Blessing Not Stressing - Happy Parenting

Winning and Losing Carry Momentum When your child is winning then there are no worries.  However, when your child seems to suffer a loss everywhere they turn it can cause depression and a sense of doom.  It can be hard to turn around a child particularly when they have made a series of bad decisions to get them in a hole.  Fortunately, although there is a sort of momentum that winning and losing carry, they can also be turned around.  A great way to get on a winning track is to find small victories.  This may require a lot of simplification and creative thinking, but it is possible.  Find a win, no matter how small, to get your child something positive they can use to take that first step.  Use that little win to find another little win and repeat until you have built a juggernaut of success your child can ride. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes a

Religion and Politics are Worth Discussing Our core beliefs are important to pass down to our children.  Whether we are talking religion or politics, we all have beliefs about the world in which we live.  When we explain why we believe the way we do it helps our children understand instead of parrot ideas.  This explanation helps their critical thinking skills and can help them relate to others.  Core beliefs and confidence in the same can avoid being offended easily while also making one more comfortable when challenged.  Our children do not exist in a bubble.  Thus, explaining alternative points of view can also help our kids grow into well-adjusted adults.  In this episode, we look at ways to expand views while maintaining core beliefs. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper di

In this episode, we continue to get to know Casey a little better.  We talk about how embarrassing social network posts can be.  Then we talk about those moments parents love to remind kids about.  We move on to live as a multi-racial couple during the Holidays and raising children in a family with multiple traditions.  Of course, we can't move on without talking about marriage to an older woman and how long you can get away with telling a bad joke.  You can learn more about Casey on his site.  Otherwise, check him out on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube.  Drop him a line and tell him how much you like him.  Negative feedback is allowed, but let's be honest, he is too wicked-awesome for that. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available t

Party Time! Regular celebrations like a birthday party, or other milestone markers are common in the life of a child.  Unfortunately, the cost of a party for children is starting to rival one for adults.  There is a broad range of activities available to modern children that are new to this generation.  However, that does not mean that "old school" activities do not still hold a lot of value.  In this episode, we look at some activities from our childhood that can be an excellent lost-cost solution to our party problem.  These are ideas that build friendships and memories so what more can one ask for? Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook pa

Shake It Off We all make mistakes.  However, our parental guidance mistakes do not "ruin" our children.  It can be hard to avoid second guessing parental decisions when your kids make bad choices.  We tend to embrace the responsibility we have for our children and society often reminds us as well.  Our children are a reflection of us, but they do make their own decisions.  Although this means good kids can come out of a bad family life, it also allows for rotten kids from the best circumstances.  As in many areas of life, we should own our mistakes and move forward, not live in a world of regret. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at

  Casey Palmer is a Dad blogger in Canada.  Actually, he is more than that.  His articles cover a wide range of topics and I think almost anyone will find relevant topics discussed on his site.  In this episode, we get an introduction to Casey Palmer and his family life.  Although his situation may be very different from yours, I think you will still see how families of any kind have a lot of similarities.  We cover some specifics like life in the big city.  We even discuss how young kids are equal to spending time in the weight room "pumping iron." You can learn more about Casey on his site.  Otherwise, check him out on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram, or YouTube.  Drop him a line and tell him how much you like him.  Negative feedback is allowed, but let's be honest, he is too wicked-awesome for that. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://b

Mature Content Commonly Watched By Kids 13 Reasons Why is a recent Netflix original series based on a book.  It looks in depth at a suicide victim and the aftermath as she sends a set of tapes to those that failed her.  It is rated TV-MA and easily earned that rating.  However, kids of all ages are watching this and it is causing discussions in schools across the country.  In some cases, schools have banned discussing the show, but that is only more likely to stir interest in the series and book.  In this episode, I try to stay spoiler free and offer some reasons why parents of middle-schoolers and above should watch this as well as some discussions it can spark. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates fol

Allow Kids to be Kids When we share adult worries with our kids it can create more of a burden than we know.  They are still children after all and have childish perceptions of the world.  Struggles that are part of our normal day can be overwhelming to them.  We also can undermine our spouse by sharing things that are not suitable for childish ears.    This is a struggle more often for single parents as they look for adult conversation.  It may not seem like much, but consider your audience when you share and converse to avoid piling adult worries on childish shoulders.   Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingn

Homeless, but Still A Dad In this final episode of the interview series, we talk about Craig's latest book and some of the homeless experiences that led to it.  He talks about how his choices led to his homelessness but also allowed him to stay in his daughter's life.  These were tough decisions for anyone.  However, Craig knows that a true Father has only one option in a situation like this.  Your children need a Dad so you sacrifice for their sake. Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast e

Big Families Need All Hands The bigger your family the more hands you can call on.  This option is critical for some of the larger activities including cleaning, vacation prep, and parties.  All hands is also a great way to build memories and strengthen bonds.  We look at some ways to divvy out work that will help do more than simply complete some tasks.  These situations can be an opportunity for both one-on-one discussions and for building a sense of family. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Protecting is not Always the Answer We always want to keep our kids safe.  However, in this episode, we consider situations where they willingly take on risk.  Our kids will never be heroes without facing risk and getting out of a protective bubble.  It is hard to be a parent when a child is determined to face danger and risk for the service of others.  However, you might have to let your chick spread their wings to reach their potential.  Although protecting them is important, we should consider when protection turns to stifling. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.  

