A common parental refrain we hear often is “I want my kids to grow up to lead happy, successful lives.” However, without realizing it, our hopes, dreams, and good intentions can turn into anxiety-laden roadblocks and place expectations on our kids that reflect our own dreams, fears, and ideas about success.
We all know that children are naturally adventurous and curious. They climb high, ask thousands of questions, and test limits. By their pre-teen years, they are diving deep into ideas and activities that don’t always make sense to parents. But that’s okay, and, in fact, a very important exploration. Allowing children to explore their interests and ideas without the pressure to conform to adult-defined standards of success helps them grow into confident, capable individuals who can see challenges as bumps in the road on their path to success rather than insurmountable obstacles. It lets them know that their parents believe in them, encourages creativity, and might even lead to innovations and careers that don’t yet exist.
The Power of Open Expression
Children thrive when they feel free to express Read more…
You’ve probably seen it—another TikTok about the five missed signs of ADHD or an Instagram reel celebrating autism as a superpower. Conversations about neurodivergence are more visible than ever, and has even become a hot-button talking point in political circles. Experts, influencers, and practitioners are offering everything from behavioral strategies to nutrition tips to help families “manage” differently-wired brains.
In the busy rhythm of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the small moments that create deep connections with our children. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list, many parents find themselves moving from one task to another without pausing to truly engage with their child. Yet, it is in these ordinary moments that the foundation for connection is built. By incorporating simple rituals and routines into our daily lives, we create security, predictability, and joy—essential ingredients for strong parent-child relationships.
Q. My 13-year-old is constantly complaining about things at school. She complains about who is getting away with what, that the teacher is targeting and being mean to her, and that another long-time friend is talking behind her back. She had me ready to barge into school and take down the teachers, administration, and the mean group of girls. Then I checked in with a friend whose son is in the same class and she had a different perspective from a different point of view (her son’s) which made me reevaluate everything that my daughter was telling me. My question is how do you deal with your child’s drama without getting sucked in? 
As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set resolutions for the months ahead. While goals like exercising more or saving money are common, the start of a new year is also the perfect time to focus on family relationships, especially the ones with your children.
Q. As I navigate my way through the influence of technology my fears are around knowing that I have a certain amount of control right now while my kids are 5 and 7, but what about later? I’ve taken the “Wait Until 8th” pledge, committing to not giving my kids phones until at least 8th grade. And even then, I would lean toward “dumb” phones. But perhaps what scares me most is how being on social media will affect them when they reach that stage. It’s something I never had to experience myself. The bullying, anxiety, eating disorders, and everything else that stems from the weight of that world frightens me. And what I hear from others and read in 
A Connective Parent asked about how toddlers learn self-control. Every parent needs real-life solutions to tantrums.
As far as I can tell, most parents want their children to reach launch-age fully capable of conducting their lives with responsibility and respect. When they leave the safety of their nests with self-confidence, feeling competent and resilient, with the drive to contribute positively to the world, they are ready to greet whatever comes at them. We want our children to go out into the world capable of finding success yet able to weather the bumps and storms with a strong sense of self.