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reframing changed how I carried the memory. We’re all the authors of our narratives, even when we don’t control every event.
As I grow older, I’m also more aware of legacy and how that too keeps you rejuvenated. In his book “From Strength to Strength,” Arthur Brooks writes about the transition from fluid intelligence (doing, building, striving) to crystallized intelligence (teaching, sharing, passing on what you’ve learned). Because, ultimately, staying young doesn’t mean clinging to youth; it means remaining engaged, curious, and generous with what you know. As a father, that feels especially important. I want my kids to see not just what I achieved, but how I lived with intention, humility, and courage. Feeling young isn’t about denying age. It’s about refusing to become passive. It’s choosing movement over stagnation, purpose over distraction, and authorship over drift. As long as I’m still writing my story, still learning, still moving both physically and mentally, I’ll keep smiling back.
From Cookie Jars to Car Keys Building Responsibility in Kids and Teens
If you’ve ever walked into your kitchen to discover your child’s mouth covered in chocolate while they insist they didn’t dip into the cookie jar before dinner, you know the importance of teaching little ones about being honest and taking responsibility for their actions. Here are a few tips for incorporating age-appropriate lessons on accountability into a child’s daily routine. Pathways to Responsible Preschoolers When teaching children the value of personal accountability, selecting tasks that match their abilities and level of understanding is essential. For children ages 3–6, this could mean having them take responsibility for setting the table (with supervision as needed to ensure safety with utensils and glassware), feeding their pets, or putting away their toys neatly after they finish playing with them. If they struggle or fail to fulfill a particular responsibility, use it as an opportunity for growth, rather than a reason to ground them. For example, if they forget to feed their dog or cat, show them their pet’s signs of hunger … and remind your child of how sad, tired, and cranky they would feel if they were hungry and had to wait a long time to eat. If they forget to pick up their LEGOs, remind them of how much it hurt the last time they stepped on a piece when they weren’t wearing shoes. Above all, be sure to maintain a positive atmosphere and praise them whenever they complete a task (especially when they do it without being asked!) or put in their best effort to do so. Guidance for Goal-Driven Teens If your child has passed the age of picking up building blocks, you can help them manage and fulfill their pre-adult responsibilities. Encourage them to budget their spending money (especially once they start working for the first time), take an active role in maintaining their vehicle, and coordinate their own schedules for after-school or social activities. While it’s always wise to be available to help if or when they run out of gas or sleep through their alarm, giving them space to be more independent (and occasionally make mistakes) will go a long way in teaching them the real-world rewards and consequences of how they handle their responsibilities. By giving children room to learn, try, and even stumble, we help them build the confidence and character they’ll carry into adulthood. With steady guidance and age-appropriate responsibilities, accountability becomes a lifelong habit.
—Bert Parnall
Moroccan-Spiced Chicken and Couscous Skillet
Ingredients
• 1.25 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs • 1 tbsp olive oil • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin • 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp ground ginger • 1/2 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp kosher salt • 1 shallot, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, sliced into coins • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed • 1 cup dry pearl couscous • 1/4 cup medjool dates, pitted and chopped • 1 1/2 cups chicken stock • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. Toss chicken with olive oil, sugar, spices, and salt; let marinate for 10 minutes. 3. Heat a large oven-proof skillet over medium. Sear chicken thighs for 3–4 minutes per side, transfer to a plate, leaving 1 tbsp of rendered fat in skillet. 4. Add shallot, carrot, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Add chickpeas, couscous, dates, and chicken stock and boil over high heat. 6. Add chicken thighs back and top with lemon. 7. Put skillet in oven for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through. 8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Inspired by WanderingChickpea.com
Published by Newsletter Pro • newsletterpro.com
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