Many literary experts agree there are approximately seven plot lines in existence. Every story, no matter the setting, characters, climax, or resolution, is simply a variation of one of these seven main plots. One could argue this is true in parenting as well. The lessons which teach our children are all variations of a handful […]
My kids didn’t choose me… and that’s OK.
My reaction to kid/parenting videos like these evolves in 3 phases. Phase 1: The Ugly Cry. (Tears streaming and snot dribbling included.) Phase 2: The irrational fear that I am a terrible parent who will never raise kids like that. Phase 3: The decision to quit our jobs, sell our home, and […]
The Awkward Conversations Aren’t Always with Your Kids
I used to think a “good mom” always responded with mama-bear-like ferocity when she learned her cub had been injured- physically or emotionally. Twelve years of motherhood had taught me differently. First, there’s no such thing as a “good mom.” We are all the best moms we can be with who we are and what […]
Have We Traded Empathy for Efficiency?
Standing in the doorway to my garage on Christmas Eve was like staring into the aisles of Toys R Us. To a casual observer, we were an episode of ‘Hoarders’ waiting to happen. 10 minutes later I sat crossed-legged on the family room floor, covered in layers of wrapping paper and bits of ribbon, staring […]
Time For Bed: A Monologue
Time for bed! I said, time for bed! I’m sorry you don’t want to, but it’s time. Please put your shoes and socks where they belong. Both shoes. All the socks. Well, they certainly aren’t mine. Go brush your teeth. Leave your brother alone. Don’t forget toothpaste. Stop touching your brother. Brush your teeth! […]
That one time I stood on a stage in front of people…
As a “writer” I find myself answering the same 3 questions. 1. Where do you get your ideas? 2. What’s your writing process? 3. What are you goals? ~The first question is an easy one to answer: Have you met my kids or my dog? These posts just write themselves! The truth is, […]
As Long as ‘No’ Means No When it Matters Most
5 “Make sure you’re not too close to the couch.” I shimmied my way over a few more inches. 4 “I hope you’re ready. It’s almost time.” 3 Eyes clenched. Belly muscles taut with anticipation. 2 1 ¾ 1 ½ 1 Avalanche!! Suddenly I’m buried beneath the weight of bed pillows, comforters, couch cushions, and […]
How to Parent Without Using Words
Men speak approximately 7,000 words per day.* Women speak approximately 20,000 words per day.* Mothers speak 2,846,325 words per day… ** and most of them are the same phrases repeated over and over and over. Put your backpack away pick up your shoes make your bed brush your teeth stop touching your brother don’t […]
Where’s Your Line in the Sand?
My parenting stinks of hypocrisy. Maybe ‘hypocrisy’ is too strong of a word. There’s an implication of intentional insincerity or false representation when someone acts like a hypocrite. Perhaps ‘inconsistent’ is a more accurate description of my parenting. There’s no intentional trickery in who I claim to be as a parent or how I parent […]
Why I Allow My Son to Listen to Eminem
No one in my immediate family has ever been divorced. To my knowledge, there has never been anyone with a drug or alcohol problem. Following the loss my 37-year-old cousin who bravely fought Leukemia, the only death we’ve experienced was that of my 95-year-old grandmother. I’m blessed beyond measure and I know this. However, […]
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