Parenting and family stuff

Whenever we lie to kids to protect them, we're usually also lying to keep the peace.

One consequence of this sort of calming lie is that we grow up thinking horrible things are normal. It's hard for us to feel a sense of urgency as adults over something we've literally been trained not to worry about. When I was about 10 I saw a documentary on... See more

Let’s be open to letting go of cultural myths. We know that the benefits of teenage smartphones do not outweigh the risks and harms. There are thousands of reasons for buying a phone for your child, but there is only one reason to skip it: your child’s health and well-being. And that reason matters more than all the others.

Positive Discipline is a parenting philosophy that holds that the reason for a child’s misbehavior is a mistaken belief or goal he has while in pursuit of belonging and significance. In order to solve the behavior challenge while enabling the child to build self-discipline and responsibility, therefore, the belief must be handled first. Thus,... See more

Sean Fennessey concludes his Letterboxd review of Arrival by saying, “Have kids, it changes you in good ways.” I agree but would add one note. Having kids reveals things about yourself to yourself, some good and some not so good. What matters is the revelation. Never waste a revelation.