Emotional Security - This was just a good reminder. Nothing earth-shattering, but I'm glad I read it.
Some thoughts on Humanae Vitae and NFP - I don't really want to start a big debate about this, I've witnessed enough Facebook threads on this topic of late to make my head spin. SO many strong (and often misinformed) opinions, whew. But this article (and I actually didn't read the whole thing) did provide some good information I thought. And if you have never read Humanae Vitae, two words...read it.
Mercy and Confession - I am so grateful for the opportunity for regular confession and Spiritual Direction. This article had some good, concise nuggets of wisdom about the Sacramental Grace we receive from Reconciliation.
Sexy Little Girls - Sigh. I hate this trend. I can hear my daughter telling me "we don't say 'hate' mommy," but this is an instance where I will unashamedly say it. I got a Penney's ad in the mail the other day and I seriously couldn't tell what age the kids were in the ads because the style of clothing made them look so much older than they probably were. It was just weird. And I'm not even talking modesty strictly. I mean, yes, modesty is an issue, but some articles of clothing, even if they are modest, are not intended for a five year old girl to wear. I didn't completely identify with everything the author said (perchance it was her atheist perspective??) but she made some good points.
In the parenting category:
- Going Against a Toddler's Will - I liked this, especially the distinction between "soft" and "hard" rules. So many parenting methods are so big on "consistency" no matter what, and that has always bugged me, as I do believe different things carry different weights, and also that you have to pick your battles sometimes depending on things like tiredness, hunger, etc. This was a good read.
- Truths About Consequences - Some of the "consequence based" parenting styles I've seen and read about just seem so arbitrary to me. This summed up my disdain for that approach to discipline quite succinctly. I thought some of her model conversations were a little wordy and/or forced, and not exactly what I'd say, but I agree that consequences are often simply a euphemism for punishments, and that we teach our children much more effectively through our own example and secure relationships with them than through rewards and consequences.
- The Sweet Spot - I'm not there yet. Not really even close. But I liked this article a lot and thought maybe some of you out there could relate and appreciate it now. Maybe I'll come back and read it here in 5-7 years....
