A mother is ever-changing – in mind, body, spirit, meal planning and laundry loads. My mind has changed because of being a Mom. Cleaning up projectile vomit doesn’t make me squeamish. Nor does wiping bums or other bits & pieces of small bodies. I can forecast moods and snacks better than the weather network can…
parenting
Explaining Death to Kids
My grandmother has died – as she lived – very gently and with great dignity. My focus has shifted from March Break activities to explaining death to my kids (total 180 in my brain activity). I put it out to twitter – if anyone had any #kidlit advice on the subject. @MMPerspectives recommended “When Dinosaurs…
Field Trips: Discuss
Field trips: Good? Bad? Discuss amongst yourselves (or comment below – because comments make our day – really comments and chocolate. Recently, I received 2 field trip forms…one for Thing 1 and one for Thing 2…here is the killer –>same field trip! Now, anyone who has gone on a field trip knows you sign up…
Elf help, fairy dust and other things
If you are not in the mood to read about fretting…read THIS or THAT. If you are an elf, fairy or other magical creature – who helps those in need – could you kindly pay a visit to my house because in less than 24 hours my in-laws arrive and I could really use a visit…
Passing on responsibility
Can the kids do a “job” around the house? Are they ready? Is it too much? They have the ability to put their things away (they do it at school all the time!). They have the ability to recognize priorities (“can you make me a snack BEFORE you check your email?”) They have the ability…
Babies, Birthdays and Blessings
My baby is having another birthday. And with it comes great pride and a little sadness. Isn’t it funny how we pull children forward – growing, learning and becoming – yet we – as parents – find it a bit hard to see them walk away from the baby years. I do anyway. This week,…
obnoxious-sport-parent-mentality
My kids don’t play hockey – so we aren’t exposed to “obnoxious-sport-parent-mentality” – that what I call parents who like to be unofficial coaches from the stands – who like to yell at 15 year old referees because they disagree with a call – that sort of parent (I’ve “heard” that “obnoxious-sport-parent-mentality” is often at…
Parent Club tips for BACK TO SCHOOL
Don’t freak your kids out. Don’t over talk school. Don’t cry in front of them. Don’t spill your worries to other parents in earshot of your children. You need to be their rock. Be a rock! Short and sweet. Don’t hang around the classroom. Don’t try to talk to the teacher. Make drop off short…
Readers share fly trap
Thanks to the Parent Club reader who e-mailed in this tip: I had a friend over for tea the other evening and I was complaining about the mass amounts of fruit flies I have been noticing this year…last year did not seem so bad! I know you can get fruit fly traps from Lee Valley…
Thank blog for cell phones
What would a modern mom do without a cell phone? Not that I use it very often mind you. I have an out-going only policy about my cell phone. I’ll call you – don’t call me. ‘Cause quite honestly – I don’t have the sort of life where I need to be reached 24/7. There…
When Kids Almost Drown – Water Safety
This week we were invited to a friend’s pool. They have a shallow end. Thing 1 didn’t want to wear a life jacket (and following suite – neither did Thing 2) – however there were noodles to keep them afloat and they had taken a few swimming lessons in the past year. There were the…
Vacation – Staycation – Summer Camp
Our vacation is over – staycation rather. Van broke down and we were stuck, jailed – we remained close to home. In lieu of going to the cottage – we did laundry, painted the fence, and rode our bikes everywhere. One thing is sure – we were very eco friendly! Still, no vehicle but this…