Being a tyrant is the exact opposite of being a conscious parent that understands the give-and-take of effective parenting and is willing to adapt as needed to change. Tyranny has no place in society or in parenting. The lessons put forth by Professor Snyder are valuable reminders as we navigate the journey known as parenting.
Blog
The Chemistry of Community Improvement
I don’t think that it is a stretch to think of community improvement efforts in chemical way. New and enhanced efforts can result from the combination of simple “reactions” by individuals or groups.
A Pediatric Profile in Courage
I bring the story of this brilliant yet exceedingly humble pediatrician to our attention as a reminder that the work of protecting and enhancing the physical, social, educational, family and psychological environments of our children and families is the ongoing work of ALL of us.
WHAT REALLY MATTERS
I often ask myself “what really matters?” as I contemplate the path forward…I can engage as a citizen (seeking to help others), as a truth-seeker (on a journey of life-long learning and continuous improvement) and as an elder (having acquired an array of life-long experiences and seeking to use those in a positive fashion). Not being engaged is really not an option.
Do Pediatricians retire from public service?
The work of helping our children and families is ongoing. It demands our continued efforts. For those of us that retire from the workforce, we should never withdraw from our commitment to children. I pledge to continue the work!
Science and early child development
There are so many variables to be identified and analyzed for early childhood development. These variables are essentially the pieces of the “jigsaw puzzle” of life but do not in and of themselves dictate the future. But these variables can help us anticipate certain issues, be proactive as needed, be reactive when needed and intervene with support when it is needed.
“Our society isn’t fulfilling our promise to children”
The new AAP Blueprint for Children demands our full attention going forward. We can do no less.
CIVILITY MATTERS
Social discourse without civility is so ineffective and detrimental to our society.
Children as Our Teachers
Children are our best teachers! Listen and learn.
Foster Children Need Our Help
Children in foster care need are special attention and nurturing.
“Wasn’t me”
As we seek to solve current issues, a “wasn’t me” stance should be substituted with “was us”–and move forward.
Life-long learning – toward unconscious competence
Life-long learning is a guide to a life fulfilled.
Resilience is so important
The ability to receive help when we are down is key to developing resilience.
Communal forgiveness
Social responsibility (to improve the lives of our fellow citizens and to right past wrongs) is integrally tied to forgiveness.
Being better carpenters
“I don’t think that I can ever forgive you.” “You don’t mean it. You’re not really sorry.” “When will you ever learn?” Expressions such as these are repeated in households and workplaces everywhere every day of the week. We humans are social beings, and social beings interact. Interactions inevitably will lead to some conflict. I think our ability to resolve those conflicts…
Captain Miller to Private Ryan – “Earn This”
So many sacrificed so much for all of us…
I have been truly blessed—thank you Mom, Julie and Mabel!
Mothers come in all forms—birth mothers, stepmothers, foster mothers, caregiving mothers (often grandmothers or aunts) and mothers-in-law. Whether assuming the role from birth or stepping in at various junctures in the life of the child/adult, these women play a vital role throughout our lives.
ANTI-RACISM SHOULD BE THE GOAL
Racism can be replaced with anti-racism
Capital Punishment is Just Plain Wrong—Thoughts from a Proud Flip-Flopper
Capital punishment is wrong in my opinion. And it’s been a tough journey for me to come to that conclusion.
Labels—Merchandise, yes; People, no
Labels are not for people.
Revisiting my father
Being mindful of those around us and accepting them and their humanity is so crucial to our lives. The lessons of Mr. Rogers are pertinent to me, at every stage of my life. His messages are certainly for more than children!
525,600 Seasons of Love
Abundant friends and love can make us “wealthy” and our lives fulfilled if we consider each minute (all 525,600 of them) in a year a chance to exhibit a season of love.