At first glance, emotional authenticity and emotional consistency are contrasting concepts. When we pursue authenticity, we lean into how we are really doing and what we are really feeling. And obviously, in life, this fluctuates. If we acknowledge that our emotions change, and consistency means staying the same, how can we be both, authentic and…
Consistency Strengthens Kids’ Security – How About the Parents’?
Consistency is a core quality of parenting, but it’s important for the relational health of parents, too. We’ve all heard the parenting advice many times over, “whatever you do, be consistent!” Many families take this to heart and strive for some consistency in their homes (consistency in things like expectations, consequences, responsibilities, and daily routines)….
We Can Care for Our Teammate Better (And Will Want To!) When We Understand Them
Care is a quality of teamwork that is essential to family. It is even more essential to marriage and family teams than to other kinds of teams that are not quite as … constant. 😜 Most teams agree to terms and time constraints Most teams agree to the terms under which they will collaborate. They…
The Opposite of Love is Indifference, So Let’s Stay Curious About One Another!
“I don’t know you, but I want you All the more for that“ Glen Hansard & Markéta Irglová – Falling Slowly Curiosity is not often listed among the most important characteristics of a healthy relationship. Have you ever wondered why not?! When curiosity is present, deeper connection seems to be, too! Curiosity comes easily at…
Is it Really Unity When We ‘Agree to Disagree?’
“Let’s change and do some powerful thingsUnity could be a wonderful thing.” Black Eyed Peas, Union Is it really unity when the best outcome we can reach is to ‘agree to disagree?’ It is important (and possible!) for parenting teammates to become united on decisions, even when we don’t see things the same. This sure…
Choosing to be United is Vital to Parenting Teamwork
“Come together, right now, over me.” The Beatles Being united as a parenting team is vital to raising a family that is connected, supportive, and in rhythm with one another. A family that is characterized by teamwork will be united in values and vision. And so will also be united in the systems and rhythms…
Parenting Teammates Need a Shared Purpose to Focus On
“True love that now exist is the love I can’t resist, So jam by my side. We’re Jammin’ (jammin’, jammin’, jammin’), yeah-eah-eah! I wanna jam it wid you” Bob Marley, Jammin Having a clear, shared purpose and vision to focus on and aim at is a foundational component of a parenting team. And that’s what…
5 Myths about Having an Organized Home
There are a number of common misconceptions about keeping an organized home. Let’s take a look at 5 of them! Myth #1: “Once I’ve organized my home, it will stay that way effortlessly.” Consider this: Think of home organization as “set up” and tidying as “keep up.” Organization (the “set up”) can be tackled as…
Cultivate Meaningful Family Traditions – 10 Helpful Questions
When we cultivate meaningful family traditions, we nurture our unique family cultures! Being intentional about which rhythms we choose to carry on or create for our families is an important first step. Some memories are lasting and some are fleeting. Though we believe it’s the compounding effect of day-to-day moments that most significantly shapes our…
Yearly Rhythms Are Significant, Though More Rare
Yearly rhythms are significant and hold an important place in our families and homes, even though they are more rare. This Easter weekend, we are considering and reflecting on why yearly rhythms feel so special. Why are they so important? Rhythms that are daily, weekly, or monthly may seem more significant because their impact is…
