Friday Favorites: October 3

Well, I typically try to post Friday Favorites on Fridays. But it just didn't happen last week, so we're a little late.  Want to pretend that today is Friday instead?

ON PARENTING

I am no parenting expert, so I like to read things like this that give me ideas on how I can teach my son to be a better citizen of the world:
Are you raising nice kids? 5 ways to raise them to be kind.

And more on teaching kids to be kind, because I want to arm my son with kindness to combat mean.
"Kindness exhibits strength of character.  ANYONE can be mean and quick to judge.  Be better than that.  Be kind.  Be responsible.  WE ARE ALL RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR KIDS.  Let's make their lives better.  Let's model kindness for them, not snark and not tearing each other down."
Where do mean girls come from?

This post, from a mother who is raising a son with autism, is a sweet letter to the other kids in the world asking them to learn about the signs of autism and how they might react.
Will you help me change the world for our children?

Some of my friends with children in elementary school have been struggling with the issue of when to let their child quit an activity. I thought this was a thought-provoking take on it. 
Why I never let my kid quit anything

THINGS OF BEAUTY

I feel like parenting is defined by this constant angsty tension – wanting so much for a hard phase to be over, simultaneously feeling guilty that we are wishing it away, and then immediately grieving each stage as soon as it has passed.  It seems like we are constantly sandwiched between a hope for an easier stage, and a regret that the harder stage is gone."
Teach us to realize the brevity of life

"Now, I am dancing with my little boy. His small hand in mine, I spin him around the room, sing loudly while he laughs and holds me tight. I feel our connection… parent to child to parent to child. I never really understood the lyrics before I had him, but here it was, the rainbow connection. It is this song, this love, these moments that connect our generations, our hearts."
The rainbow connection

This post made me wish I lived next door to my parents:
Unexpected family love

Go forth and have a wonderful week. More original work coming up.

P.S.  Jennifer Williams is posting 31 days of pies on her site. PIE. Yum.

Love,
Kristin