As a former dog trainer, I’ve seen firsthand how leadership and play go hand in hand. One of my favorite stories comes from a longtime park ranger who observed wolf packs over the course of his career. Of all the alpha males he tracked, the most successful—the one who led the longest and raised the… Continue reading Lead with Laughter: The Power of Playing Games with Your Kids
Tag: priorities
Kicks, Confidence, and Conversations: Lucy’s Soccer Camp Debut
This week, Lucy tried something brand new: **soccer camp!**⚽️☀️ One of the best parts of parenting is watching our kids bravely try new things just to see what might spark. We’ve done gymnastics, dance, karate, tennis, and swimming—and while not every activity sticks, the courage to keep trying is the spark that matters most. But… Continue reading Kicks, Confidence, and Conversations: Lucy’s Soccer Camp Debut
One Chart, Two Homes: A Blended Family Strategy That’s Working Wonders
In blended families, even the most well-intentioned routines can feel like emotional whiplash for our kids. Different rules, different rhythms, different expectations—it’s a lot. And while it’s okay that every household runs differently, it’s also okay to admit that the inconsistency can be tough on our kids. Recently, we noticed that Anderson seemed a bit… Continue reading One Chart, Two Homes: A Blended Family Strategy That’s Working Wonders
🐾 Not About Me: Raising Good Givers
We went to the beach yesterday… but not for the kids. We went for the dogs. Yep—today was all about our fur kids. Splashing in the waves, chasing their favorite beach ball and a frisbee, getting soaked and sandy, and loving every second of it. But what surprised me most was how good it felt—for… Continue reading 🐾 Not About Me: Raising Good Givers
The Time to Teach
Last night, as the sun dipped low over an outdoor dinner with my family, something unexpected and quietly beautiful happened. Lucy spotted a clock tower across the street and asked what time it was. We’ve been working on telling time lately, especially with analog clocks—something I’ve been intentional about. Her birthday gift this year included… Continue reading The Time to Teach
The Heart Before the Name
Yesterday I picked Lucy up from her Critter Barn camp, and the first thing she said—before even buckling her seatbelt—was, “Can we please have a playdate with my new friend?” I smiled and asked what any mom would: “What’s your friend’s name?” She looked at me, shrugged both shoulders high with a sheepish grin, and… Continue reading The Heart Before the Name
Raising Light 