When caught in the Sistine Chapel, I discovered a parenting truth: kids obey “why,” not “what” Newsletter #1 for boundary-building tips —and grab your FREE Essential Preschool Skills Checklist.
I was standing in the middle of the Sistine Chapel—neck craned, sweat dripping (because hey—no A/C in the Vatican), Julia and Adrian whisper-gasping “WOW”—and me, completely mesmerized—when I did the unthinkable.
Click.
I thought I was capturing The Creation of Adam for the scrapbook.
The security guard thought I was auditioning for a Vatican heist movie.
Cue stern Italian warning + a very pointed finger toward the exit. (I promptly snuck my iPhone back into my pocket.)
Apparently the one place in all of Vatican City where you can’t take a photo… is the place everyone wants to take a photo.
Whoops.
Parenting Boundaries Mindset Boost Newsletter
Me, smiling in the Vatican—on my way to see Michelangelo’s famous Creation of Adam, completely unaware I was minutes from almost getting kicked out of the Sistine Chapel. (Photo taken in an area of the Vatican where photography is allowed.)
From Rules to Reasons: Turning “Don’t” into “Why”
Here’s what hit me on the (slightly embarrassed) walk back to our Airbnb:
Rules without context feel restrictive.
Rules with context feel protective.
When we understand the “why,” boundaries become invitations—not buzz-kills.
Big Idea: Kids (and grown-ups!) follow limits best when the reason is louder than the rule.
Try this at home:
Name the “why” first. “We keep markers at the table so the walls stay art-free.”
Link the limit to a value. “Quiet voices in museums help everyone hear the history.”
Model a quick reset. Got caught breaking the rule? Pause, repair, move on (like I did with my camera).
Want a deeper dive → Listen to The Anya Garcia Show
Jet-Lag Diaries: Gelato, 2,347 Photos, and Zero Sleep
We just rolled in from our summer Europe trip—jet-lagged, gelato-happy, and 2,347+ photos deeper in my camera roll.
I’m also sitting on six fully-edited podcast episodes that never saw daylight (European Wi-Fi: not exactly Michelangelo-grade).
Last night we stayed up till 4 a.m. Europe time to reset to New York—and were back up by 7:30 a.m., pretending to think clearly.
So far, so good… but let’s see how the day unfolds.
Today’s 147-item checklist:
- Start a newsletter (you are reading it right now!)
- Zoom call with my web designer, who’s in the middle of completely transforming my entire website.
- A catch-up with my social-media manager – my guardian angel (I could never have unplugged this long without her)
- And a frantic content-calendar refresh—because, yes, Colosseum visit beat “post another Instagram Reel.”
ICYMI – In Case You Missed It
Your First is Usually Bad: Courage Before Confidence
If you’ve ever felt like you need to “have it all together” before you begin—this one’s for you. Here’s what I wish someone told me sooner about messy beginnings and showing up anyway. Listen here<<
The Essential Preschool Skills Checklist
I know it’s only July, but somehow “back to school” is already peeking around the corner.
Whether you’re planning your first homeschool year or just want to make sure your little one is thriving, I’ve got you covered with a free, sanity-saving resource: The Essential Preschool Skills Checklist. Click here to grab it.
Because preschool isn’t just about ABCs and 123s—it’s about nurturing the whole child with confidence and joy.
More on Anya Garcia Show
- NASA Study: Children Are Born Creative Geniuses
- Bad Start, Messy Middle – why chaos is your proof of progress
- How To Manage Multiple Kids Without Loosing Your Sanity
Hit reply and tell me one family rule you’d love to reframe (or one travel blunder you’ll never forget!).
I read every note, espresso in hand.
See you next Wednesday for another 3-minute story + actionable tool.
Until then, keep the curiosity alive (and the camera away from Sistine ceilings).
Cheering you on,
Anya
P.S. Since no one asked—these sneakers walked 10+ miles a day across Europe, and not a single blister or swollen ankle in sight. Bonus: the embroidered back somehow matched every outfit. Consider this my unofficial love letter to practical (but cute) footwear. Click here
🎥 Peek behind the scenes on my YouTube channel → [Watch now]
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