When Your Child Asks If You’ve Ever Lied to Him
Mother-Daughter Time in Wet, Salty Darkness
Years ago, I saw a news clip about a support group for people afraid of roller coasters, poised to overcome those fears. The clip showed them huddled together in the shadow of a coaster, sharing supportive hugs and words of reassurance… Read More
Gutter Guards Are the Sign of Our Failure As Parents
Homelessness Through the Eyes of a Teen
Driving into downtown Bethesda, Maryland earlier today, a panhandler came up to my car window as my teen and I were stopped at a red light. I don’t give money to panhandlers, or (any longer) food, either. What I do hand out are bright orange cards, with Bethesda Cares’ Drop-In Center… Read More
A Parenting Moment, in Which an iPad and a Text Really Cheese Me Off
I understand that electronic devices are here to stay, and freely admit partaking of them myself. However, I’m kind of tired of battling against their omnipresence in my children’s lives, particularly that of my youngest. I mean, I try to be realistic about devices’ allure and … Read More
When Parents Are Naughty, Children Aren’t Nice (Or: Helping Those In Need Is an Honor, Not a Lesson)
You suspect that your child does not fully appreciate her slender frame, so you bring her to look around at an Overeaters Anonymous meeting. You want her to have a lasting “there but the grace of God go I” moment, and you think that absorbing the roomful of fatties will do that for her… Read More
Teaching Children Social Responsibility, Responsibly
Trump’s Approval Ratings Are High with the Potty-Mouth Crowd
[Please note that this piece contains multiple quotations of moronic bathroom humor, sadly, the height of wit among 9-year-old boys. If the word “poop” offends, I understand completely and feel your pain. Don’t bother to comment. Just stop reading.]… Read More