Chris "Kringle" Mac

Santa Claus, Developmental Stages, & Consent: a message for parents

Have you ever seen those photos of crying kids sitting with Santa? You know the ones I’m talking about, where the child is struggling to get away from Santa, reaching out for a parent with their arms and legs flailing, and looking absolutely terrified and miserable. Did you know that many parents find this funny?Continue reading “Santa Claus, Developmental Stages, & Consent: a message for parents”

Attachment Rituals: the key to connecting with kiddos

Every morning when my kiddos wake up, the first thing they hear from me is this: “I love you with all my heart, to the end of the universe and beyond and back again. No matter where you are, no matter where I am, forever and always, I love you.” It’s also the last thingContinue reading “Attachment Rituals: the key to connecting with kiddos”

Who Am I?

This is a BIG question. It’s a question I ask myself regularly, and always seem to find new answers to: I’m a dad, a friend, a brother, a son, a teacher, a student, a fool, a philosopher, an entertainer, and many other things. Here and now though, as I’m writing this to you, I’m aContinue reading “Who Am I?”

Can I GIVE you a hug?

“‘Tis better to give than to receive,” as the old adage goes, and this is especially relevant regarding hugs and our kiddos…. More to come…

This or That: the power of fixed choice

“Would you like two or three carrots?” “Do you want to brush your teeth now? Or in 5 minutes?” “Should we play at the park for ten minutes? Or fifteen minutes?” This is how my kids hear everything framed. Every direction I give them provides a measure of control to them. They always have aContinue reading “This or That: the power of fixed choice”