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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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, […]
Milestones that don’t make The Baby Book
This calendar was great because it made documenting stuff easier. Of course it also made me a total spaz as I wondered why my kid wasn’t doing many of them! (Never mind the fact that he was only 4 weeks old.) Childhood milestones are the highlight of early motherhood. For me, they were the proverbial pat […]
Street Smart vs. Book Smart
Sometimes I worry about my kids. I don’t mean “worry” in the traditional sense. It’s not so much the everyday worries like “There are evil people in the world” or “What if my kid gets sick or injured?” My worries aren’t based in any sort of fear of the unknown. Simply put my fear stems […]