Happy Mother’s Day

May 13, 2012

Being a Mother is the greatest honor and privilege of my life. There is no greater gift or Silver Lining in the world! Wishing you all a joyous Mother’s Day! This Mary Oliver poem speaks to me on this beautiful, love-filled day.

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Must-Do Manners

March 28, 2012

Manners and kindness are big in our house. I like to think that I’m a pretty relaxed and flexible Momma in most areas, but there are no if’s, and’s or but’s when it comes to being kind and using manners. Having spent a fair amount of time at Sweetly Six’s school this year, I am amazed (aghast is a better description!) by how few children consistently use manners (and it’s not for lack of effort by her wonderful teacher!). I am forever reminding kids to say, “Please” and “Thank You” at school. Why are they so important to me, you ask? Well, I believe that at the heart of good manners is a respect for oneself and others. Good manners convey a sense of respect for the sensibilities of other people. I believe that the acquisition of basic manners is a two-way street. Children learn manners by consistent example. When …

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The New Girls in Town

February 26, 2012

For 3 days after my surgery, my new “breasts” (it still feels weird to call them that because they aren’t real breasts, so from here on out I’ll refer to them as “The Girls”) were wrapped up like mummies. Friday was the big “unveiling.” For the past year, our daughter, a/k/a Sweetly Six has been asking to meet my doctors. My plastic surgeon is a super guy and the timing was finally right to take her to an appointment. No, she didn’t watch the reveal. More on that shortly. She was THRILLED to be included. Absolutely thrilled. As I’ve been saying since the time of my diagnosis, including children in as much of the process as possible is a gift not only to the children but to the whole family! Prior to the appointment, I suggested that Sweetly Six write down her list of questions. As I’ve mentioned, it’s always good to …

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9 Essential Things Kids Need to Learn

February 20, 2012

I recently came across this blog post written by Leo Babauta on Zen Habits and loved it. Goose bump kind of love. So much so that I just had to share it with you! Leo Babauta believes that “kids in today’s school system are not being prepared well for tomorrow’s world.” Uhhhhh, yeaaaaaah. I couldn’t agree more, especially when it seems as if “teaching to the test” is omnipresent (Grrrrr). Babauta wonders, then, “how to prepare our kids for a world that is unpredictable, unknown? By teaching them to adapt, to deal with change, to be prepared for anything by not preparing them for anything specific.” I love this philosophy!

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Caring for Children Throughout the Cancer Trajectory

February 9, 2012

For some unknown and yucky reason, this has been an extraordinarily difficult period for friends of mine who are facing the death of very young women (sisters, mothers and grandmothers) in their lives. There really are no words to describe the sadness of death period, but especially so early in life. It’s just one big, fat f-bomb. Many people have been asking for the “How To” tips for talking & being with children during this difficult period of time. So, for that reason, I thought that I would post a recap of how to talk with children, from the time of diagnosis through the death and funeral. If a Silver Lining can be found it is that there are indeed tools to help adults help children through this incredibly difficult period. Explaining Cancer to Children Saying Goodbye to a Loved One After the Death and Funeral If there are any additional questions that you …

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100th Day of School

February 7, 2012

Today is a very special day for our daughter, a/k/a Sweetly Six. It is her 100th day of school. I don’t ever remember celebrating this day, do you? Apparently I’m behind the times – again – because it’s a BIG deal at her school!

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A Special Day

January 29, 2012

Today is a very special day: Finally Five is celebrating her 6th Birthday, making her now Sweetly Six. Today, I’m going to take the day off from writing to spend it entirely with Sweetly Six and the HOTY (Silver Lining). I’m so glad you were born, Sweetly Six. You are my ultimate Silver Lining.

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Caring for Children When a Parent Dies

January 12, 2012

As you know from my last post, a dear friend of mine is dying. She was an incredible light in this world and will be missed – so very much. She and her dear husband have two young children, under the age of 8. Many people have asked how to talk & be with them as well as how to explain her death to their own children. So, this blog post is dedicated to my friend and her family. Developmental Understanding & What Helps Two Years to Five Years Preschool children often see death as reversible, temporary, and impersonal. They believe in magical causes. They have a great deal of curiosity and often ask lots of questions. Regression, aggression and clinging behaviors are common common after a death. They worry who will care for them. What Helps: As hard as this is, remind them that their mom will not return. Reassure them …

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To Live in Hearts

Today is an incredibly sad day. A very dear friend of mine is dying from an absolutely horrific form of cancer. She is in her early 40′s with the most amazing husband and phenomenal (young) children. My heart and mind are with them today. There truly are no words (excepts the ones below) to describe my profound sadness.

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Bambino Bibliotherapy: Nowhere Hair

January 8, 2012

Since I’m focused on writing about kids right now (working on a couple of other posts right now), I thought I’d repost a (reader favorite) entry that I did on a super book called Nowhere Hair. In a whimsical yet normalizing way, this book addresses key (absolutely fundamental!) points when talking with children about cancer, including: Cancer is not their fault Cancer is not contagious Dramatic side effects of chemotherapy, including hair loss and fatigue In my work as a hospice and palliative care nurse, using books (a/k/a bibliotherapy) is a wonderful way to open dialogue to explain and discuss challenging circumstances to children (including things other than FBC!). This book addresses children’s guilt, fear and sadness gently, with dignity and respect. This book is honest, fun and hip…and I’m crazy about it! The author, Sue Glader, is an award-winning freelance writer, mother, and breast cancer survivor living in Mill Valley, …

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