We are not lucky; we are fortunate. There is a difference. When my husband called his grandmother to announce the birth of our fourth child, he expected to hear excitement and congratulations. There was a bit of that, before she went into a lecture about how lucky we were. If someone was speaking of how... Continue Reading →
in my daughter’s eyes…
12 years ago today, my mother died. It wasn't unexpected. She had actively been fighting cancer since I was 12 years old. However, you are never quite prepared for something like that. I definitely wasn't ready. I still tear up at the thought of losing her. And so, today I share with you this song.... Continue Reading →
without a united front…
I've often heard parents discussing the fact that, together with their spouse, they always present a united front to their children, whether or not they agree with their spouse. I admit this has always confounded me a bit. I want my children to be honest, both with themselves and with others, and to do what... Continue Reading →
butterflies…
In April, we hung butterfly salt dough ornaments. They seemed like a fitting representation of Spring, especially considering that we sent away for Painted Lady caterpillars. We had a butterfly pavilion that was given to us as a gift, and the caterpillars were ordered from Insect Lore. They come in a cup with everything they... Continue Reading →
financial responsibility…
In our family, everyone is expected to help out. We don't reward picking up or doing household chores with money. We help each other because that is what a family does. When something isn't working out, we talk about it and make any necessary changes. Separate from that, but along the same lines, is money.... Continue Reading →
don’t swear with your mouth full…
After reading my post concerning the disadvantages of time-out, Dr. Cary Chugh contacted me and asked if I would review his book, Don't Swear with Your Mouth Full! When the book arrived, my husband joked that I would have to write a good review, but by that time I had already read the back of the... Continue Reading →
whining…
Most parents have dealt with a whining child at some point. I generally handle whining pretty well. It's only when the whining turns to a "Moooommmmmmyyyyyy" multiple times that it really starts to grate on my nerves. Having my name whined will quickly begin to bother me. When that happens, I calmly explain to my... Continue Reading →
mixed messages from permissive parenting…
A common problem with permissive parenting is that a parent will go so far in not wanting to show disapproval of the child that they may act as though they actually approve of a specific behavior being peformed by the child. They may put their needs aside in order to accomodate behaviors that they truly... Continue Reading →
our fourth birth…
Before going to bed, I had a few thoughts that I should stay up late and finish some projects. The ningling idea that we would have a baby soon was on my mind. However, I reassured myself that I had time to finish those projects. After all, our first three children were born bwtween 40... Continue Reading →
simplifying socks…
Socks tend to multiply, get eaten by dryers, run off on their own leaving poor mateless singletons behind, and be a source of dissention for many households across the world. Certainly they serve their purpose. They keep our feet warm and help keep our shoes from stinking. But managing them and their wild ways has... Continue Reading →
living peacefully with children 