| Category: Parenting |
The No-Fear Option
Just wait 'til your father gets home!
By Mark Montgomery
“You just wait ‘til your father gets home!”
All the moms in my neighborhood recognized the power of that phrase, and most used it pretty regularly. It was the Cold War, after all, and nuclear deterrent was the bedrock of diplomacy,...read more |
| Category: Columnists |
Not Your Average Fairy Tale
Learning a Strawberry Flavored Lesson
By Melissa Doak
“Hey Missy,” said Vicky Porter, lying on the mat next to mine. “Do you think we’ll get ice cream for snack today?”
Our kindergarten class was housed with the other kindergartens in a small trailer set apart from the “big”...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Tough Girl
My daughter has an aggressive streak.
By Susan Cuadrado
It’s the middle of summer and I’m in a new town at an unfamiliar elementary school filling out my oldest daughter Rowan’s paperwork for kindergarten. The last page of what seems like an endless stack of papers asks me to list her strengths...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Don't Think You're So Important
Get off your parenting high horse.
By Lauri Kubuitsile
Friend got the letter all parents dread. The teacher would like to see her to “discuss her daughter’s behavior”. Teachers don’t write that letter unless they believe your child is one infraction away from the “Big House”...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Don't Think You're So Important
Get off your parenting high horse.
By Lauri Kubuitsile
Friend got the letter all parents dread. The teacher would like to see her to “discuss her daughter’s behavior”. Teachers don’t write that letter unless they believe your child is one infraction away from the “Big House”...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Old Yeller
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW??
By Juliet Johnson
In my twenties, there were days – maybe weeks -- that went by where I never spoke much or even raised my voice. I had the comforting presence of a twelve-year-old girl walking quietly to church to sing in the choir.
Now I am this:
DON'T TAKE YOUR...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
The Master Mind
On the brink of insanity.
By Andrea Atkinson
Having a toddler is like perpetually trying to put out a fire while running a timed marathon. Not that I’ve ever actually run a marathon, or put out a fire for that matter, but really, do they ever stop tearing through toys, rooms, refrigerators,...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Queen of Nags
Mommy needed her serfs to self-govern.
By Kelly Curtis
I have a genetic predisposition to nag. This, coupled with control freak tendencies, is a recipe for catastrophe.
My resolve in resisting this impulse was successful until our family moved, and remodeled our new home while we inhabited the construction...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
A Frog Named French Fry
With my three boys, he didn't have a chance...
By Kelly Miller
With boys, it is inevitable that on any given day, your house will become a museum for the many life forms that have been captured. I have tried to implement the rule that unless pre-approved, no creature is allowed into the sanctuary of our house. Of...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
A Frog Named French Fry
With my three boys, he didn't have a chance...
By Kelly Miller
With boys, it is inevitable that on any given day, your house will become a museum for the many life forms that have been captured. I have tried to implement the rule that unless pre-approved, no creature is allowed into the sanctuary of our house. Of...read more |
| Category: Humor |
Memo to Mama
Please review the following talking points.
By Sonia Elabd
M e m o r a n d u m
TO: Mama
RE: Me
Let me get straight to my point, Mama. Until a couple of months ago, things have gone pretty smoothly in my life. I’m not going to lie; things could be better. Lately, you’ve been showing your mean face...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
When It's Someone Else's Child
It takes a village?
By Bryan Johnston
An age old parenting question: Should you reprimand, scold, tattle on or instruct another person’s child? After speaking with several parents and child rearing experts I can say without hesitation that the answer to this question is absolutely,...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
I'm the Mom (Like It or Not)
You had to get up and pee, didn't you?
By Jamie Odeneal
In my life as a mother, some days begin beautifully. On the mornings when my daughter Quinn doesn’t stir until the blessed hour of 8:00 a.m., I rise from bed fully refreshed after a decadent nine hours of uninterrupted sleep. When I’m good...read more |
| Category: Lifestyle |
The IP Bookshelf
Don't Forget Your Etiquette! The Essential Guide to Misbehavior By David Greenberg, illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Don't Forget Your Etiquette! The Essential Guide to Misbehavior
By David Greenberg; illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott
Farrar, Straus and Giroux; $16.00
40 pp.; ISBN-13: 978-0374349905
Review by Amy Brozio-Andrews
Every kid goes through it, that...read more |
| Category: Columnists |
What's the Matter With Mommy?
Super(mom)model.
By Kelley Cunningham
I was watching the Today show the other morning, and two mothers were discussing with Meredith Vieira whether or not it was okay to have a cocktail during a playgroup. I cannot believe this is actually a topic worthy of a debate on national television....read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Alizilla
Tokyo had it easy.
By Andrea Finefrock
Is there ever the right thing to say to a parent with a screaming child? As the parent of three well-versed screaming banshees at some point in their lives, I just can't give you a straight answer. At the risk of sounding like I do not love my children...read more |
| Category: Parenting |
Where Did My Baby Go?
Don't you wish they could stay little forever? No, really!
By Jennifer Grissom
On February 22, 2001 I gave birth to the sweetest little boy anyone has ever seen. From the time he was born, he seemed to always be happy. He always rewarded anyone who looked at him with a huge toothless smile. Even when hungry, he rarely cried,...read more |
