Let’s look at relationships for what they really are: opportunities to be uniquely bonded to someone else for a period of time. The beginning of a new year is always a time for looking ahead and making life improvements while trying not to repeat the past. All too often, we look back at our past relationships as […]
Who would have thought that being a failure would be so useful? If at first you don’t succeed, lay on your bathroom floor in the fetal position and weep until sunrise. No? Oh. Just me then? Apparently the saying is something more along the lines of, “get up and keep trying. MY GOD what is […]
High school graduation is important, but so is growing into responsible, caring, and compassionate adults—and you won’t find that on the SATs. “I’ll never be like you,” my daughter tells me. She’s 16 now, angry because I grounded her for skipping school, and I try not to let her barbs find my fleshy, soft spots. […]
I have been hurt many times in my life, and I will probably be hurt many times more, but those words pierced my heart. I heard the two words you should never say to a new mother a few months ago. I was crying, doubting my ability to mother our toddler and 5-month-old twins. I […]
Kids whose parents are too involved or controlling are more likely to suffer from depression or anxiety. I grew up in a home full of love and support. I was surrounded by people who only wanted what was best for me—but sometimes, the way that played out actually had the opposite of the intended effect. […]
“Today’s overprotective, failure-avoidant parenting style has undermined the competence, independence, and academic potential of an entire generation.” Over the past couple of years there’s been a growing rally cry in support of failure. I first noticed this in 2013, when I had coffee with Harvard professor Sarah Lewis to talk about a book she was […]
