Ever wonder what you did to be “blessed” with a spirited, strong-willed child? Amidst your ponderings, did you ever think, “What would life be like if I didn’t have to deal with these discipline issues day to day?” I have. And I bet you have too, at least once. Almost every mom I’ve ever worked with has revealed in a guilty whisper, “I wish I didn’t feel this way–you know, like it’s not fair that I have to be the one with a strong-willed child. Do good moms feel this way?” …

Another year is upon us, and of course, I have all kinds of thoughts about what I want to improve on this year – especially in regard to mothering. In fact, I can think of a whole list of things quite easily:

get the girls’ evening routine more streamlined (read: get them to bed sooner!)
volunteer in the girls’ classrooms more often
show more patience when they are bickering with one another

I could go on, but I get overwhelmed just thinking about all I COULD do. Which brings me to my next point …

There was a “Major Stressful Event” at our house this past Spring. No, we didn’t remodel. No, no one died, and no one lost their job. What transpired was my youngest daughter (who is 5) signed up for Ballet class. Well, technically I signed her up, so I really can’t blame her! Although I am a very reluctant sit-by-the-sidelines-and-watch-and-wait-while-your-kids-are-at-their-activities kind of mom, I relented when it came to Ballet. My youngest loves all things dance, all things girly and swirly, and all things musical. I knew I was a goner …