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Did you know your brain has two parts—right and left? Or that they have their own way to think? Left-brained people rely on logic, structure, and data while right-brained people prefer creative, intuitive, and broader thinking.  I found a great article online from Zinnia Hay that I had to write about. Click on this link to read what she has to say. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/are-you-a-right-brain-or-left-brain-thinker-answer-this-simple-question/ar-AA1VgrdY?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=b89b23df017e40c3eeeed1e4da2ee741&ei=10  
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Did you know your brain has two parts—right and left? Or that they have their own way to think? Left-brained people rely on logic, structure, and data while right-brained people prefer creative, intuitive, and broader thinking. I found a great article online from Zinnia Hay that I had to write about. Click on this link to read what she has to say. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/are-you-a-right-brain-or-left-brain-thinker-answer-this-simple-question/ar-AA1VgrdY?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=b89b23df017e40c3eeeed1e4da2ee741&ei=10  Part 3: Two More Clues For Your Brain And two more simple questions… 1. How do you make decisions? Left-brained people look at facts, use known results, and apply logic to make their decisions. Right-brained people use feeling, intuition, and their gut to decide. Both kinds of people make great decisions. The next time someone makes a choice, watch how they use risk, emotion, and control. Can you guess which side of the brain they used?  2. How does stress affect your brain? It brings out whichever side is dominant. When things are uncomfortable, you turn to the comfortable side of your brain. If you’re not sure which side that is, watch what you do when you’re stressed out. If you’re left-brained, you apply rigid control to the situation. For right-brains, your emotions get more intense, more scattered. Tomorrow: Blended brains and my conclusion
Did you know your brain has two parts—right and left? Or that they have their own way to think? Left-brained people rely on logic, structure, and data while right-brained people prefer creative, intuitive, and broader thinking. I found a great article online from Zinnia Hay that I had to write about. Click on this link to read what she has to say. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/are-you-a-right-brain-or-left-brain-thinker-answer-this-simple-question/ar-AA1VgrdY?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=b89b23df017e40c3eeeed1e4da2ee741&ei=10 Part 2: Two Clues to Your Brain Now, two more simple questions… 1. How do you solve problems?  If you look for patterns and cause/effect, you’re probably left-brained. You love analyzing data and finding the most accurate information. If you use emotions, intuition, and imagination to find answers, you’re probably right-brained. You value insights, and if you’re under pressure, you tend to pick the side you trust most. 2. How do you communicate?  If you speak clearly using facts, you’re probably left-brained. If you use emotions, your tone of voice, or paint a picture with words, you’re probably right-brained. It’s funny to realize our brains choose how we speak, how we listen, based on how it interprets the information we give it. Tomorrow: two more clues to your brain Did you know your brain has two parts—right and left? Or that they have their own way to think? Left-brained people rely on logic, structure, and data while right-brained people prefer creative, intuitive, and broader thinking. I found a great article online from Zinnia Hay that I had to write about. Click on this link to read what she has to say. Link: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/wellness/are-you-a-right-brain-or-left-brain-thinker-answer-this-simple-question/ar-AA1VgrdY?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=b89b23df017e40c3eeeed1e4da2ee741&ei=10 Part 1: How Do You Know Which Side Your Brain Prefers?  Try some simple questions… 1. How do you start a new job? - Come up with a plan of steps to follow. OR - Dive in and find your way through.  If you’re a planner, you’re probably left-brained. You love lists, organization, and order. It feels safer, gives you less anxiety, and a clearer picture of how to finish the job. Problem solving feels natural. You can channel emotions into solving problems or solve them with logic. You trust the process, not your gut.  If you dive in and find your way through, you’re probably right brained. You love intuition, creating and adjusting as you go. Momentum and hands-on learning feel natural. You thrive on working without rules; it frees up creativity. You trust your gut and your emotions. You have discipline but start with inspiration. You use logic to finish up the job. Part 2: Two Clues to Your Brain Now, two more simple questions… 1. How do you solve problems?  