Nell and I talked
And we have some things to share with you.
We don’t often think about discipline in parenting with reference to the Mom or Dad needing to be more disciplined and I loved Nell highlighting this truth.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, we are introducing a short deviation from our normal program style at Parenting Smarts and have recorded three episodes of Parenting Smarts that are simply conversations. This weeks guest is Nell O’Leary!
Often when we are met with a discipline issue in our family, we focus so much on trying to correct the behavior in the child, we loose our minds just a little bit. But what if we could stop and take a minute to process what is happening externally around us and also internally within?
What virtue are we being called to exercise in this moment? Courage? Patience? Fortitude? Mercy?
How do we respond with virtue so that it benefits our child, our family and our very souls in both the short and long term?
Nell had some beautiful thoughts about how our perspectives have shifted on parenting in the first and second decades of this adventure. In particular, Nell shared about her need to give up a little more control in able to respond intentionally in a disciplined way.
In the last dozen years, in so many ways Nell has subtly challenged me to be a better mother by being more thoughtful and prayerful in all I do. I hope you can catch this episode of parenting smarts here, as well as the upcoming episodes with Shannon Wendt and my previous episode with Emily Jaminet. I am sure there will be something there that challenges you too! And please stay tuned for more parenting smarts!
📚 In our conversation I bring up Dr. Alison Gopnik’s book The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the New Science of Child Development Tells us About the Relationship Between Parents and Children. I recommend this book to those of a more scholarly bent who are frustrated that they can’t just craft their children to fit a specific mold. Alison does a great job encouraging a nurturing approach where parents cultivate an environment for optimal growth.
✝️ Are you striving to be more altruistic this Lent? One amazing altruistic act is to offer an excellent review for a book or podcast you enjoy (hint hint), or some really great customer service you received this week. It takes just a few minutes to spread some love and the creatives and other people working hard around you would love to get your support in this way!
🎤 You are invited to my next talk, March 20th at St Andrew’s Parish in Chandler, Az. I will be speaking to parents on the topic of Discernment of Spirits from 5:30-7:30pm. The first hour will be my presentation, and the second will be q/a with time for book sales and signing at the end. Please register ahead of time here. Childcare is available but registration is required! You can even come early for the fish fry which starts at 4:30. Sounds like a good way to spend a Friday night!
🌎 Not local? I will be in Maryland this summer for an amazing summit on spiritual warfare in the family and I would love to have you join us! I will also be in Southern California in May and Illinois in October. Check my website here for more information and registration links as they become available.
🛩️ Would you like me to come to your area? Shoot me an email and let’s see if we can work something out. I am booking into Spring 2027 and I can be reached via the contact form on my website. I would love to hear from you.