• Books
  • Articles
  • Podcast
  • Kari
  • Speaking
  • Video & Press
  • Kari’s Viral Posts
  • Columns
  • Connect

Join Kari’s email list and enjoy free printables

Join 20,000+ parents now!

Letting Go of Plans in 2020

Posted by dataperk on August 31, 2020

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Subscribe to Blog via Email.

0 Comments

  • Kari on Instagram

    Years ago, as I wrote an article for parents on te Years ago, as I wrote an article for parents on teen depression, the doctor I interviewed made a remark that ignited my desire to write for a younger audience. “The reason I love working with children and teenagers,” she said, “is because they’re so resilient. You can change the whole trajectory of their life. Early intervention is key. It’s a lot easier to intervene effectively when they’re young instead of years later, when they’ve been depressed so long the illness becomes incorporated into part of their identity.” In short, adults are harder to change. We are more set in our ways, our beliefs, and our mindsets. Children, on the other hand, are still forming their identities and mindsets. They are what parenting expert Haim Ginott called “wet cement.” “Children are like wet cement,” he said. “Whatever falls on them makes an impression.” Right now, if you are raising or influencing the next generation, you have a window of opportunity that won’t always exist. Their concrete is still wet; their hearts and minds are still open. They are being deeply influenced by the people they know, the words they hear, and the events that shape them. As they grow up, their cement will harden. Their early impressions will solidify and set the stage for their self-perception and worldview. We all want the best for the next generation, and that is why it’s worth considering the marks we leave as we parent them, coach them, guide them, and impact their lives. In Ephesians 4:15, God tells us to speak the truth in love. In Proverbs 18:21, He says the tongue has the power of life and death. But what does this mean? How do we disciple and discipline adolescents – who can be challenging and surly at times – in a way that builds their spirit, not breaks it? I believe the starting point is to have God’s spirit inside us. His spirit enables us to hear His voice, control knee-jerk reactions, and recognize wisdom when we hear it from parents who have God’s spirit in them. We can’t control what is said to our children outside our home – but we can control what is said inside our home. Following are some phrases to speak life under your roof, from #loveherwellbook 🤍
    Shreveport!! Thank you for 3 wonderful events, I l Shreveport!! Thank you for 3 wonderful events, I loved being with your community! Eloise Graf did an outstanding job hosting me + planning the agenda. It included a mother/daughter event at First Methodist Church Shreveport for almost 500 people, a morning assembly for high school girls at Loyola College Prep, and a mother/daughter luncheon at First Baptist Shreveport for middle school girls. A full and meaningful 24 hours and totally worth it!! What a treat to also see my friends Allison Barrett and Stephanie Walker who hosted me in Shreveport back in 2018. All these ladies are all so fun, and we closed down the restaurant talking and laughing last night. Thanks for having us Chianti! Special thanks to Dixey Robertson with First Methodist Church, Ginger Gustavson with First Baptist, and Laurie Salvail with Loyola for the warm welcome - and to the moms who brought their daughters, including one who drove 3.5 hours from Arkansas. Truly, there is nothing like a mother’s love, and what a gift to witness it every time I speak❤️
    These points come from a longer article I wrote ye These points come from a longer article I wrote years ago titled “Today, More Than Ever, Girls Need Good Guy Friends.” Two guys can face the same scenario yet make opposite choices. The defining factor is whether they live by a moral code. Especially when choosing what boys to allow in their life, girls need discernment. They need to trust their gut and intuition that helps them differentiate a “protector” from a “predator.” When someone is attractive or charming, it can be hard to tell the difference. Having good guy friends who look out for you, and know when someone is bad news, offers an extra line of defense. Listen to what they say, especially when they all say the same thing. Thankful for all the great boy moms and boy dads who coach their sons well on healthy relationships with girls. They often tell me that what guides them is knowing how they’d want their daughters treated. These boys stand out in the best of ways🤍
