A wise and funny man, Dr. Laurence J. Peter once said, “Speak when you are angry — and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” Not only was he wise, he was right. No matter who you are angry with — children, spouse, boss, a clerk, even your government — it does not pay … [Read more...] about Anger Builds Unless Safely Vented
The Powder Girls and My Little Brother
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
Danger: Toddlers Underfoot In The Kitchen
What can do you do when a toddler is constantly underfoot in the kitchen? With two-year-old Chelsey, before I came to Parents Anonymous, I really had no idea what I should do. When I was using a razor to slice frozen meats for Chinese dishes, I was concerned that she would … [Read more...] about Danger: Toddlers Underfoot In The Kitchen
Ten Tools For Parents
“Just come and get this kid!” was often the plea I heard from parents as a volunteer on the Family Helpline. By the time parents made the call to the Family Helpline they had already done everything they could think of to reach their child and get them to listen or obey. They … [Read more...] about Ten Tools For Parents
Home Alone Tragedy: Five-Year-Old Left Alone
In late June five-year-old Brandajah Smith was taken off life-support machines after she was declared brain dead in New Orleans. Little Brandajah was left home alone by her mother who went to a neighborhood store to buy a few things. While playing alone, Brandajah found a loaded … [Read more...] about Home Alone Tragedy: Five-Year-Old Left Alone
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to