Protecting is not Always the Answer

We always want to keep our kids safe.  However, in this episode, we consider situations where they willingly take on risk.  Our kids will never be heroes without facing risk and getting out of a protective bubble.  It is hard to be a parent when a child is determined to face danger and risk for the service of others.  However, you might have to let your chick spread their wings to reach their potential.  Although protecting them is important, we should consider when protection turns to stifling.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

 

Meeting a Need for Divorced Dads

In part three of the interview series, we discuss Craig's search for help and support during his divorce.  Finding nothing useful for divorced dads, he started a blog to share his experiences.  This led to a book and a sort of mission to provide somewhere for daddy support.  He has found that he is not alone and has shown through example how even divorced dads can still be great ones.

Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Unmasking The Imposter

Imposter syndrome is a state where someone successful sees a situation as surreal.  It may be a dinner in their honor, a speech in front of a large crowd, or a championship win.  This fear or flash of uncertainty can occur in people that are wildly successful and seem ultimately confident.  In this episode, we look at some potential reasons behind this sort of reaction.  We follow up with some ways to raise children that do not have this reaction.  Although this is a minor syndrome at times, it can be damaging.  Luckily, it is one that may be easily avoided.

Thus, we return to some discussions of self-confidence and how to instill it in our children.  We look at building a work ethic and creating comfort from the fruits of our labor.   This focus on how success has been earned can provide a solid foundation.  How we achieve success may include luck, but that does not mean we do not deserve to be there.

 

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

 

The Obvious Still Must Be Stated

Do not rely on your intentions or actions to imply the obvious when dealing with your children.  Come out and tell them that you love them and take the guesswork out of their life.  We see life through different lenses from our children.  Thus, actions that may seem to remove all doubt about how we feel towards our children are not that obvious to them.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Stay In Their Life

As we continue the interview with Craig Daliessio we spend some time discussing the impact of divorce.  As I was editing this episode it occurred to me that Craig is truly a giant among men when it comes to being a Dad.  He may truly be the "ultimate dad."  He had every opportunity to bail out.  However, he took his role as a Father seriously and stayed committed to it.  In this discussion, Craig goes through mindset as he realized divorce was going to be his reality.  We talk about how his daughter has shown great inner strength to become the young lady she is and see where that inner strength likely came from.

Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

 

Limitations to Creativity

A parent has to teach their children about rules and limitations.  Whether these are rules of nature or society, they must be taught.  However, we know that rules are meant to be broken.  Part of the challenge of life is finding ways to bend and break rules.  Some would call this "thinking outside of the box."  Thus, a parent that wants to raise a creative thinker has to address to the dichotomy of understanding and following rules while challenging them.  Communication is often the key, but it takes more than that.  Instead of asking for the rules to be followed, a parent should also explain why the rules exist.  A practice of explaining why rules are there will teach deeper lessons and help a child build a solid foundation.  Thus, they will be able to do the right thing without regard for the rules.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Kid Dates Offer Individual-Focused Conversation

When parents have more than one child to raise it can become easy to miss out on individual time with each child.  Thus, in this episode, we look at kid dates.  This may be as simple as taking your child with you on an errand run.  However, it is even better when it is an activity or event that allows the child to feel special.  Mix in an activity they enjoy like a favorite fast food place or hobby store.  This makes the time not only good for conversation, it also helps them feel like it is a "treat."  Create these times for safe and open discussion early on and it will pay off big in the future. 

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

A Homeless Dad and Divorce

This episode starts an interview series with Craig Daliessio.  Craig shares the struggle of being a divorced dad.  It includes a few years where he ended up homeless rather than move to another town and potentially abandon the true love of his life, his daughter.  This series covers a broad range of topics.  However, in the end, it is about what a healthy Father-Daughter relationship is.  Life may cause bumps along the way.  Nevertheless, the foundation never moves, and a daughter grows up knowing she is loved and protected.

Craig has written a couple of books including his latest, "Nowhere to lay my head."  We talk about the forward in this series, but the book is more than worth a read.  Check out his website for more information at http://www.craigdaliessio.com.  Also, you can find this book and his past ones that tie real life experiences and excellent story-telling into unforgettable reads.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Reduce the Pain of Grocery Checkout

When you are feeding a lot of people a grocery trip can hurt your wallet.  There are sacrifices that can be made and coupons clipped.  However, there are other ways to reduce the cost of feeding your family.  In this episode, we look at some ways to keep costs down without resorting to years of Ramen noodles.  These may not all be for your family, but if you haven't tried these out you should.  These suggestions could quickly reduce your grocery bill by ten percent or more.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.

Teach Individuality

Our children use labels and are labeled at an early age.  These labels point out similarities in a group.  However, they also ignore differences among individuals.  This can become a way to discount and dehumanize others.  Almost as bad, it ignores how each of us is unique.  When we teach our children that generalities are only generally correct then we help them avoid bigotry and ill-informed decisions.  

When we teach our children that every person is unique and has value we also teach our children their value.  This helps both self-confidence and social interaction that are important life-skills to possess.

Please leave a review and let me know your thoughts on this and other episodes at  https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/blessing-not-stressing-happy/id1186128287.  You can find other podcast episodes at https://blessingnotstressing.com/blog/podcast.  There are also deeper discussions with blog articles available there as well.  For regular updates follow me on twitter (@thebroadhead) and check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/blessingnotstressing.