One of the most prized electronics in our house is my husband's tablet computer. He originally purchased it to keep track of appointments, have a remote Internet connection and other business-related functions. My tech-loving sons had different ideas as soon as they saw it. After all, it looks like a … [Read more...]
Strangely Territorial Sibling Squabbles
January 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
When you have more than one kid, you know that eventually they're going to argue over this or that, from what show to watch to who's turn it is to choose the bedtime story. Little squabbles over who had the spy kit binoculars first are bound to happen. There are going to be spats over who gets the first … [Read more...]
Motherhood: A Not So Risky Business
January 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In my early 20s, before I was blessed with my three little noisemakers, I was a lot less cautious than I am now. I was never a huge risk taker, but I didn't spend a lot of time thinking through the pros and cons of some of the simpler things, like driving on snowy roads or hiking off of marked trails. … [Read more...]
Elephant Rescue Video Sheds Perspective on Friendship and Motherhood
January 11, 2012 By Leave a Comment
I was cruising Facebook this morning and checking out some of the videos my friends had posted. Among a wide variety of clips, from adorable kids singing Christmas carols to wacky videos of people flushing random food stuffs down their toilets, there was a heartwarming clip that exemplified the power … [Read more...]
Lesson From Daddy: Teaching Children Regardless of Gender
January 10, 2012 By Leave a Comment
When I was a kid, one of the things I loved most about my dad was that he was always looking for teachable moments and did his best to point them out. He never treated my siblings and I like we were too young or immature to explore the world around us or learn new things. He taught us whatever and whenever … [Read more...]
Public Behavior: Have Kids’ Manners Changed?
November 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The other day I overheard a conversation between a mother and her tween daughter in a store. The daughter wanted something, but the mom said no. Instead of living with the decision, this girl threw a full-on tantrum in the store. She was calling her mother every name in the book and making a point … [Read more...]
Bye-bye, Baby: Accepting Your Children’s Independence
October 20, 2011 By Leave a Comment
My youngest son is testing his independence lately, and even the smallest of tasks is met with a determined "Let me do it" attitude. Whether it's opening a granola bar or pouring his own juice, if I dare to help, I'm in for a five minute pout-fest and many times a flat-out refusal to take whatever … [Read more...]
A Mom’s Thoughts on Organizing Family Schedules
October 11, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When I became a parent, I knew things were going to get a little crazy. I had always been a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kind of gal, but now everything requires a plan. There's no more getting up 30 minutes before heading out the door or making spur of the moment decisions. When the littles were … [Read more...]
Discipline: The Importance of Standing Your Ground
September 29, 2011 By Leave a Comment
When I was growing up, my dad was very strict about discipline. If he said we were grounded from something, there was no doubt in our minds that he was serious. He was always fair about making sure the punishment fit the crime, and he always had a knack for hitting where it hurt, like taking away phone … [Read more...]
Mommy Superpower: The Sense of Smell
September 9, 2011 By Leave a Comment
One of the superpowers bestowed on a mom is the power to smell trouble. I'm not speaking figuratively here, either. I'm talking about sitting in one room and smelling naughtiness in another. This super sense of smell starts with pregnancy. All of a sudden, everything wafting through the air is enhanced … [Read more...]