If you look for patterns and cause/effect, you’re probably left-brained. You love analyzing data and finding the most accurate information. If you use emotions, intuition, and imagination to find answers, you’re probably right-brained. You value insights, and if you’re under pressure, you tend to pick the side you trust most. 2. How do you communicate?  If you speak clearly using facts, you’re probably left-brained. If you use emotions, your tone of voice, or paint a picture with words, you’re probably right-brained. It’s funny to realize our brains choose how we speak, how we listen, based on how it interprets the information we bring in.  Part 3: Two More Clues For Your Brain And two more simple questions… 1. How do you make decisions? Left-brained people look at facts, use known results, and apply logic to make their decisions. Right-brained people use feeling, intuition, and their gut to decide. Both kinds of people make great decisions. The next time someone makes a choice, watch how they use risk, emotion, and control. Can you guess which side of the brain they used?  2. How does stress affect your brain? It brings out whichever side is dominant. When things are uncomfortable, you turn to the comfortable side of your brain. If you’re not sure which side that is, watch what you do when you’re stressed out. If you’re left-brained, you apply rigid control to the situation. For right-brains, your emotions get more intense, more scattered. Tomorrow: Blended brains and my conclusion  
I think of migraines as headaches, but they’re actually so much more. They’re a complicated neurological condition that can repeat in ways that affect your entire body. I know, I had them in my thirties.  Migraine symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and constant yawning. About 25% of migraines sufferers have auras an hour before the migraine strikes. Auras show up as blurred vision, flashes of light, wavy lines, and blind spots. My first migraine, and all the others, must have been auras. I remember the blurred vision, how I couldn’t read, and my hand going numb. It was scary. I was teaching. I can’t imagine having one if I’d been driving. It’s why I decided to write this post and share the link below from Stephanie Butler. She’s the Outreach Coordinator from Adam Swallow Injury Lawyers. Link: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/driving-with-a-migraine-safety-guide/ Part 4: Where to Get Help  If you suffer from migraines, here are some resources to help you live with them.  One of the best things to try…SEEDS. Not the plant kind. The acronym kind that’s recommended by the American Migraine Foundation. S…Sleep--Make sure you get your beauty rest and follow good sleep practices. E…Exercise--Do gentle activity 3-5 days a week for 30-50 minutes. E…Eat--Eat small healthy meals more frequently. Don’t fast or stop eating. D…Diary--Keep one with details about your migraines. Look for patterns to discuss with your doctor. S…Stress--Keep it under control using mindfulness and relaxation techniques.  Primary Care Doctors: This is a great starting place if/when you suffer your first migraine. They can recommend medicines and strategies to try. They can also tell you if it’s safe to drive. If your doctor can help you, perfect! If not, he/she can recommend a migraine specialist or neurologist. They’re doctors who specialize in migraines. They follow clinical trials and have the latest information to share.  Migraine Support Groups: One of the best ways to survive is with a support group. When I was still teaching, my colleagues supported me through issues like migraines. It helps to realize you’re not alone, and you get great, practical advice. Click on my original source to connect to the groups below. You can Google them too. 1. Move Against Migraines is a Facebook support group that’s connected to the American Migraine Foundation. You’ll find advice and inspiration. 2. Mayo Clinic Headache & Migraine is a community of caregivers and people like you. It’s moderated by the Mayo Clinic Connect. 3. Living Positively with Chronic Pain is an online group from Bethesda, Maryland. It has over 700 members.  Migraine Advocacy and Education: These four groups are dedicated to raising awareness and getting resources to migraine sufferers and the general public. 1. The American Migraine Foundation raises money for research, education, and awareness for doctors and their patients. 2. Miles for Migraines hosts events to raise money for a cure, education, and support for those living with migraines. 3. Migraine.com is an online community that shares what it’s like to live with migraines while supporting each other. 4. National Headache Foundation offers education for patients and doctors. They can help you start a headache diary and share news about clinical trials. They also support veterans who suffer from migraines.  In Conclusion: Driving with migraines is dangerous. Impaired vision, light sensitivity, visual disturbances, and intense pain can take your focus off the road and slow your reaction time. Being unable to drive feels like you’re losing your independence. But with the right support and treatment, you can reclaim it and navigate migraines no matter where you are.
