I used to subscribe to the theory that one’s own children’s cries could create a pain within your heart that nobody else could truly feel. Whenever I would hear the sweet little sounds of some other person’s baby, I could see the parents cringe and panic, but it didn’t bother me one bit. The same must be true for my children’s sweet little sounds…right? Well, the other day, while out and about with a friend brave enough to be seen with my lovely little posse, my kiddos began their symphony of high-pitched whines and cries. Not unusual. However, this day I first looked up at my friend, before beginning my intermittently successful bag of quieting tricks, and saw the polite, yet obvious cringing and panic on her face, designated only to parent. Apparently, my children are blessed with a unique tone that can be appreciated by all, and for miles around (as they were also gifted with my volume).

Fortunately, I’ve created a technique for all of us parents out there to help save us from complete self-loathing. Here is my trick. Whatever your confession of the day may be, try to flip it and see the positive in it, as comical and unlikely as it may be. This both saves me from Mommy-depression and gives me a goal to work towards for each of my kiddo’s individual “strengths,” to help steer them away from a life of sleep deprivation, loneliness, serial killing, etc..

Today’s Vokoun Super Strength of the Day: LINGUISTIC/VOCAL POWER. My children will always be heard. If I can just guide them to say the right things, and maybe get them voice lessons, I might just have a future president, or lawyer, or Art Nouveau singer. Or maybe they can work for the government as interrogators, using auditory torture techniques. Either way!