He’d managed to get his dirty clothes washed. Finally. But it took a phone call to his grandparents who live about an hour away. I imagine my son convincing his grandfather to fetch him, driving from their small town to the big city, and then back to their home for a family weekend of discussion […]
Parenting Without a Safety Net
Your credentials, please? Parenting may be a profession – and certainly is, in my view – but there are no guarantees, no cap and gown after years of study. No diploma. No certification. Just a physician handing over a squalling little creature that owns your heart. And then it’s off to the races, figuring it […]
Can We Ever “Set the Record Straight?”
Those who provide the comforting advice that “one day, your kids will know what you gave up for them” are well-intentioned, and even kind. What parent doesn’t want to believe that appreciation will come for all our efforts, at some point in the future? But I question the premise, the concept of eventual “justice” when […]
The other side of town
I was not where I wanted to be. In the car, weary, and heading across the city. At rush hour. My son was next to me in the passenger seat, navigating by two maps printed off Google; we were trying an alternate route to avoid tie-ups, but some were inevitable. I was leaning against a […]
Stress Busting Parenting Tips: Grand Central, Empty Fridge, Locked Door, More Coffee
Parenting teens? Parenting tips…
Full spectrum parenting: Can we do the same for ourselves?
My teenage son must have fallen asleep very late, and without actually going to bed. In other words, keeling over in the midst of an assignment. His door was open this morning, when I went to tap lightly at 7:30am, to wake him. His easel was set up next to his small desk – a […]
e-Commerce Safety: Teach teens too!
Shopping online? Caveat Emptor. Discount designer shoes? Replacement peripherals for your computer at a low-low price? Who doesn’t love a bargain? But if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Last summer, I was thrilled when I discovered an online boutique for purchasing a variety of fashion items, including brand name footwear, […]
Okay Parents – Use Your Words!
You’re not a politician. You’re not a speech writer. You’re not an on-air anchor who has to think quickly on his or her proverbial, beautifully clad feet. You’ve got a hundred different roles in your day, professionally and personally. But the words that tumble out of your mouth aren’t going to make a significant difference, […]
How do I look? (How much do I weigh?)
Something has changed. I no longer ask myself how I look. Occasionally I’ll stop at the mirror and think: hmm, tired. Other times, it’s: okay – not bad. I also don’t step on the scale daily, after a lifetime of doing so. I consider this progress after decades of obsessing over my weight, like millions […]
The morning after
Alka-Selzer time? Did you eat too much? Drink too much? Indulge in a little seasonal gluttony? Ah, the phenomenon of the morning after – best survived by the young; nonetheless an experience familiar to those who should know better. The morning after Some of us remember our partying days (and nights) in college, or possibly […]