I feel as though I possibly owe you an apology. Specifically, if I met you during the years of 1985 through 1997, and said anything at all, made one comment or even a single statement, about parenting, child-rearing, discipline, control, obedience, or parental authority. Because I did not yet have children, and although I was [...]

I do not, for the record, consider myself a helicopter parent. I keep close tabs on my kids, sure. I like to think of myself as attentive, involved, and caring. But I don’t particularly hover, and I don’t freak out when my kids aren’t within immediate eyesight or earsight. I’ve gone away on overnight trips, [...]

…because instead of offering advice, it seems I’m always coming to you, ASKING for advice. This time, though, I’m asking for a friend. (I know, that’s what people always say when they’re trying to pretend its not them … but honest, this time it really IS for a friend!) She wrote after reading everyone’s comments [...]

I want to say thanks to all of you who chimed in on the “summer fun time vs. annoying, ungrateful kids” topic. The vast majority of the comments were well-intentioned and respectful, and for that I am very thankful. I appreciate anyone who takes the attitude …. “Here’s my experience; here’s my opinion. This works [...]

Which, you know, basically means “any parent that reads this.” Or, it doesn’t even have to be a parent. Anyone who has an opinion about kids should feel free to weigh in. A teacher, a counselor, a babysitter. Or even anyone who raises, say, hamsters. Because you never know. Maybe someone with hamsters has the [...]

A few weeks ago our church started promoting a six-week special Sunday school class for parents, educators, whoever-might-be-interested, called “Understand Youth: Connecting with Teens in a MySpace World”. Or something like that. I called to get more information and was told that the class was geared for people who deal with pre-teens and teens, specifically, [...]

You know that plaque that hangs in your hallway? The Good Parent of the Year plaque? Yes? No? Yeah, it’s not in my house either. In fact, I would venture to say today wouldn’t even make my top THOUSAND list of “Days I’ve enjoyed being a parent.” It started out innocently enough. It’s Wednesday, after [...]

“You’re all ungrateful little brats and I’m sick of it!” In the car. On the way TO CHURCH.

I love my children more than the grains of sand on the beach, and more than the droplets of water in the ocean. They are my sun, and my moon. I can’t imagine my life without them, and I am thankful every day that they’ve come into my life and fulfilled me as both a [...]

It’s never a good sign when the conversation with your eight-year old starts out like this: 8-yr old: “Mom, I’m not saying you’re not smart. Just that doing it my way makes more sense.” It’s even worse when you realize she’s right.