My younger brother Tony had not seen our mother for many years until I broke the news to him she was dying of cancer. He had been separated from his wife for a time but gathered his wife and daughter and made the eight-hour trip to our mother’s home. I waited anxiously with two … [Read more...] about The Powder Girls and My Little Brother
Bribery And Rewards: What’s The Difference?
Parents in my Parents Anonymous Group often discussed bribery and rewards but many confused the two. What exactly is the difference and why does it matter? HINT: Bribes are not planned beforehand and parents are pressured in the moment; rewards are usually planned by the … [Read more...] about Bribery And Rewards: What’s The Difference?
Blame & Shame
“You did it – it is your fault!” Many claim credit for positive things that occur; cleaning the bathroom mirror, feeding the dog or finding the answer to the riddle on page nine but nobody lays claim to anything negative. “I didn’t leave the milk sitting out!” “Those paper … [Read more...] about Blame & Shame
Phone Tips to Teach Kids
Is it okay not to answer the phone or to hang up while a person is still talking? The answer is, yes! It is important for parents to teach children how to answer the phone properly and still protect our private information. Knowing which information to give out or keep secret … [Read more...] about Phone Tips to Teach Kids
Children Want To Be A Hero
We learned the hard way, our heart-shaped pond held children’s attention – and real danger. My father built a rock-lined, heart-shaped goldfish pond for my mother in the back yard. The pond measured five feet at its widest point and was all of four feet deep. That pond and I … [Read more...] about Children Want To Be A Hero
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to