Back to school with common core math, an original play in one extremely trying act. A: I need help! L: [deep, deep sigh, knowing it is time for math homework]: K. What do you need help with? A: [gestures vaguely at entire worksheet.] L: [dies on inside]. K. Let’s see what we’ve got here. A: […]
Category Archives: children
I like me.
Evie got a new helmet for her bike. It has a dry erase surface and comes with cool neon markers so you can make your own design, over and over again. Evie is 5, so this is the perfect helmet because she knows–of course–that she can make much better helmet designs than any store. Much, […]
I am old.
Ella asked me the other day if she could listen to a certain song. She started to describe it; “it says ‘eye of the tiger’…” “Eye of the Tiger! Eye of the Tiger! ok!” So I start playing “Eye of the Tiger” from Rocky. I am so excited that she even knows of such an […]
Lies, All Lies
My kids are great kids. They are smart (too smart) and loving and so kind to each other and to their parents. They are both quite verbal (too verbal) and they talk all the time. ALL. THE. TIME. I mean, it feels like I haven’t written much lately and it is largely because Ella has […]
I am a Superhero
No, not from Halloween (though if there is a way to become a hero by eating fun-size Snickers bars and Kit Kats, that might be a contributing factor). I am for real: my mad parenting skills are not just impressive–they are superhuman. For example: I can shift time. We’re one week into end-of-daylight-savings-time. Or, as many […]
The Three C’s of Bedtime SuCCess!
I was recently talking with other parents about a pain we all well know: that of convincing young children their day has ended, their bodies need sleep, and their beds are the place to do it. Such a tough sell. I once described bedtime as “my life’s hardest job, every single day.” I stand by that, especially […]
My Brain Owie: Another Example of Kids Breaking Important Things
Some of you readers may have noticed a significant slowing of posts in recent weeks: sorry about that. I have been doing minimal “screen time” lately–computers, TV, reading humorous-but-meaningless lists on Buzzfeed–because three weeks ago, I suffered a concussion. I thought I’d had concussions before–once in seventh grade at recess, once in high school at […]
Frosting, Raisins, Rabbits and Other Reasons My Kids Totally Lost It
My kids are in an emotionally volatile place. Right now, because it is afternoon, but they don’t really nap anymore. Later this afternoon, because they won’t have had dinner yet. In the late evening because they ARE NOT TIRED. Tomorrow, because it will be a school day. And, just generally, because they are children. I haven’t […]
Guest Post! Master Class to Admiring Any Baby
(regardless of what the baby actually looks like) Let’s be honest, a lot of babies look vaguely creepy. There are many exceptions, but unfortunately most proud parents are (rightfully) oblivious to the fact that their newborn primarily bears resemblance to an alien. Since perfectly attractive people can have very odd-looking babies, you need to be […]
Timeline of Family Growth and Development Milestones, As They Relate to Dora the Explorer
2008-9: Small, new, baby–too small even to watch television–arrives. I have never seen Dora the Explorer. My world is about to change. 2010: Family trip to Asia with an 18-month old in coach. I unveil the magic of television watching for the first time, hoping it will be a spellbinding gift that will buy hours of […]