Teach Through Love

Reader — How can I make sure I'm not coddling my kid? That's a question I used to ask myself a lot. “The roots of resilience…are to be found in the sense of being understood by and existing in the mind and heart of a loving, attuned, and self-possessed other.” ―Diana Fosha, Psychologist I was raised to believe I had to be "firm" — that if I didn't hand out consequences, I would be seen as being too "lenient" or if my child wasn't AFRAID, then how would they learn? Obedience means respect,...

Reader! The first time I heard this song in our weekly "Family Song" music circle, I spontaneously burst into tears. Like a piece of my soul just cracked open. How could anyone ever tell youyou were anything less than beautiful?How could anyone ever tell youyou were less than whole?How could anyone fail to noticethat your loving is a miracle?How deeply you're connected to my soul. - Lyrics by Libby Roderick It hit me like a wave. Not because I didn't know those words should be true, but...

Reader! What season of parenting are you in? Are you on-call 24/7 in a starring role? Or are you more of a background player, watching from the sidelines? These days, I’m mainly in the background (hoping for more face time). My daughter’s away at school, “living her life,” as she puts it. The days and decisions at this stage are different, but the hum of “Am I doing this right?” still lingers. And walking the path of neurodivergence (AuDHD) has always spiced up our conversations. Over time,...

Reader, Last time, we talked about giving ourselves permission to pause. So many of you wrote back to say how much you needed that! Today, I want to remind you why any of this matters. Empathy, non-punitive discipline, and nervous system regulation aren't just personal growth tools or parenting goals—they're acts of resistance for our children. 💙 To preserve their hearts in the face of a cruel world. ✨ To show them how to set personal boundaries without fear or force. 🙏🏼 To teach them what to...

I'm so grateful for all the well wishes for my surgery!! 🙏🏼 Thank you!! It's nerve-wracking for sure, but by the time you read this, I hope I'm on my way to healing after years of vertigo, hearing loss, and other icky symptoms. Even though I'll be out for a bit, I've got all kinds of things scheduled for you while I'm away! 🫶🏼 Lori "Reader - Kids are often blamed for behaviors they're using to soothe and regulate themselves. Constant movement/talking. Not starting projects. Being late....

Reader! I used to think that if I did all the "right" things (all the things my parents *didn't* do), raising my daughter would be smooth sailing. 😬 If I left behind the power struggles of my childhood… If I gave her space to feel her emotions… If I respected her autonomy and let her say “No”… Then surely, our relationship would be easy-peasy. But then - She felt her emotions. A LOT. She said “No” constantly. She made her own choices… and ignored my advice. Wait - wasn’t conscious parenting...

⏳ In Less Than 24 Hours... We Begin! Reader - ✨ Chaos to Cooperation LIVE 2025 ✨ is happening TOMORROW - and this time, I’m hosting it LIVE for the first time in 3 years! 🎉 This isn’t just another parenting class. It’s a reset. A breath of fresh air. 🌿 In just 10 days, you’ll gain the clarity, confidence, and connection you’ve been searching for - without second-guessing yourself or resorting to strategies that just don’t work. 💡 Just 10 days? Yes. And here’s why… Twelve years ago, in January...

Reader - Last year, my daughter started college, and I went back to work as an elementary school teacher. 😲 And while I didn't go in blind to the realities of the work, I sure was faced with some surprisingly stressful moments. Ya know what was really easy (and you might relate)? Falling into the cycle of control. 😣 Yes, there's pressure to get things done, and you're tired of the 13 millionth question about pencils, bathrooms, free time, and computer chargers. But ugh. How did I succumb to...

Reader - When I was young, my mom always used to say to me, "You can't love anyone else until you love yourself." She believed it with all her heart. But looking back, I wonder - was she trying to convince me or herself? It took me years to understand what she was really trying to say: ✨ You have to stand up for yourself.✨ You can't pour from an empty cup.✨ You need to trust yourself before you can teach your kids to do the same. Maybe you're great at managing emotions but struggle with...