I think of migraines as headaches, but they’re actually so much more. They’re a complicated neurological condition that can repeat in ways that affect your entire body. I know, I had them in my thirties.  Migraine symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and constant yawning. About 25% of migraines sufferers have auras an hour before the migraine strikes. Auras show up as blurred vision, flashes of light, wavy lines, and blind spots. My first migraine, and all the others, must have been auras. I remember the blurred vision, how I couldn’t read, and my hand going numb. It was scary. I was teaching. I can’t imagine having one if I’d been driving. It’s why I decided to write this post and share the link below from Stephanie Butler. She’s the Outreach Coordinator from Adam Swallow Injury Lawyers. Link: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/driving-with-a-migraine-safety-guide/ Part 3: Safety Checklists for Before/During/After Migraine  If you suffer from frequent migraines, these three checklists could minimize risk and maximize safety for you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers.  Before Driving: 1. Assess risk: Ask yourself if you have any migraine symptoms like auras, nausea, or light sensitivity. If you do, don’t drive. 2. Take preventative medications: Take doctor-prescribed medicine before driving. 3. Pack a migraine survival kit: This includes medication, water, snacks, sunglasses, earplugs, and an icepack. 4. Tell passengers: Pick a designated driver, just in case. Teach your kids how to stay calm and call for help. 5. Plan your route: Use GPS to pick a low-stress route that gives you safe places to stop when needed. 6. Have someone on-call: Have family or a friend ready to pick you up in case a migraine strikes while you’re driving. 7. Know your triggers: Plan ahead to avoid things like bright sunlight. If possible, pick the best time for you to travel.  When Driving: 1. Be self-aware: Track your symptoms, especially if triggers pop up. 2. Stay hydrated and fed: Sip water and snack when you feel hungry. 3. Minimize bright sunlight: Use your visor and sunglasses to minimize bright light, even on a cloudy day. 4. Minimize driving stress: Allow yourself extra time to get there and avoid peak traffic. 5. Minimize stimulation: Keep the radio on low, food smells too. The temperature should be comfortable, and conversations kept to a minimum. 6. Pull over: If you feel any warning signs, pull over as soon as you can. 7. Take medication: Once you stop, take your medicine and rest until you feel better. 8. Call for help: If your migraine doesn’t get better, let your designated driver take over, or ask your on-call person to pick you up.  After Driving: 1. Take care of yourself: Rest and rehydrate. Eat if you can, and don’t drive until you’re better. 2. Write down details: Keep a migraine journal with your symptoms, triggers, and responses to medication. It can help you learn to manage them. 3. Evaluate your actions: Did your plan work? How could you improve it for the next time? 4. See your doctor: If your migraines don’t get better, talk to him/her about what you’re doing. 5. Check out alternative transportation: If migraines still affect your driving, look for safe alternatives, like public transportation, carpooling, or uber.  Legal Implications for Migraines: Across the country, there are no laws against driving with migraines. But it’s illegal to drive impaired, and there are penalties for that.
During a migraine, if you’re dizzy, have light sensitivity or visual disturbances, are nauseas, or have intense pain, you could be considered impaired. If there’s a problem, you can be stopped under general traffic laws. The easy button: don’t drive if you’re in doubt. If you have an accident while driving with a migraine, you could face civil liability and criminal charges if someone’s hurt. Put safety first, yours and the drivers around you. Talk to your doctor before you step in the car. If you’re in doubt, call family or friends. I did…I forgot about a migraine that struck at the end of the school day. My husband came to my rescue. Tomorrow: where to find help for your migraines I think of migraines as headaches, but they’re actually so much more. They’re a complicated neurological condition that can repeat in ways that affect your entire body. I know, I had them in my thirties.  Migraine symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and constant yawning. About 25% of migraines sufferers have auras an hour before the migraine strikes. Auras show up as blurred vision, flashes of light, wavy lines, and blind spots. My first migraine, and all the others, must have been auras. I remember the blurred vision, how I couldn’t read, and my hand going numb. It was scary. I was teaching. I can’t imagine having one if I’d been driving. It’s why I decided to write this post and share the link below from Stephanie Butler. She’s the Outreach Coordinator from Adam Swallow Injury Lawyers. Link: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/driving-with-a-migraine-safety-guide/ Part 2: Migraines Stages, Warning Signs, & Gender Difference  Did you know migraines come in three stages? Like pre and post migraine.  Prodromes, they’re the pre-migraine stage. You might experience nonstop yawning, food cravings, and mood changes. Prodromes can begin hours, even days before a migraine hits.  Postdromes begin when migraines end. They can last up to two days, and you might experience exhaustion, confusion, trouble concentrating, and dizziness.  Warning Signs for Drivers: If you’re driving and experience any of these signs, please pull over and call a friend for help. If you get one before you leave, please delay your trip.  1. Vision disturbances: Auras, blurred vision, and blind spots can hide obstacles from view.  2. Light sensitivity: Sunlight during the day and headlights at night can blind or disorient you.  3. Dizziness: If your head is spinning, your judgement is weakened, especially for distance.  4. Nausea: Feeling queasy? Watch out! Vomiting can make you lose control of your car and your stomach…instantly.  5. Brain fog: If your head feels clouded, your judgement and reaction time can be too.  6. Sleepiness: When you’re tired, your reactions slow down too. You might even fall asleep at the wheel.  7. Weakness: When your senses are weakened, your driving skills are too.  Gender Matters in Migraines: Guess who’s more affected by them?
