As we close out the year, we wanted to take a moment to revisit a few of our favorite Palmetto Pieces—reflections that have stayed with us, challenged us, and encouraged us throughout 2025. These are the thoughts that continue to shape how we parent, show up as friends, and build meaningful community.
Whether you’re reading them for the first time or coming back for a second look, we hope they offer fresh inspiration and perspective as you step into 2026!
Not in A Hurry: This Palmetto Piece served as a gentle reminder of how easily we rush through life—even when our schedules are light. Caught up in the pressure to be productive, I realized how often everyday moments like grocery runs or bedtime routines are treated as tasks to "get through" rather than opportunities to be present. This mindset, though subtle, sends a message to our children that busyness matters more than connection. By choosing to slow down and be fully present, we not only enrich our own lives but also model balance, mindfulness, and gratitude for our kids. Through simple shifts—like limiting commitments, creating small daily rituals, and practicing presence—we can turn ordinary moments into meaningful ones. Read the full Palmetto Piece here.
Seasons of Friendship: Friendship is one of the biggest struggles young parents talk about—and it’s no wonder. Life with kids brings constant change, and our friendships naturally shift with those seasons. While we all hope for a few close friends who walk with us through everything, many friendships will ebb and flow based on life’s demands. The key is not to give up when the rhythm pauses. Research shows that strong friendships are incredibly resilient—even after long lapses in communication. A quick check-in or simple “thinking of you” text can go a long way. With grace and patience, friendships can stretch, grow, and come back stronger when the season allows. Read the full Palmetto Piece here.
Protect the Relationship: One of the Palmetto Pieces that received the most positive feedback this year was the one guest-written by my dad—and rightly so. His heartfelt reflection offered wisdom from a father who has walked through the full arc of parenting and come out the other side with close relationships to show for it. In the piece, he shared the guiding advice he and his wife received over 35 years ago: “Protect the relationship.” Through stories like navigating messy bedrooms and choosing connection over control, he showed how this simple principle shaped they parented. Rather than letting conflict over small things create distance, they chose to lean into conversations, give appropriate freedoms, and prioritize long-term closeness over short-term compliance. The result? A home filled with laughter, mutual respect, and relationships that remain strong into adulthood. Read the full Palmetto Piece here.