While preparing for my next lesson on digital citizenship, I reread an article last week discussing sexting as the new first base in dating relationships. I was appalled by what the article said but not surprised. I read articles like this all the time so that I can be sharing with students the dangers of social media. Yet I instantly shook my head and said to myself, “My own kids will never be in the situation to do this.” Read More
Growing up, I was required to write thank you notes for all my birthdays. My grandma would always call after my birthday and ask if I’d gotten her card in the mail. I always felt awful if I didn’t acknowledge her with a phone call or note. I have to admit, it might have been months later before I finished the last thank you note, but I did get them all done, every year, every time. Read More
The batting average. Sitting on the bench. Not receiving the perfect score on a test. Not meeting expectations on a project. The rejection letter to our college of choice. The rejection letter after an interview. To many students, these scenarios are unfamiliar. To some, these situations can be considered failures. Read More
Parenting is never smooth sailing. For the big problems, I seek guidance from my pediatrician or other professional advisors. But for the “how-to” questions or the non-emergency “glitches,” I turn to my parents or my parenting peers. My most recent question was a little tricky. It wasn’t about birthday planning. More like birthday etiquette. Read More
I told my kids this the other day: “I’m so excited for school to be in session. I’m a better mom when I am teaching.” All three of our kids gave me a blank stare. Read More
Here we go again. Another school year is underway, and that means homework and after-school activities. But when homework is done and there aren’t any after-school activities, a lot of parents wonder, “Is it okay to give my child the iPad or allow them to watch TV?” Read More
I’m the grandma of four beautiful and loving grandchildren. They teach me a great deal about life and love. They give more to me than I’ll ever be able to give to them. This past week, though, being a grandma was a little different. Read More
I couldn’t wait for this year’s county fair. I was looking forward to it. This year would be the first year that all three of our kids would be showing sheep and cows, and they would all be at the fair with their dad and grandpa. Which meant free time for me to walk, read or relax. (Yes, probably a little selfish.) Read More
A new school year is approaching, and my son Cohen is currently in “first grade meltdown” mode at any mention of the word school. Read More
We all have those moments where we’re extremely proud of our children, and then we have those moments where we’re just flat out disappointed in them. And you know what, that goes for myself as well. Read More
This weekend, I realized I’m not the fun parent. I try to do fun things with the kids, but when my husband is involved he’s like a big kid himself. Our children’s faces light up when Dad’s around. Read More