- One study said women get migraines three times as often as men. - They tend to be more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe. - They’re the biggest reason for disability in women ages 15-49. - Migraines peak when we’re 35-39, when work and family demands are at their highest. Funny, mine were all in my 30s. - Some families, bosses, and doctors say they’re only headaches, so some women don’t get treatment or support. Tomorrow: safety tips to take pre-migraine, or if you find yourself driving during one. I think of migraines as headaches, but they’re actually so much more. They’re a complicated neurological condition that can repeat in ways that affect your entire body. I know, I had them in my thirties.  Migraine symptoms include light and sound sensitivity, nausea and vomiting, visual disturbances, confusion, dizziness, muscle weakness, fatigue, and constant yawning. About 25% of migraines sufferers have auras an hour before the migraine strikes. Auras show up as blurred vision, flashes of light, wavy lines, and blind spots. My first migraine, and all the others, must have been auras. I remember the blurred vision, how I couldn’t read, and my hand going numb. It was scary. I was teaching. I can’t imagine having one if I’d been driving. It’s why I decided to write this post and share the link below from Stephanie Butler. She’s the Outreach Coordinator from Adam Swallow Injury Lawyers. Link: https://www.mdaccidentlaw.com/driving-with-a-migraine-safety-guide/  Part 1: Migraines and the Risk for Drivers I was surprised to read that a 2020 study said for severe migraine sufferers, 66% of them won’t drive. That’s a good statistic, but the scary one…34% do. Here are three signs you’re having a migraine.  #1 Vision Impairment--It can happen before, during, and even after a migraine. Think blurred vision, blind spots, flashes of light, and distortions. Imagine trying to navigate roads with intersections, pedestrians, potholes, and debris. You may also have trouble judging distance and staying in your own lane.  2. Delayed Reaction Time--If your head aches, feels foggy or drowsy, you might take longer to spot what’s ahead and hit the brakes. A car ride could be worse than your migraine.  3. Light Sensitivity--If you’re struggling to see, imagine what driving toward the sun or having light in your mirrors could do? At night think of blinking lights or headlights shining in your eyes. No matter the time, migraines can make driving more difficult and more dangerous. Tomorrow: warning signs and migraine stages Part 2: Migraines Stages, Warning Signs, & Gender Difference Did you know migraines come in three stages? Like pre and post migraine.  Prodromes, they’re the pre-migraine stage. You might experience nonstop yawning, food cravings, and mood changes. Prodromes can begin hours, even days before a migraine hits.  Postdromes begin when migraines end. They can last up to two days, and you might experience exhaustion, confusion, trouble concentrating, and dizziness.  Warning Signs for Drivers: If you’re driving and experience any of these signs, please pull over and call a friend for help. If you get one before you leave, please delay your trip.  1. Vision disturbances: Auras, blurred vision, and blind spots can hide obstacles from view.  2. Light sensitivity: Sunlight during the day and headlights at night can blind or disorient you.  3. Dizziness: If your head is spinning, your judgement is weakened, especially for distance.  4. Nausea: Feeling queasy? Watch out! Vomiting can make you lose control of your car and your stomach…instantly.  5. Brain fog: If your head feels clouded, your judgement and reaction time can be too.  6. Sleepiness: When you’re tired, your reactions slow down too. You might even fall asleep at the wheel.  7. Weakness: When your senses are weakened, your driving skills are too.  Gender Matters in Migraines: Guess who’s more affected by them? - One study said women get migraines three times as often as men. - They tend to be more frequent, longer-lasting, and more severe. - They’re the biggest reason for disability in women ages 15-49. - Migraines peak when we’re 35-39, when work and family demands are at their highest. Funny, mine were all in my 30s. - Some families, bosses, and doctors say they’re only headaches, so some women don’t get treatment or support. Tomorrow: safety tips to take pre-migraine, or if you find yourself driving during one. Part 3: Safety Checklists for Before/During/After Migraine  If you suffer from frequent migraines, these three checklists could minimize risk and maximize safety for you, your passengers, and your fellow drivers.  