck,” and then just… leave. No orientation. No handbook. No laminated troubleshooting card tucked into the diaper bag.  You don’t get a user guide that says: If child begins lying, press reset. If child…

  • Rules for Thee (But Not for Me)

    There’s a fascinating social experiment happening in plain sight: the same adults who enforce the rules are often the most creative at bending them. Somewhere between “Follow the directions” and “That sign doesn’t really apply to me,” adulthood takes a sharp turn. It’s amazing how strongly we believe in rules — right up until coffee…

  • The Art of School Discipline

    (Or: Why Your Kid Probably Isn’t a Villain, But Also Isn’t Perfect Either) There’s a part of me that’s always been a storyteller. I’ve spent years watching the chaos of childhood—my own and others’—and turning it into little stories that make sense of the messy, funny, absurd moments of growing up. I like noticing the…

  • Start with the Right Question: A Reflection on School Discipline and Parental Support

    It’s never easy getting called into school because of your child’s behavior. As a parent, it can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or even unfair. But in those moments, the most powerful and productive question a parent can ask is: “What can I do to help correct my child’s behavior or misconduct?” Unfortunately, that’s not always where…