When I became an empty nester this year, I didn’t expect how deeply I’d feel the emptiness of the house — or how often I’d think I’d left something behind. As I mentioned in my newsletter last week that so many of you were moved by, leaving Corvallis after dropping off my daughter, I felt […]

I was down in Corvallis this past weekend to see my children and watch the Beavers first win this year. Way to go Beavs! My daughter is a junior majoring in business, and my son made the trip down to hang out with us. As a first-year empty-nester, I spent most of the day Friday […]

Do you let your kids experience things as “good enough”? Or do you try hard to make things “just right” for your kids? Let me give you a few, small examples: For littles:  ·      Hand-me-down clothes vs. new – good enough  ·      Meals on the go without judging yourself if it’s fast food or processed – good […]

In a world that feels heavy, I thought I would focus on a few glimmers. Sometimes, when things feel negative and polarized, glimmers, or little shimmers of hope, keep me going. How about you? Have you seen some glimmers lately? Here are a few for me:  1. Taylor Swift released a new album into the world. If […]

Thank you to all of you who showed up two weeks ago. And, I love seeing that some of you have watched the workshop who could not attend in person. Please share the recording every one you know who loves children.  I’ve also compiled a list of resources here to guide you.  Books for Children  A Terrible […]

Dr. Amy is out on the road this week, traveling and training — so in lieu of our typical newsletter, we want to share something meaningful with you. Thank you so much to those who joined us for Saturday’s community chat on violence. Your thoughtful questions and generous hearts made for a powerful conversation. If […]

My heart is heavy this week. I’m usually pretty good at compartmentalizing. But for about three weeks now, when there was another school shooting in Minnesota, things have felt harder to silo. As I was collecting my lunch for the day, pouring coffee, and grabbing last-minute items to leave for work, I heard the announcement […]

Can you believe that we’re into September? Are you “bring on the pumpkin spice” in August, or are you “happy to wait for fall y’all”? Whatever camp you fall into, I hope you’re considering spending some time with us in Central Oregon this fall.  My brother and I have an ongoing chat about what defines […]

There’s been a lot of back and forth on social media lately about gentle parenting. Gentle Parenting isn’t getting canceled. It’s just reframed. Often, what happens is that we re-name or reframe paradigms into new packages. Historically, we’ve referred to parenting styles or discipline styles as authoritarian, authoritative, permissive or neglectful. For the record, I […]

I can smell glue sticks, fresh folders, and brand-new shoes if I close my eyes and envision the first days of school. Some of you have already sent your babies off to begin the school year and some of you have yet to do so. Regardless, please know that I’m holding you in my heart […]