Before Driving: 1. Assess risk: Ask yourself if you have any migraine symptoms like auras, nausea, or light sensitivity. If you do, don’t drive. 2. Take preventative medications: Take doctor-prescribed medicine before driving. 3. Pack a migraine survival kit: This includes medication, water, snacks, sunglasses, earplugs, and an icepack. 4. Tell passengers: Pick a designated driver, just in case. Teach your kids how to stay calm and call for help. 5. Plan your route: Use GPS to pick a low-stress route that gives you safe places to stop when needed. 6. Have someone on call: Have family or a friend ready to pick you up in case a migraine strikes while you’re driving. 7. Know your triggers: Plan ahead to avoid things like bright sunlight. If possible, pick the best time for you to travel.  When Driving: 1. Be self-aware: Track your symptoms, especially if triggers pop up. 2. Stay hydrated and fed: Sip water and snack when you feel hungry. 3. Minimize bright sunlight: Use your visor and sunglasses to minimize bright light, even on a cloudy day. 4. Minimize driving stress: Allow yourself extra time to get there and avoid peak traffic. 5. Minimize stimulation: Keep the radio on low, food smells too. The temperature should be comfortable, and conversations kept to a minimum. 6. Pull over: If you feel any warning signs, pull over as soon as you can. 7. Take medication: Once you stop, take your medicine and rest until you feel better. 8. Call for help: If your migraine doesn’t get better, let your designated driver take over, or ask your on-call person to pick you up.  After Driving: 1. Take care of yourself: Rest and rehydrate. Eat if you can, and don’t drive until you’re better. 2. Write down details: Keep a migraine journal with your symptoms, triggers, and responses to medication. It can help you learn to manage them. 3. Evaluate your actions: Did your plan work? How could you improve it for the next time? 4. See your doctor: If your migraines don’t get better, talk to him/her about what you’re doing. 5. Check out alternative transportation: If migraines still affect your driving, look for safe alternatives, like public transportation, carpooling, or uber.  Legal Implications for Migraines: Across the country, there are no laws against driving with migraines. But it’s illegal to drive impaired, and there are penalties for that. During a migraine, if you’re dizzy, have light sensitivity or visual disturbances, are nauseas, or have intense pain, you could be considered impaired. If there’s a problem, you can be stopped under general traffic laws. The easy button: don’t drive if you’re in doubt. If you have an accident while driving with a migraine, you could face civil liability and criminal charges if someone’s hurt. Put safety first, yours and the drivers around you. Talk to your doctor before you step in the car. If you’re in doubt, call family or friends. I did…I forgot about a migraine that struck at the end of the school day. My husband came to my rescue. Tomorrow: where to find help for your migraines Part 4: Where to Get Help  If you suffer from migraines, here are some resources to help you live with them.  One of the best things to try…SEEDS. Not the plant kind. The acronym kind that’s recommended by the American Migraine Foundation. S…Sleep--Make sure you get your beauty rest and follow good sleep practices. E…Exercise--Do gentle activity 3-5 days a week for 30-50 minutes. E…Eat--Eat small healthy meals more frequently. Don’t fast or stop eating. D…Diary--Keep one with details about your migraines. Look for patterns to discuss with your doctor. S…Stress--Keep it under control using mindfulness and relaxation techniques.  Primary Care Doctors: This is a great starting place if/when you suffer your first migraine. They can recommend medicines and strategies to try. They can also tell you if it’s safe to drive. If your doctor can help you, perfect! If not, he/she can recommend a migraine specialist or neurologist. They’re doctors who specialize in migraines. They follow clinical trials and have the latest information to share.  Migraine Support Groups: One of the best ways to survive is with a support group. When I was still teaching, my colleagues supported me through issues like migraines. It helps to realize you’re not alone, and you get great, practical advice. Click on my original source to connect to the groups below. You can Google them too. 1. Move Against Migraines is a Facebook support group that’s connected to the American Migraine Foundation. You’ll find advice and inspiration. 2. Mayo Clinic Headache & Migraine is a community of caregivers and people like you. It’s moderated by the Mayo Clinic Connect. 3. Living Positively with Chronic Pain is an online group from Bethesda, Maryland. It has over 700 members.  Migraine Advocacy and Education: These four groups are dedicated to raising awareness and getting resources to migraine sufferers and the general public. 1. The American Migraine Foundation raises money for research, education, and awareness for doctors and their patients. 2. Miles for Migraines hosts events to raise money for a cure, education, and support for those living with migraines. 3. Migraine.com is an online community that shares what it’s like to live with migraines while supporting each other. 4. National Headache Foundation offers education for patients and doctors. They can help you start a headache diary and share news about clinical trials. They also support veterans who suffer from migraines.  In Conclusion: Driving with migraines is dangerous. Impaired vision, light sensitivity, visual disturbances, and intense pain can take your focus off the road and slow your reaction time. Being unable to drive feels like you’re losing your independence. But with the right support and treatment, you can reclaim it and navigate migraines no matter where you are.
 Busy parents want confident kids. But pushing leadership can sound like raising a tiny CEO. That's the tension: parents need to build early childhood skills without turning parenting into pressure. The good news is that child leadership development doesn't start on a stage or a team roster. It starts in ordinary moments where kids practice voice, responsibility, and teamwork. The habits begin at home. Part 1: What Leadership Looks Like in Kids Leadership in children is not bossiness or barking orders. It is the ability to speak up, listen, and help a group move forward with kindness. Parents shape these traits by what they model and what they allow.  Kids who practice leadership build confidence, patience, and teamwork. These carry into school and friendships. They also matter on rough mornings and tricky social moments. Picture a family hike where one child holds the map but still checks in about the pace. That is leadership: guiding, adjusting, and keeping the group together. With that picture in mind, simple at-home moves start feeling obvious and doable. Part 2: Pack These 6 Leadership Boosters into Your Week  Think of leadership like a weekend road trip. You don't need fancy gear. You just need a few solid items in your bag and the willingness to let your kid take some turns navigating. Here are six easy "packable" moves that build real leadership without turning your home into a boot camp. You don't have to tackle all six at once. Think of these as a weekly rotation. Pick one move, try it for a few days, and let it settle before adding another. Busy parents who start with just one see real results without the overwhelm. 1. Be the Tour Guide First (Lead by Example):  Pick one visible leadership behavior to model this week. Stay calm when plans change, apologize quickly, or finish a task you started. Say it out loud: "I'm frustrated, so I'm taking a breath before I answer." Kids learn that leadership is self-control and follow-through. You teach it before any big talk. 2. Hand Them a "Mini Passport" (Encourage Independence):  Give your child one job they can own end-to-end for seven days. Packing their school bag, feeding a pet, or setting out tomorrow's clothes all work. Your role is the safety net, not the pilot. Let them try, notice what went wrong, and fix it. Independence builds "I can handle this" confidence. 3. Set Kid-Sized Checkpoints (Goal-Setting for Children):  Choose one small goal with a clear finish line. Reading three pages or putting toys in one bin before bed both count. Make it visible: write it on a sticky note and let your kid check it off. The win is learning to plan and stick with something. 4. Run One "Team Mission" (Teaching Cooperation):  Once this week, do a two-person task that requires coordination. Cook a simple snack, build a puzzle, or clean one room together. Assign roles: "You're in charge of supplies, I'm in charge of timing," then switch halfway. Cooperation teaches that leaders listen, share credit, and adjust.  5. Use the "Own It + Fix It" Rule (Responsibility & Accountability): When something goes sideways, skip the lecture. Ask two questions: "What happened?" and "What's your plan to fix it?" Help them choose one repair action. This turns mistakes into leadership reps: taking responsibility without shame.  6. Offer Two Good Routes (Decision-Making Skills): Give controlled choices daily. "Homework before or after snack?" or "Which two veggies should we buy?" Add one judgment question: "What might happen if you pick that?" This builds real decision-making while keeping the boundaries safe. Quick Answers for Calm, Confident Leadership Growth  Still hitting a few bumps in the road? Try these quick tune-up checks.  Q: How can parents lead by example to inspire leadership in their children? A: Let your child see you stay steady under stress. Narrate your plan, name your feeling, then take one small action. Apologize quickly when you snap, because repair teaches real authority.  Q: What are practical ways to encourage independence without overwhelming kids? A: Offer two safe options, not a wide-open menu. Start with small pilots like packing a snack or setting a timer. Add one new responsibility only after a week of smooth landings.  Q: How does goal-setting help children build confidence? A: Goals turn "I don't know" into a map. Define one clear target, the next step, and when you will check in. Celebrate progress even after setbacks so uncertainty doesn't hijack motivation.  Q: What strategies help teach cooperation and conflict resolution at home? A: Use a simple rule: one speaker, one listener, then swap and summarize. If emotions run hot, pause five minutes and return to "What do we need?" It shifts kids from scoring points to solving problems.  Q: How can I balance parenting and personal growth without burning out? A: Start by finding a study rhythm that fits your real life. That might mean a few nights a week or one consistent hour after bedtime. Online degree programs make this easier than ever. Whether you're exploring healthcare degrees online or fields like early childhood education, flexible programs are built around real schedules. More than half of all college students took at least one class online in 2022, largely because flexible learning meets people where they are. Build a routine that works for you, and carve out two small moments each week where your child leads something. Both of you grow at the same time. Let Your Child Lead One Small Challenge This Week  Raising a confident kid does not require a system. It requires showing up consistently and letting them take the wheel more than feels comfortable. Keep offering real choices and treating mistakes as practice. Pick one small adventure this week where they lead start to finish: a meal, an outing, a little project. That handoff, repeated over time, builds more than confidence. It builds the kind of kid who knows they can figure things out. Thanks go to Kurt Brown for this post and these great suggestions!  Kurt Brown knows that some of the best adventures happen off the beaten path. Unfortunately, those experiences are not always well-documented and, as a result, helpful information is not always easy to find. That’s why he created Travel Tip Tank. The website offers travel tips visitors won’t find anywhere else
Did you watch the Milan Olympics? They ended on February 22. I admired many athletes, but only one became my hero, Alysa Liu. Why Alysa? She’s incredible! At age 13, she became the youngest American National Champion. At 16, she retired. She said skating wasn’t fun anymore, that all her choices were controlled by her father and coaches. Teenagers crave independence, and Alysa did too.  At 18, only eighteen months later, Alysa returned to skating. She missed it but needed control of things like music and costumes. After taking time off to be a teenager, to make her own choices, Alysa was ready to challenge herself again. At 20, she won Olympic Gold, her way. I admire someone so young, so talented, making choices based on experience. Mistakes happen whenever we try something new. It’s part of the process. It’s part of being human for all of us, and for Alysa too. Alysa’s Past This is China’s Tiananmen Square on June 2, 1989. Alysa wasn’t born until 2005, so this is her father Arthur's story.  Student protesting at Tiananmen Square on 2 June 1989 Arthur joined the pro-democracy movement. He organized college students in protests and hunger strikes that spread across Beijing during May of 1989. By June 5, the Chinese government forced its military to crush all protest. They even used tanks on their own citizens. Arthur escaped China by coming to the United States as a political refugee. Would you believe Arthur and Alysa had spies watching them back in November of 2021? China wanted her to skate for them during the Beijing Olympics, and they tried spying to make it happen.  