Meeting a Need for Divorced Dads In part three of the interview series, we discuss Craig's search for help and support during his divorce.  Finding nothing useful for divorced dads, he started a blog to share his experiences.  This led to a book and a sort of mission to provide somewhere for daddy support.  He has found that he is not alone and has shown through example how even divorced dads can still be great ones. Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstre

Unmasking The Imposter Imposter syndrome is a state where someone successful sees a situation as surreal.  It may be a dinner in their honor, a speech in front of a large crowd, or a championship win.  This fear or flash of uncertainty can occur in people that are wildly successful and seem ultimately confident.  In this episode, we look at some potential reasons behind this sort of reaction.  We follow up with some ways to raise children that do not have this reaction.  Although this is a minor syndrome at times, it can be damaging.  Luckily, it is one that may be easily avoided. Thus, we return to some discussions of self-confidence and how to instill it in our children.  We look at building a work ethic and creating comfort from the fruits of our labor.   This focus on how success has been earned can provide a solid foundation.  How we achieve success may include luck, but that does not mean we do not deserve to be there.   Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  

The Obvious Still Must Be Stated Do not rely on your intentions or actions to imply the obvious when dealing with your children.  Come out and tell them that you love them and take the guesswork out of their life.  We see life through different lenses from our children.  Thus, actions that may seem to remove all doubt about how we feel towards our children are not that obvious to them. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Stay In Their Life As we continue the interview with Craig Daliessio we spend some time discussing the impact of divorce.  As I was editing this episode it occurred to me that Craig is truly a giant among men when it comes to being a Dad.  He may truly be the "ultimate dad."  He had every opportunity to bail out.  However, he took his role as a Father seriously and stayed committed to it.  In this discussion, Craig goes through mindset as he realized divorce was going to be his reality.  We talk about how his daughter has shown great inner strength to become the young lady she is and see where that inner strength likely came from. Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads. Please

Limitations to Creativity A parent has to teach their children about rules and limitations.  Whether these are rules of nature or society, they must be taught.  However, we know that rules are meant to be broken.  Part of the challenge of life is finding ways to bend and break rules.  Some would call this "thinking outside of the box."  Thus, a parent that wants to raise a creative thinker has to address to the dichotomy of understanding and following rules while challenging them.  Communication is often the key, but it takes more than that.  Instead of asking for the rules to be followed, a parent should also explain why the rules exist.  A practice of explaining why rules are there will teach deeper lessons and help a child build a solid foundation.  Thus, they will be able to do the right thing without regard for the rules. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other pod

Kid Dates Offer Individual-Focused Conversation When parents have more than one child to raise it can become easy to miss out on individual time with each child.  Thus, in this episode, we look at kid dates.  This may be as simple as taking your child with you on an errand run.  However, it is even better when it is an activity or event that allows the child to feel special.  Mix in an activity they enjoy like a favorite fast food place or hobby store.  This makes the time not only good for conversation, it also helps them feel like it is a "treat."  Create these times for safe and open discussion early on and it will pay off big in the future.  Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter

A Homeless Dad and Divorce This episode starts an interview series with Craig Daliessio.  Craig shares the struggle of being a divorced dad.  It includes a few years where he ended up homeless rather than move to another town and potentially abandon the true love of his life, his daughter.  This series covers a broad range of topics.  However, in the end, it is about what a healthy Father-Daughter relationship is.  Life may cause bumps along the way.  Nevertheless, the foundation never moves, and a daughter grows up knowing she is loved and protected. Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  http

Reduce the Pain of Grocery Checkout When you are feeding a lot of people a grocery trip can hurt your wallet.  There are sacrifices that can be made and coupons clipped.  However, there are other ways to reduce the cost of feeding your family.  In this episode, we look at some ways to keep costs down without resorting to years of Ramen noodles.  These may not all be for your family, but if you haven't tried these out you should.  These suggestions could quickly reduce your grocery bill by ten percent or more. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Teach Individuality Our children use labels and are labeled at an early age.  These labels point out similarities in a group.  However, they also ignore differences among individuals.  This can become a way to discount and dehumanize others.  Almost as bad, it ignores how each of us is unique.  When we teach our children that generalities are only generally correct then we help them avoid bigotry and ill-informed decisions.   When we teach our children that every person is unique and has value we also teach our children their value.  This helps both self-confidence and social interaction that are important life-skills to possess. Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead)