Parenting Journeys - Parenting Now

Parenting Stories

Parenting comes to life in the stories we share.

Whether it’s a moment of joy or a moment of distress, we can learn from each other.

Helping our older kids ‘stuck’ at home during Covid-19

The pandemic has forced so many changes in our lives. As I reflect on what is happening in my family, I feel it is especially difficult for our teens and young adults.

Our Teens are Experiencing Grief & Loss too

These are difficult times as we all struggle to figure out what “parenting in a pandemic” means. For many of us, there is a pervasive sense of loss and grief. Sometimes it is easy to forget that our teens are experiencing grief and loss too.

How can we keep our kids interested in learning?

As we all learn to navigate a world we never expected to find ourselves in, here are some tips and strategies to help keep our kids interested in learning.

Gratitude builds Connection–REALLY!

I believe that gratitude builds connect—and, as a parent, I have found that a daily gratitude practice is a wonderful way to connect with our kids. As a parent of a 16 year old, I have discovered that having a gratitude practice has been one of the best ways of connecting.

Parenting is Hard (What happened when my son gave up competitive hockey)

I try to set a good example for my children, I think all parents do. We all try to do what we think is right for our children. To teach them well. To instill a sense of integrity and morality. But sometimes it’s hard to lead by example. Sometimes you want to yell and scream and fight back when people behave poorly. This happened recently in my family and when it was all over, I had to thank my son for being wiser than I am.

What is next for me?

Wake up, dress, feed, entertain, teach the children, put the children to sleep, repeat. This is my regular daily routine. Spending my days with my children, laughing, learning and playing is something I so enjoy. However, as my youngest is nearing his second birthday, I’m left feeling overwhelmed with what to do when I am able to go back to work.

Parenting as a Newcomer: Moms share their stories.

I was thrilled to be part of a conversation with Arabic speaking mothers who are now living in Canada. The conversation, shown in the video , shares a bit of the mother’s stories regarding learning to parent in a country different from the one they were born in.

Beating Holiday Stress

Three sets of grandparents, two sets of great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends… That’s a lot of love and it’s also a LOT of people to see over the holidays! Not to mention wanting to have time making memories with just our own little family. Add to that concerts, parades, shopping, volunteering, parties, and all of the other things that make holiday time so special. This time can become pretty stressful.

First Day Back at School

This morning, like many parents, I sent two of my boys on the bus for another school year. It’s lunch time right now and the house is too quiet. Although I still have some littles here with me at home, it’s not quite the same.

Reflections on being a Grandma

It seems that it was only a few years ago when I became a mom. Now I am a grandma. . . how quickly time and seasons pass.

How I Learned to Encourage Empathy

It dawned upon me some years ago that empathy does not come naturally for everyone. After a distressing and confusing moment with my young child, I began to do some research about how to encourage empathy with my children. What I learned was a great relief: empathy is a skill that can be taught and there are many things I can do to encourage empathy in my children.

Will my son ever sleep through the night?

My son was 3.5 years old before he was able to sleep through the night. Somewhere in there, I began to despair that it would never happen. But I learned a few things during those early, sleep-deprived years

Social Media and Children

Social media and children. Our arrival at this issue was a big surprise for my husband and I. Our kids are not yet teenagers and I thought we had time before some of the more subtle teachings of navigating social media were required. Were we wrong!

Date Night for Mom and Dad

Before my wife and I were married, we really enjoyed dating. It was part of how we fell in love. Date night for mom and dad? When was there time for that?! Well, I learned that in order to be a good parent, I also need to be a good partner. So, we work at it!

Losing a Child to Suicide

Losing a child is unimaginable. This may be one of the most truthful statements ever made because if you have not lost a child you simply cannot imagine it. Losing a child to suicide, that is another whole category of unimaginable.

My Daughter Does the Dishes!

Getting my daughter to do the dishes was a bit of a challenge. My daughter is self disciplined in many ways, at home and in school, but recently, there has been a problem with family chores. As her Mom, I think she should take on more responsibility. This began our “dish washing conflict”.

Parenting a Child with Food Allergies

Birthday parties, ice cream, Easter egg hunts or hot chocolate at a Santa Claus parade—these are the special little moments that a parent looks forward to sharing with their children. For our family, our daughter’s diagnoses of severe allergies has forever changed the way that we experience these small joys.

Life as a Dad with two Girls

I grew up with my mom and older sister. My father was never in my life and I had to learn the “man stuff” from my mom and important male influences around me. My biggest fear for myself was when I have my own children, how will I know how to raise them?

Becoming a Mother of Premature Babies

Growing up, I dreamed of becoming a mother….but most of my expectations of what might happen flew out the window when my first child came 9 weeks early. Our son’s early arrival was not part of the plan I imagined in my dreams – nobody ever taught me or my husband what to expect if a pregnancy did not go as anticipated.

I Knew this Day would Come

I knew this day would come, the day when our baby was supposed to be born. 29 weeks ago, I had a miscarriage. 30 weeks ago, I was carrying around a new life inside me. A new life we were so excited about and so ready to embrace—a little boy who should have come into our lives this weekend. A little brother for our daughter.