Not every kid initially thrives in the excitement, freedom, independence (and chaos and debauchery) that are part of the residential college experience. Things happen that are upsetting. It can be hard for some kids to adjust to new room mates, peers or even a college environment that wasn’t as good a fit as everyone expected. They can get too focused …
Talking to Children about Protests: What About Racism?
Now that you have talked to your child about protests and fairness and then followed up with a discussion about the importance of being a person of honor and good conscience, it is time for a talk about racism. Why take the time to talk about racism? Because it is wrong, it is un-American and it continues to be a …
Talking to Children about Public Protests: Continuing the Conversation
It won’t be enough to just help your child understand the protests and rioting that followed the killing of George Floyd. (See previous blog.) This is a profound teaching moment about living a moral life. Morals are the bedrock of character. Morals are the wellspring of right and wrong. Not just when it is convenient. Not when it is easy. …
Talking to Children about Public Protests
As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough, a long overdue reckoning about racism and the militarization of police forces has exploded in our front yards. It is almost impossible to shield your children from the murder of George Floyd, the protests and the riots. They may have questions. You will need ideas about how to talk to your child about protests, free …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Viral Benefits
James Wellborn & Stacy Jagger May you live in interesting times apocryphal Chinese curse Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true attributed to Aesop Every cloud has a silver lining annoying proverb attributed to John Milton This shut down is a disaster. And there is worse to come as the subsequent economic impact will be really, really …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Fear, Itself, and Teens
Well, teens are finally starting to realize things are not normal. Sure, it began with school suddenly being out 2 months early. WOO! HOO! But. Wait. People will die if they get this virus? The entire world (the entire WORLD) has come to a full stop? No hanging out with friends and classmates, for MONTHS? No chance to improve grades? …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Acts of Kindness
Stacy Jagger and James Wellborn Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” Princess Diana Kindness through Connection Here is what we know. When we take our eyes off ourselves and focus on someone else, blessing them with our care and compassion …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Improving your Pandemic Quality of Life
If you wait until things are “normal” again, you may be waiting a long, long time. While there are many things that will return to a familiar pattern, you are faced with the challenge to create a “new normal” for all that remains. This disruption will reveal some areas of your life that were out of balance, ignored or actually …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Your Pandemic Quality of Life Review
Are we having fun yet? There has been plenty of time for you and your family to go through the giddy excitement and confusion of everything shutting down and being FREE! FREE! through the strain and conflict over being productive with everyone crammed in the house to the fear and anger about what our social and financial future is going …
Parenting in the Time of COVID-19: Parent Self Care
Self care is not an act of indulgence (though you should indulge). While this has always been true, it becomes even more important in times of high stress and social disruption. When everything is thrown into the air, it is easy to neglect taking care of yourself. But, you will need to be good at it if you are going …