Pointe Shoes and Developing Perseverance
Penny got new pointe shoes last week. For a long time, I thought pointe—which requires strength in both the feet and ankles that I didn’t believe Penny would ever have—would…
My High Schooler’s Independence
I was recently reminded of my high schooler's independence. Last week I left the girls home alone together while I went to the grocery store. Before I went, I suggested…
Amy Coney Barrett, Down Syndrome, and Abortion
I have a new essay about Amy Coney Barrett, Down syndrome, and abortion (really light topics with no controversy!) up at the Religion News Service site today. I’ve been thinking…
Bloom Where You’re Planted
I used to think that the only way for me to participate in social healing was to move. I live in a predominantly white, affluent, highly educated neighborhood. How could…
Dreaming and Planning With Our Teenager With Down Syndrome
We had a planning meeting last February for our teenage daughter, Penny, who has Down syndrome. Penny invited friends, family, and teachers to join her for this conversation. Dreaming and…
Big Feelings and Growing Up with Marilee
What do you do with a child with big feelings? Especially if you are a parent who has never had similarly big feelings? Yes, I am the parent with feelings…
Privilege and Planning
Today, all three of our children are going to school, in person, for a full day. (Last week, they had a variety of half days and phase-in days, which is…
In Her Own Words: Penny on Being a Bridesmaid
Penny and I got to be bridesmaids together last weekend in my sister’s wedding. I’m going to let Penny tell you about it in her own words, but first I…
Finding Freedom From the Condemnation of Comparison
A few weeks ago, I found myself in a swirl of self-righteousness and self-condemnation and comparison. It happened like this. I was heading into my sister’s wedding, and I started…
S3 E10 | Anxiety, Affluence, and Identity with Niro Feliciano
In an achievement-oriented culture, how do we risk vulnerability in order to move toward personal and racial healing? Cognitive therapist Niro Feliciano talks with Amy Julia about the complexities of…
