My husband, Isidore, works in Information Technology. He is also a Dad. One of his jobs provides a salary, recognition, and big handshakes of appreciation. The other one, uh, not so much. But I know the real deal: while it’s important that all those computers run smoothly, it’s the 24/7, thankless, drain-your-bank-account Dad job that … More The Importance of Being Dad
There are nights when my husband collapses on the couch after finally getting the kids to bed, and jokes, “I can’t wait until they go to college.” I laugh because I know exactly what he means. And I also want to cry because I know we didn’t have kids just to rush them out the … More Parenting as (Hazing) Spiritual Discipline
When my daughter told me that a boy called her “the meanest girl at camp” for no reason, I had my doubts. Sure enough, later she admitted that splashing him repeatedly in the pool probably had something to do with it. As I struggled to help her see things from his point of view, her … More Teaching Empathy, Being Empathy
Listen up, folks, there’s a new Decorator in town, and she’s rad, opinionated, resourceful and is sure to make a splash in the design world. While I was making dinner the other night she completely “redefined” our front landing. It’s a signature statement with a sophisticated use of white punctuated by bold flashes of color. … More The Decorator Strikes Again
My three-year-old son rests his head on my shoulder while I pore over the weather forecast. “Oh look,” I deadpan. “More rain.” Engrossed in my gloom over the cloudiest, rainiest spring in memory, he startles me with a sudden shout: “Oh Mommy, my friends are coming! My friends are coming today!” I look at him … More Conquering Fear, One “Friend” at a Time
Remember the pathetic power struggle over a power bar with my 5-year-old that I wrote about last week? Well, the Universe did and gracefully offered a “do-over.” Have you ever botched something so badly that you wished you could do it over again? Like how Christina Aguilera must feel about her National Anthem flub at … More The Universe Offers a “Do-Over”!
For our 5-year-old, every Tuesday ends with swim practice and a special treat. Every Tuesday except last Tuesday that is, because last Tuesday there was a slight hiccup in our regular schedule. And that slight hiccup brought tears, yelling, and a fitful night wracked with guilt and regret. Tuesdays are long days. Our daughter, Amara, … More The Balance Bar Debacle
There is a cute boy in my daughter’s swim class who refuses to get in the pool. While the other children happily splash about, he goes through an impressive array of stall tactics until his weary mother finally peels him off her shoulders and slides him in. Parenting a child who does things differently can … More Delving Into Difference
The Harmony of Opposites 