"I invite you to stand strong in your sense of self as a parent, and to embrace the fact that your priority is to operate in the service of your growing child, and not in the service of that broader cultural dynamic. Think about how you can show up to reinforce the connection relationship you have with your child, rather than doing what feels more convenient or wins greater approval from the adults around you."

Annie gave my children sweets yesterday...in between meals. Ice-cream, Pocky sticks, etc. I let them have them, despite the conflicting message they might be getting about gluten, sugar, processed foods. It upset my children, too, because they didn't get the same item each time. At some point, I made them stop eating their "large portion ice-cream" and give the rest to David. My sister intervened. "Just let them have it." Wait, I'm the parent. What I teach them about sugar, processed foods, and generally unhealthy items should carry on from home to someone else's home. I wanted to please my sister at that time. I was trying to win her greater approval. I have to remember to reinforce connection and live out my convictions in these times.