Dear Ben, We’ve discussed sexting but I didn’t think a discussion on rape was necessary quite yet, you’re only 12 years old. I’m sure by now that you’ve heard the name Brock Turner, you’ve been hearing Stanford (a college we throw around as hopefully a future option), swimmer and athlete all buzzwords for you, things you would deem positive. I’m sure you’re wondering what all…
As a parent, you know that heavy conversations are usually had when you least expect them. When we sat down at dinner this week, I expected a recap of the school day, a debate on March Madness and maybe a bit of the never ending debacle that is the present presidential race. I definitely did not anticipate the in-depth discussion on sexting and child pornography…
Webster’s II Dictionary defines the following: Fair: impartial, just, in accordance with rules and standards, free from self-interest. Fair tactics, in a proper or legal way (played fair). Justice: the principal of ideal or moral rightness, the upholding of what is right, fairness, integrity in the dealings of men with each other. Peace: the absence of hostilities, a state of harmony as between persons, freedom…
1. Disagreeing isn’t a problem. 2. How you fight can be a problem. 3. Don’t fight dirty. 4. Refusing to hold my hand in public doesn’t make you look cool. 5. Showing your mom some love is cool. 6. Kitchen table talk should never leave the kitchen table. 7. Be prudent on whom you invite to your kitchen table. 8. Assume anything you send in…
I’m divorced and at the top of divorce do and don’t lists is: “don’t fight in front of the kids.” I agree and disagree. I didn’t grow up in a loud house. Arguments between my parents were quiet and tense. Resolution was when one upset parent left the room. This wasn’t a misstep by my parents, it’s how it was for their generation. My mom…
As summer gave way to fall, my home turned from tranquil and relaxed to crazy and chaotic. It’s easy to peacefully parent when there is no alarm clock and no pressure to do anything. Is there any way to keep the zen when kids go back to school and afternoons are filled with sports, music lessons, clubs and homework? When every night is a bedtime…
As my 8-year-old daughter threw the football with her father, another unfamiliar father walked by and made mention of her impressive ability. Whether or not he was impressed by her ability because she was a girl wasn’t known for certain, though it was certainly implied. Following this “compliment,” I heard my husband say, “Yeah, she’s got three brothers.” Immediately, I flinched. The implication that Emily’s…
A few months ago a close friend told me that I am not sweet. She also says this about herself so I am therefore not to be offended. Last week my 8-year-old daughter told me that I am sooooo sweet. She is an Ivy League suck up (my daughter, not my friend) but I know she is sincere in this offering. Her compliment left me…
An entire bicker free day. She took your book? He changed the channel mid show? Too bad. Zip it. Sleep. Real sleep as in sleeping until you naturally wake up and then going back to sleep for two more hours. Wine. Good wine, wine that doesn’t come in a box, wine we don’t normally buy for ourselves. A week off from making dinner. A week…
Bruce Jenner won the gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, making him one of the greatest athletes in the world. I was 2 years old. I never knew Bruce Jenner the athlete, I never knew Bruce Jenner of “Wheaties” box fame. My experience with Bruce Jenner has been through mainstream media over the past decade. The Bruce Jenner I…
