Not So Perfect Parent BLOG |
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May 2008
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Both of my kids were in the back seat. I was stupid enough to have a single lollypop in plain few on my side console. Sure enough, my youngest says, "Can I have the lollypop?" "No" I sigh. "There is only one and we can share it." Pause. Pout. And then, "I have a great idea! We don't have to share! I'll eat the whole thing!" ...When's the last time you went on a stroll? Seriously, a stroll? Not a jog on the treadmill or a walk to the parking lot, I'm talking about a stroll. It had been years for me until last night when my youngest asked me to take him on a stroll. "Like in your stroller?" I asked. "You're getting too big for your stroller." "Can we stroll without my stroller?" He asked. Hmmm... I had a pile of mail to go through not to ... My oldest son, Colt, was doing a school project on the power of advertising. He was asked to create a flyer that included a message intended to influence other people to take action. I sat with him as he pondered his options. His eyes widened and he said, "I know what my poster should say!! 'Always Kiss Your Mother Goodnight!'" I sat there, overwhelmed by his charm. Tears started to well and I reached out and said, "That ... My son and I are building a rocket ship. We decided while I was swinging him at the park. I've got to say, this is going to be a pretty cool rocket ship. We decided we would have two fountains - close to each other - one for him and one for me. There would also be a swimming pool, four beds and one doggie basket for Buster. Several days later, Luke asked me when we would start building the rocket ship - he wanted to start collect... My oldest son is fully invested in the whole camp experience. At the age of 8, he is now beginning a tradition that is almost a prerequisite for families with boys. However, I have very strong beliefs about this outdoor ritual. Every Thursday, two hundred plus kids ranging from ages 5 – 15 meet in a local park for games, snacks and lessons on sportsmanship. It is led by Jim Redwine - better known as Mr. Redwine – a tough-talkin’, bear-huggin’, makes no apologies father of four who has made extraordinary contributions to hundreds of kids. These kids are all eager to grow in the ranks and earn different colored caps for their efforts in giving to the group and to th... Parents need as many resources as possible when teaching important life lessons. What could be more fun than a movie watching the Dr. Seuss classic, "Horton Hears a Who". There were many life lessons in the movie. Here are my top three: Lesson #1 “Even thought you can’t see them at all, a person's a person, no matter how small.” People should be honored and appreciated regardless of how big they are, what th...
There are many reasons why people choose international adoption. Some have an affinity for a particular country or culture. Others feel more comfortable adopting overseas and avoiding the burocracy of Child Protective Services. While, stil... Celebrities show off their style and have enormous budgets to fill their closets. Let's face it ladies, it can get a little depressing watching Desperate Housewives and then having to go into your Desperate Closet. Plus, wearing those cute trendy clothes can look a little ridiculous in the carpool line. Thank goodness for people like Paige Money. She owns a little boutique in Fort Worth called “Charmed I'm Sure". Her clothes are tre... Can gratitude be taught? My answer is a resounding YES! Kids today are in the "I WANT MORE" generation and feel slighted by not having the latest cell phone or the coolest IPOD. Parents buy-into this entitlement by ensuring that their children do not go without - that by having all of the cool fashions, gadgets and gizmos they purchase security and happiness. I was impressed when I learned about a little girl named Sami Fitzgerald.... |