Mr Rogers & Tom Hanks are both gifts to the world. To start my morning, w Tom Hanks sensitively saying/portraying Mr Rogers' words -- not a bad way to start a day.
Thank you for this post. I grew up in a family where we discussed very little and am endeavoring to embark on a different path with my daughter. This can be uncomfortable sometimes (also for my husband, who grew up in a MidWestern, stoic family) and I’m saving this to read again when we need it (and planning to share it again).
“Anything mentionable is manageable” really stuck with me. It’s so important. We make a point of having open discussions with our daughter, which is hard some times as it can be hard to put things in terms she understands. Last weekend we donated a bunch of clothes so I had to go around many circles to explain what privilege was. I’m sure this conversation will evolve as she grows older.
This is very timely - our dog is 14, which is quite old for a Lab, and we know we’re going to have to make A Decision sooner or later. The kids (ages 4 and 7) understand that Charlie is nearing the end and sometimes talk about it quite matter-of-factly. They aren’t yet aware, though, that we’re almost certainly going to be choosing when it happens. We will tell them when the time comes, and are now figuring out if we want to let them be there when it happens. We’re leaning towards yes but would love any thoughts/guidance either way!
I always thought of myself as plainspoken and not too squeamish, so I was kind of surprised to find myself really struggling with explaining hard stuff to my daughter! Appropriately enough given that this essay starts with Mr Rogers, I highly recommend using books and TV shows as a jumping off point if you just don’t know how to begin or what to say. Our daughter will sometimes ask questions as we read, but if she doesn’t, the book is a helpful reference point when the subject comes up some time later.
Wow what a way to start the morning, tears from both of those clips. I love this mantra and post, thank you!
Mr Rogers & Tom Hanks are both gifts to the world. To start my morning, w Tom Hanks sensitively saying/portraying Mr Rogers' words -- not a bad way to start a day.
Thank you for this post. I grew up in a family where we discussed very little and am endeavoring to embark on a different path with my daughter. This can be uncomfortable sometimes (also for my husband, who grew up in a MidWestern, stoic family) and I’m saving this to read again when we need it (and planning to share it again).
“Anything mentionable is manageable” really stuck with me. It’s so important. We make a point of having open discussions with our daughter, which is hard some times as it can be hard to put things in terms she understands. Last weekend we donated a bunch of clothes so I had to go around many circles to explain what privilege was. I’m sure this conversation will evolve as she grows older.
This is very timely - our dog is 14, which is quite old for a Lab, and we know we’re going to have to make A Decision sooner or later. The kids (ages 4 and 7) understand that Charlie is nearing the end and sometimes talk about it quite matter-of-factly. They aren’t yet aware, though, that we’re almost certainly going to be choosing when it happens. We will tell them when the time comes, and are now figuring out if we want to let them be there when it happens. We’re leaning towards yes but would love any thoughts/guidance either way!
I always thought of myself as plainspoken and not too squeamish, so I was kind of surprised to find myself really struggling with explaining hard stuff to my daughter! Appropriately enough given that this essay starts with Mr Rogers, I highly recommend using books and TV shows as a jumping off point if you just don’t know how to begin or what to say. Our daughter will sometimes ask questions as we read, but if she doesn’t, the book is a helpful reference point when the subject comes up some time later.