Category: self-aware parenting

Believing in Santa

When I was 8 or 9 years old, I remember lying in bed on Christmas Eve thinking about Santa. The funny thing was I wasn’t really envisioning gifts or the way he would get in my house, I was just feeling so, so, good, and everything seemed magical. I always think about that when I... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
December 4, 2013 at 4:26 pm • 

It's time to waste some time

Like the rest of the population, I get a rush when I complete tasks and work toward my goals. I have dreams and a vision, and I get excited to move forward and check things off the list. But I simultaneously believe in wasting time.  I actually don’t like that language very much – I... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
October 31, 2013 at 12:56 pm • 

Teaching children to thank the Earth

My girls and I were in the car a lot on Sunday.  When we pulled up to our final destination, they all said they were car sick.  Nobody moved, my youngest looked like she was about to cry. Since we were parked right in front of my sister’s house, I told everyone to get out... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
September 24, 2013 at 11:33 am • 
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Where joy really comes from

I picked up my daughter from Kindergarten today and she said, “I just feel so like me today….I love feeling like me.” As we walked to the car she held my hand, skipped, and hummed. Today she wore hand-me-down clothes from her sisters, some barrettes she found under her bed, and some bright blue shoes.... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
September 13, 2013 at 1:25 pm • 

Want to be happy? Be happy for others

It’s so common it has its own name: Schadenfreude – finding pleasure from the misfortunes of others. And although few will admit to it, it’s a very human experience.  If we see others fail, we feel better about ourselves. This is on full display in our obsession with the entertainment industry (build them up and... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
August 27, 2013 at 10:38 am • 

3 Myths About Introverts

“Introvert” tends to bring up an image of a shy person in a corner, or an insecure person at home alone.  But over the years I have learned that introversion isn’t about shyness or insecurity, it’s about where and how you derive your energy. Extroverts tend to get their energy from outside stimulation, and introverts... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
August 23, 2013 at 1:45 pm • 
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Back to school? Be here and roll with it

Back to school tomorrow and I am appreciating a beautiful afternoon with no schedule. Part of me grieves losing summer, it was definitely a good one, but part of me doesn’t feel like longing or being sad, it just feels like smiling and rolling with it. I do feel the natural anxiety of trading a... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
August 18, 2013 at 6:49 pm • 

Needing approval: The childhood wound that keeps showing up

When we were little, approval was essential for our survival. In our birth family we had to do and say what others deemed appropriate, and we needed approval so our basic needs would be met. Then socially we sought approval to create friendships. Peer relationships made us feel a part of something and connected us... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
July 24, 2013 at 2:07 pm • 

She chose great, and so do I

Awhile back, I honestly can’t remember when, I decided to respond to this question, “How are you today?” With this answer:   “Great!” Or if not great, maybe wonderful or something along those lines – it’s not even something I think about anymore, it’s become a habit. Is this always true you may ask? Well,... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
July 1, 2013 at 2:56 pm • 
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When it comes to life success, we need to use words our boys can hear

As a mother of three girls who comes from a predominately female family, I have a lot to learn when it comes to masculine language. As I discussed in a previous blog post, my husband and I are facilitating a class for 5th graders about emotional intelligence and the girl spots filled quickly, the boy... Read more »
By Cathy Adams,
June 17, 2013 at 2:35 pm •