Children Archives - Page 6 of 7

Children should be seen and not heard

You know the expression: Children should be seen and not heard. It’s total bunk. Do not build your parenting around this concept! You will live to regret it. Your kid will draw horses on the wall behind her bed. Or...

I remember the school shooter drills

I don't teach anymore, but I remember the drills. I remember the nervous chatter of middle schoolers as we huddled in the farthest corner, the door locked, the room dark, objects in hand ready to throw at an assailant.

The one thing your kid needs to foster his creativity

We gave the birthday boy four matchbox cars. He was thrilled and my kiddo was proud. I looked at the mom and said, “I’m betting he has 50 more of those at home.” Her reply: “And he loves them. I...

The one-week water bottle challenge (or how to be an eco chick for 7 days)

I recently let down the neighbor kid in a major way. He made me sign a pledge to stop using bottled water for 6 months. Or was it 6 weeks? I can’t remember. I should ask my boys. They were...

We’ve had enough of your thoughts and prayers

Turn your thoughts and prayers into actions and noise. USE YOUR VOICE! Nothing will change otherwise. And mark my words: change will come. Thoughts and prayers to those who do nothing.

7 signs your kid’s got major FOMO

This is a pretty typical conversation in my house. Like every day. Smaller child, watching me hand older child a second piece of toast: “More toast please!” Me: “After you finish your eggs.” Him, 20 seconds later: “Finished!” Me: “You...

I’m sorry-not-sorry my kid is too busy for you

My boy is ALL BOY. He has no patience to sit and be still. He is into everything. So please do not judge my parenting style. What I need from you is grace.

Why can’t your kid write his own damn essays?

Let’s talk about teaching teens integrity. I was leafing through the glossy pages of my college’s alumni magazine when I stopped short. There was an article about a 20-something who made the Forbes’ Top 30 Under 30 List. Sounds pretty...

Why momma turns into the big bad, wicked witch of the west

“Look at my drawing of our family!” There was a PAUSE. Followed by my friend’s puzzled response: “Where’s the mommy?” “Oh,” her daughter replied, “She died.” #thanksDisney But don’t worry, Disney always offers up a female role model. She’s just...

Chick-fil-A, it’s time to start recycling

Chick-fil-A isn’t exactly progressive. Their cows probably think anti-gay is a charming relative: Wee luv Antee Gay! So I shouldn’t be surprised they’re anti-recycling, too. I just can’t bring myself to boycott them. Because, ladies, they do make a damn,...