I realize now how much simpler life was when my children were in preschool. It only seemed hard. Hard is waiting for them to come home by curfew, trusting they make good choices when I’m not around, and hoping they will do the right thing if their friends try to negatively influence them. Between school, … Continue Reading →
A loss of interest in judging others. A loss of interest in judging self. These are probably the two most important things I could teach my children, and certainly two things that I need to work on daily.
I can’t count how many times over the years my daughters’ schools have sent home notices saying, “Someone in your child’s grade has reported lice.” It makes my stomach turn every time, and of course, I suddenly get an urge to scratch my head. So far, none of our heads have been visited. However, there … Continue Reading →
My kids seem to be much more involved in extracurricular activities than I was at their age. Maybe less true for my 14-year-old, but that’s definitely the case with my 10-year-old. Both of my kids have had the privilege of experiencing team sports, music, theater, art and various camps. As parents, we try to research … Continue Reading →
Recently my family got to spend a wonderful week together with my in-laws, brother-in-law and cousins. It was like a mini-family reunion. The location was unfamiliar to all of us, which made the planner side of me both excited and anxious. When vacationing with large groups of people, I think one of the hardest things … Continue Reading →
Everybody loves summer vacation, or at least the idea of summer vacation. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take long before the novelty wears off and the whining begins. It starts as a low murmur, then an irritating buzz, until it finally bubbles over into a roaring rush of foot tapping and kitchen pacing. “I’m bored! There’s nothing … Continue Reading →
No matter how good my intentions are, by the end of the week, my house always looks like we hosted a sumo wrestling match in the middle of the family room. A plethora of spectator paraphernalia clutters the hallways — scraps of paper, empty food containers, even discarded clothing. It’s a mess. So you can … Continue Reading →
Cleaning up bloody noses, vomit, urine, and poop are just a few of the perks of parenthood. And unfortunately, they end up on the most unfavorable places, like the back seat of your car, on your sofa cushions, splashed across your comforter and even on your favorite new shirt. In the past, I simply threw out … Continue Reading →
This week is Michigan Money Smart Week. Several programs are going on around the state providing free advice to help educate families about money matters. In fact, the Bank of Birmingham is meeting with Detroit area fifth-graders this week. They also have provided some tips today to help parents talk with their children about money … Continue Reading →
My parents hosted parties around the year. Music filled our house as much as the people. I remember the rich smells of my mother’s cooking, clinking glasses, trickling conversations and the vibrant tones of notes cascading throughout. Sometimes the music escaped speakers, carefully selected to fit the mood of the event, but most of the … Continue Reading →