One of the predictable effects of raising children is that, as time passes, you find out that you have certain undiscovered skill sets. For instance, until your children become toddlers and try to test their boundaries, you aren't sure whether you have disciplinary skills. Then, the first time your toddler tries to stick an object in an electrical outlet, you quickly find ... Read More
Punishing Your Kids is The Worst Punishment
One of my daughters got into some big trouble for extreme sassiness and overall attitudinal transgressions this week. As a result, I lost the privilege of having friends to dinner and was forced to refrain from watching the movie I wanted to see with my husband. What's that you say? I should not have been punished on account of her misbehavior, which I had nothing to do ... Read More
Letter to My Teenager. I Do Understand Your Mistakes!
Dear Beautiful, Angsty, Hilarious, Teenage Girl of Mine, This week you surprised me, and it is hard to surprise a parent who has been doing this job for thirteen years. After all, in that thirteen years, I have been the target of your spontaneous, middle-of-the-night vomit several times. I have had to say the words, "No, you cannot go to the store with princess underwear ... Read More