Healthy Expat Parent

It’s like the world is in fast-forward.  We rush rush rush and we forget, sometimes, to give feedback and, yes, accolades.  In general, but most importantly to those who we love and who deserve it most.  We forget that sometimes a verbal pat on the back and acknowledge...

One of my favorite things is the end of the work/school day, and checking in with my kiddos, and hearing about their day.  I can tell from their satisfied expressions, grubby/sweaty clothing, and grass-stained knees that they have had a busy and active day.  So when I...

There are THOSE words that you say that you can just toss out there almost without even thinking, and they really aren't worth a lot.  You know, the ones that you can say without actually listening (when your boys are going on and on and on about who they think is the...

There are many versions of this tale originally by Hans Christian Andersen (ours, for example, is illustrated with penguins dolled up - or not - in their finery).  The bottom line of this story regarldess of illustration is always the same: self-deception.  It takes a...

We try — as parents, as teachers, and those of influence — to teach those to whom we try to impart knowledge or ideas to celebrate our differences, to demonstrate to our kids how different is good, and how no one color or religion or culture is 'best'.  It is one of ou...

"Study Nature. Love Nature.  Stay close to Nature.  It will never fail you." ~ Frank Lloyd Wright.

This book is probably not much of a surprise: I love my green spaces, I love being outdoors.  And honestly, who wouldn't love to be surrounded by truffula trees? This...

This is probably one of my favorite books, and one I have used in many lessons.  In this book, The Lion and the Little Red Bird by Elisa Kleven, we meet two creatures who become improbable friends through their time together and a shared love of art.  The bird loves th...

During the month of January this year, I am going to share with you some of my favorite books and why I love them.  I don't have a fully formed list yet, but most likely, these books are going to be children's books.  Why? Because I love a well-formed tale with a lesso...

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dre...

I bet (if you have teenagers, or perhaps adults in avoidance-of-visiting-relatives mode) you have wondering at the amount of time one really should be on a screen over this holiday break.  I bet you may even have asked for the phone/ipad/laptop/etc to be be put away....

Did you know: the holiday season is one of the periods during a calendar year when those who are experiencing feelings of depression and angst actually feel the worst?  Watching others bask in the love and attention of family can amplify the feelings of loneliness or u...

Aren’t we lucky?

Every.single.day I get the opportunity to learn something new, or see something that amazes me, surprises me; each opportunity, I relish.  Every day I can have some sort of wonder, I really appreciate.  Learning something new is not only the chance you...