I wanted to share this:

Barbara Coloroso wrote in her book, Kids are Worth It, something I completely agree with and wanted to share with you:

"If you want your kids to make wise choices, give them the opportunity to make lots of choices - including some unwise ones. Unless the unwise ones are life-threatening, morally threatening, or unhealthy (in which case you have to intervene), allow them to experience the real-world consequences of their own mistakes and poor choices, as painful as they may be.

When they fall, don't be standing in front of them to rescue, or over them to punish. Be behind them to support and guide them. Give them the six critical life messages: I believe in you...I trust you...I know you can handle this...you are listened to...you are cared for...and you are very important to me." ~ Barbara Coloroso pg 241 of Kids Are Worth It.

enjoy every day,

...transParent...

An image like this one comes to mind when I think about parenting issues.

There's the portion above the surface that is obvious to all.

Then there's the portion below the surface....THAT'S the incredible part.

Working with parents who are courageous and willing to be "transParent" is so powerful. When parents are honest, clear, and willing to look at their entire situation...above and below the surface...positive changes occur. It's not always comfortable being transParent; yet it is so worth it!!

Our parenting discussion groups will start back up in September.

In the meantime, I am right here if you need me!

One-On-One ParentShare

What has become very popular are private ParentShare sessions. Yes, I am available to meet with you for some one-on-one parenting support.

Many have been asking what I charge, and honestly, I don't have a set fee. I accept what the parent feels is appropriate. The baseline has been about $20 an hour. Yet, what has been a lot of fun for me is bartering. We can get creative with this!

If a group is more your style, I still offer every other Thursday nights from 7pm to 8:28pm.

Whatever works! Just know I am right here, ready to work with you.


much love,
Gretchen

ParentShare

Love your children.

Thank God that they are in your life.

~ Happy New Year ~ Refine in '09

I hope you are having a fabulous start to 2009!!

ParentShare has started and good things are happening in families. I am humbled by the power of sharing ideas, support, and intentions...it's so amazing. Parenting is an amazing part of my life. I love to study parenting, to practice what I've learned, and then support other parents through ParentShare.

I recently accepted a part-time job working in a local Montessori School. I am in a classroom of children 2, 3, and 4 years-old. Because of this addition to my life, I need to find a different time to hold the morning sessions of ParentShare. In the meantime, we will continue to meet every other Wednesday evening starting Jan 7. As I continue to receive feedback from interested parents, additional sessions may start popping up! Stay tuned.

I have a motto for the new year : Refine in '09! This is from a statement that came to me a few weeks ago: Clarity brings refinement brings clarity <-- if I could type that in a circle, I would. This phrase is fitting every single area in my life.

Refine in '09. What comes to mind for you when you read that?

For me, Refine in '09 is about enhancing what is already brewing in my life: my relationship with God, my relationships with my family, my parenting skills, my friendships, my health, my work, my hobbies, etc.

When I have clarity around a parenting struggle, I see the area that I need to refine. Once I have refined my parenting, there is more clarity. That clarity leads to another area to refine...

Clarity brings refinement brings clarity. The circle continues, just as life does.

Happy New Year ~ Refine in '09!!!


Gretchen

ParentShare

Beginning Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008,
(and then every other week)
I will be hosting
two sessions of ParentShare at my home.

9 am until 10:28 am
&
7 pm until 8:28 pm

ParentShare will be an opportunity for us to
come together for support one another on our parenting paths.

Together we will be sharing our experiences and
reflecting on advice from a variety of books we read together.

I bring to the group over 12 years of Parents Together experience
as well as 15 plus years of parenting, yet what is more important is
the wisdom, experience, and energy you bring!

Let me know which session works best for you

and I am thrilled

After my children left for school today, I walked through their bedrooms and was not surprised at all at mess they left behind. Today, instead of being annoyed with the unmade beds, wet towels on the floor, and clothes everywhere, I had a feeling of deep gratitude wash over me.

As I made their beds, picked up the towels, and put their clothes in a pile, I thought about how blessed I am to have these amazing people in my life. It is truly beyond words the joy they bring to my world.

Time is passing so quickly. Wasn't it just yesterday that they were in cribs? learning to walk? talk? read? Truth is, it will only be a very short period of time until they move out and start their lives on their own. Today, they are here, their rooms are a mess and I am THRILLED.