Posted on May 5, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
There are some situations from which it is impossible to shield a child from experiencing. The whole family goes through a crisis – whether it’s a death of a loved one or a fissure between family members – and the children must endure those times right along with the adults. Ready or not, here we …
Posted on April 28, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
After some happy outdoor play, I heard my son E run straight up to his bedroom and slam the door. As I knocked and entered his room, his face was red and wet with tears. “What happened?” I asked. “Jonathan (E’s cousin) wouldn’t listen to me,” E sputtered between sobs. “I was mad and he …
Posted on April 12, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
Did you know that play is an essential part of how kids develop social and emotional skills? Find out how and what you can do to support it. Mark your calendar! Let’s talk about “The Power of Play!” I’ll be discussing the impact of play on kids’ cognitive, social and emotional development and my colleague, …
Posted on April 7, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
How do we, as parents, help our kids experience and develop compassion? It’s a concern of mine as I look around me and notice my family’s eyes glued to screens and those activities encroaching on my child’s attention. And when he looks up, is he so busy with school work or Legos that he can only …
Posted on March 31, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
We must widen… “our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.” – Albert Einstein “Feed the birds, Mom. Don’t forget today,” E tells me with fervor on one of the last freezing cold days of Winter while the birds chirped longingly for Spring. He heard them …
Posted on March 24, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
Practicing Mindfulness in Family Life The sun is nervous as a kite that can’t quite keep its own string tight. Some days are fair, and some are raw. The timid earth decides to thaw. Shy budlets peep from twigs on trees, and robins join the chickadees. Pale crocuses poke through the ground like noses come …
Posted on March 17, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
It just started happening seemingly out of the blue. “Why can’t I watch PG-13 rated movies? I know kids in my class who do.” “Why do I always have to go upstairs for bed at 7:00? The neighbors all get to stay up later.” And then what seems like minutes later, I hear “Why do …
Posted on February 4, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
If you are concerned about your children making a living in the world on their own someday, you are not alone. And because financial acumen is not typically a rigorous part of school curricula, we know, as parents, it’s up to us to help our children. It’s likely you’ve considered teaching your child about money …
Posted on January 21, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
“I call base!” my son would say at any place and any time in the days when he was first introduced to the game of tag. If he wanted to end the tickling or stop the chasing, he would claim a piece of furniture, staircase banister or corner of the room as his safe haven. …
Posted on January 14, 2016 by confidentparentsconfidentkids
“Where are your gloves? Uuuuhhhrrrr!” I growled this morning. Hats, gloves, boots, shoes and socks have been strewn everywhere through our tiny hallway and into our kitchen from our side door – so much so that I can’t walk without stepping on some article of clothing. I thought we were doing okay in the mornings. …
© Copyright, 2026, Jennifer Smith Miller. All rights reserved.
© Copyright, 2023, Jennifer Smith Miller. All rights reserved.