I have three little spots on my head that I like to "worry."

Doesn't worry sound so endearing? Like a sweet, handwringing, tea-making little old lady? So much nicer than pick. Pick is a lowly street urchin eyeing your pockets.

But let's not get it Oliver Twist-ed.

I pick my scalp.

It started in 2020, during the pandemic.

When it did, I immediately thought of my dad — and that hideous brown Nissan Maxima station wagon from my childhood, him in the front seat, working the same spot on top of his head while I watched from the back. I'd always thought it was so gross.

And then there I was.

My dad has dementia now and lives in Kansas. He doesn't really know who I am anymore, but on my visits, he always tells me how much he loves my shoes, so I shipped him a pair for his birthday in January.
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So maybe my scalp thing that sprouted along with pandemic is less about stress management now and more about searching for a sense of past connection — to feel and see him the way he used to be.

Because there are different kinds of healing.
Sometimes the closest thing to walking in each other's shoes is noticing the habits you've inherited or passed on without realizing it.

And this might be familiar to you too, parents...with your seniors, especially, if you've got them. Or your teen no matter their year in school.

Because the day that's been coming since your babies were born is almost here. So maybe allow yourself a habit or two that helps you let go and hold on at the same time, to handle the jagged, unknowable edges of this particular transition.

Trust that you'll know when you've worried your spots for too long and the time is right to let them rest.

Until then, parents: love your kiddos louder than your fears. And students: try to listen to and find the love that's whispering in all of your parents' worries, questions, and habits — good and bad.

That's exactly what parent coach Diana Davidson and I want to make a little easier.

On Wednesday, April 29th at 6:30pm PT / 8:30pm CT, we're hosting a free live webinar, They're in College: Now What? — about shifting from Nest Manager to Side Guide. What that actually looks like, and how to find your rhythm after your student leaves.

Can't make it live? Register anyway and I'll send you the recording.

👉 Pick YOUR spot here 😉

Hop you pop in on Wednesday 🫧,

Mindi