The Other Side of Nice

Tag: parenting

  • The one we don’t talk about (and that’s a good thing)

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    by

    loriday1974
    in

    There’s a moment that sticks with me from one of my therapy sessions. I was deep in conversation unraveling worries about one child, then my father’s illness and on top of that; grandchildren and being a caregiver when I had barely anything left to give— when my therapist gently asked:“Have you ever noticed we rarely…

  • Why I apologize to my kids (then and now)

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    by

    loriday1974
    in

    When I was growing up, parenthood seemed to be all about having the last word. I imagined that’s how I would have to parent as well.  I thought I had to be right; even when I wasn’t because being “the adult” meant holding authority. To be honest, for a long time, I misunderstood what authority really meant.…

  • When helping turns into controlling

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    by

    loriday1974
    in

    I’ve done a lot of reflecting over the years, and never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d ever admit that what I once believed was simply being “helpful” was truly, a form of control especially when it came to being a parent. My support wasn’t always as selfless as I told myself it…

  • How my kids have taught me boundaries

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    by

    loriday1974
    in

    No one really prepares you for parenting adult children. You think once they’re out of the house, things will settle and that your job is pretty much “done.” If anything, the lessons get deeper — and boundaries become even more important. When my kids were young, boundaries were something I thought I was good at…