Happy Thursday,

We made it! Pleased to announce that not only did my daughter survive her alone time with dad, but she arguably thrived. In addition to having pizza night and watching some cartoons, she was one of the first people through the doors of a brand new cafe here in Austin. While this might be a small win in the grand scheme of things, I feel pretty good that I was able to not only get through it, but get creative in making it a lot of fun.

Now it’s time for a nap.

Love Parenthood? Be sure to share it with your family, friends, and social network and encourage them to join our community!

One Big Idea

Parenting Through The Pain of Being Left Out

Rejection, a seemingly inevitable part of life that all of us can relate to, can sting at any age, but especially in childhood. As kids, who are trying to find their footing, the pain of feeling left out can be particularly intense. However, as heart-wrenching as it is for parents to watch their children go through this, childhood rejection presents a golden opportunity. It offers a chance to instill valuable life skills in our kids - teaching them how to process tough emotions, build their resilience, and most importantly, deepening the bond between parent and child. While it may not seem it, as parents we have the unique privilege of guiding our children through these challenging moments, transforming pain into power, rejection into resilience.

What makes this challenge particularly crucial is the broader perspective it offers. When a child feels rejected, it's not just about the immediate hurt. It's a lesson in understanding themselves, the world around them, and how they choose to react to situations that don't go their way. Parents, by guiding this narrative, can not only help their children see rejection in a new light but also set them up for emotional and psychological success in the future.

Trending Stories & Insights

• This comedian’s videos have gone viral after he asked parents to share the most outrageous questions that their kids ask them after leaving home for their freshman year of college

• After 45 straight days of 100+ degree days this summer, I think it’s time to admit that we should pay attention to our family’s carbon footprint. Here are seven habits to build a more sustainable parenting model

• “Today for you, tomorrow for me.” Zoe Saldana shares how she and her husband are raising their 3 sons including during times of limited bandwidth

Tip of the Day

• Here are five free airline perks to make traveling with children more bearable

F**k it, here’s a dad joke

Why'd the roofer go to the doctor?

Scroll to the bottom of the newsletter for the answer!

Time(out) for Memes