    This message is timeless, which is why I reshare i This message is timeless, which is why I reshare it every year. My newsletter readers got it this morning, and it’s also on my Substack. Comment DUST and I’ll message you the link. “It was Ash Wednesday, and trying to keep my priorities straight, I attended Mass that evening. Throughout the service, I dwelled on the day’s events until I felt much worse. Needing some affirmation, I drove to my parents’ house—fifteen minutes from campus—right after church ended. As I poured my heart out to my father, waxing on about being a loser and an embarrassment of a daughter, he started shaking his head. He pointed to the ashes on my forehead. “Kari, what does it matter?” His voice was firm and compelling. “Look at your face—what does that cross mean? We all started as dust, and we’ll all end as dust. Anything that burns in this world—your body, your clothes, this house—none of it matters. That interview doesn’t matter. What matters is your soul, and how you live your life.” It was as if a window of clarity had suddenly opened, expanding the world before my eyes. I saw the spiritual short-sightedness of getting worked up over something that, in the long run, was pretty inconsequential. Yes, I would have loved to have been a university ambassador, but had it worked out, my dad never would have shared this wise advice that still impacts me 35 years later.”
    Started my day right with these two amazing girls Started my day right with these two amazing girls 🕊️ Early Ash Wednesday Mass followed by Church Street Coffee before school. If you’re seeking inspiration for this Lenten season, I highly recommend the @hallowapp. You can find everything - music, sermons, Father Mike Schmidt of @bibleinayearpodcast, Bishop Barron of @wordonfire_catholicministries, and more. They also have a Lent Pray40 Challenge with daily messages to encourage our return to God and finding our way back home.
    School events have become one of my favorite thing School events have become one of my favorite things, and this past week I had the honor of speaking at @charlottechristianschool in Charlotte, NC. Thank you to everyone who came!!! A huge thank you also to my amazing host, Lauren Duncan, one of middle school counselors who does a fantastic job of prioritizing the mental health of students along with everything else. Her sidekick, Snickers, was fun to meet, and he has gained quite the fan base among the students!! Other ladies who made my trip so special include Kathy Shields, Jennifer Bankhead, Leslie Niessner, and Brooke Morgan. Thank you going above and beyond to welcome me! When people tell me that they’re not only praying for me, but also for my daughters and my family, it truly means the world. I am so grateful for the class act people I meet through my work. It is truly a gift! Also, shout-out to Nemesia Joostei of MMBallons for the balloon wall - it was gorgeous! The whole night was a labor of love, and it was a joy to be part of it❤️
    30th Valentine’s Day with my favorite Greek boy an 30th Valentine’s Day with my favorite Greek boy and the love of my life. Love you HK!!❤️
    Last spring was the first time in 11 years that I Last spring was the first time in 11 years that I don’t have a child trying out for a middle school or high school team. And honestly, I wasn’t sad about it! Regardless of your child’s talent level, it’s a stressful week, as you can’t assume anything. What we can do, as moms, is make the week fun and encouraging and keep our head on straight even when emotions run high. On my Substack - for paid subscribers - is an article I wrote after my daughter’s first cheer tryouts. I’ve updated it with new ideas and printables to share on tryout day. Comment CHEER and I’ll message you the link. This message applies to other team tryouts too. Thinking of all you mommas helping your kids chase their dreams. You got this!👊🏻
    Tuscaloosa, you ladies know how to throw a party!! Tuscaloosa, you ladies know how to throw a party!! 💕 A huge thank you to Alison Guillory and the women’s ministry team at @valleyviewbaptistchurch for hosting a spectacular Galentine’s Dinner this past Friday night. We had 250 people, from teenagers to grandmothers, come together to celebrate the gift of friendship and building relationships that last. I loved being with all of you, and it’s always an easy “yes” to go back to my hometown. This event was special because my dad and sister Mary Kathryn both got to come - plus I got to spend time with my Bama girl before the event began. Special thanks also to Taylor Morgan for having me on Valley View Next Gen Podcast. Keep up the great work you’re doing for the next generation!
    Follow on Instagram

  • ©2025 Kari Kampakis. All Rights Reserved.
    Designed and Built by DataPerk

Join 20,000+ parents in my email community!

 

You’ll hear Kari’s news first + get meaningful content and printables.
Join now and receive 3 free downloads.

 

Sign me up!