They used their “naturalization project” to convince athletes and their families to compete for China. When a man called asking for the Liu’s passport numbers, Arthur hung up and contacted the FBI. He knew US Figure Skating never made those kinds of calls. The FBI took the case seriously, met with Alysa, and gave her more security during the Games. Alysa was happy with seventh place. A month later in March she came in third and won a bronze medal at the World Championships. Funny, in April Alysa retired. Now I understand more of her story.  1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/father-of-american-figure-skating-hero-alysa-liu-confirms-our-suspicions/ar-AA1X4YTX?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=41c847f084a74d08fdc300b777ab2911&ei=16 2. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/sporting/a70022994/who-is-alysa-liu-dad-arthur/ 3. https://www.britannica.com/event/Tiananmen-Square-incident Alysa, Donna, Jimmy, and MacArthur Park The first photo was taken after Alysa won her gold medal thanks to “MacArthur Park” and Donna Summer. The second is Donna in a recording studio, but she was probably singing a different tune in 1977. “MacArthur Park” came out a year later. The week Alysa skated to “MacArthur Park,” it only had 12,000 listeners a day. It leaped to 139,000 by Sunday, just three days after her gold medal. That’s a 505% surge. Not bad for a song recorded 50 years ago!  So how did Alysa stumble across such an old song? Her coach and choreographer picked it, and Alysa loved it right away. “MacArthur Park” took her all the way to the gold medal at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championship. With the Olympics looming in 2026, Alysa needed a new program. This time she chose music from Lady Gaga. But when she tried it out in two competitions, she got mixed results. Alysa decided to return to “MacArthur Park” and give the choreography a few new twists. Watching Alysa skate to music she loved in that gold-spangled costume was magic! Everyone, including the Olympic judges agreed.  Meet Jimmy Webb, the man who wrote “MacArthur Park.” Before Alysa skated, he was nervous, then amazed to watch her give his old song new life. Afterwards Jimmy posted on Instagram how proud he was to be part of her inspiration. And what inspired Jimmy? The real MacArthur Park in Los Angelos! That’s where he met his girlfriend for lunch. Where they watched old men play checkers by the trees. When they broke up, Jimmy poured his anguish into a song. And into a cake that he never made, let alone left out in the rain. His song is definitely quirky. That’s probably what inspired Donna Summer to record it, and Alysa Liu to keep it for her 2026 gold medal performance. Tomorrow: What’s ahead for Alysa Liu  1. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/alysa-liu-s-olympic-gold-skate-sends-donna-summer-streams-soaring/ar-AA1WUBUa?ocid=winp2fptaskbarhover&cvid=a1263ef2288d4eed8f237a08a620e423&ei=14 2. https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/other/macarthur-park-writer-jimmy-webb-finds-joy-in-alysa-liu-s-viral-skate/ar-AA1XaNNB?ocid=winp2fptaskbar&cvid=fb59e1885e36403f92178d3557799296&ei=5 And the Future After winning the gold medal, her first big decision was to pull out of the World Championships. Alysa wanted to perform; this would be the last time she’d see some of her fellow competitors. Her last chance to say goodbye.  But Alysa was honest with herself. With only a few weeks to train, she might not give her best performance. She’d already worked hard on the Lady Gaga program for the US Championships, but that only got her second place. That’s when Alysa and her team decided to switch back to MacArthur Park for the Olympics, and they had one month to get ready. After two months of constant pushing, I can see why Alysa needed a break. Time to breathe. To take opportunities that might never come again. Have you seen her at the Vanity Fair Oscars Party or the iHeartRadio Music awards? That’s where she gave Taylor Swift six awards. I’m glad Alysa’s having fun. At age 20, she deserves it!  I don’t need a crystal ball to know taking care of herself will be a priority in Alysa’s future. It’s been seven years since she became the youngest US Champion. She’s learned from experience when to listen to herself. and when to listen to others. In March Alysa took a break from skating and competition to rest up and try new things. When she returns next year, I think she’ll follow her post-retirement path. She’ll make decisions in her own interest. They won’t be perfect, but she’ll make them her way. 
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AuthorWhen I write, I can only have one voice in my head, mine. A little noise is fine. But too much, or worse yet, WORDS, and I must change rooms or pull out headphones. Then I can write on! Categories
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