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
family
Why Pets Can be So Important for Kids
Sometimes when you have kids the last thing you want to do is add more to your plate by adding a pet to the mix. Sometimes however getting a pet for your child can be one of the best gifts you will ever give to your child. As adults we need to carefully examine the … [Read more...] about Why Pets Can be So Important for Kids
Stop Children’s Fighting Over Toys
When parents buy a toy for their children, we have visions of happy, smiling children enjoying the toy. Ideally, all the children in one family will share toys, especially if it would be too expensive to buy one for each child. Too often though, children end up fighting over the … [Read more...] about Stop Children’s Fighting Over Toys
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
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to