Perfecting Childhood

My grandfather's generation is the Korean War generation. The Silent Generation known for hard work and keeping quiet. Growing up, these kids were expected to be seen and not heard and also expected to carry their load and either work the farm or help in the family business to support the household. Then there is … Continue reading Perfecting Childhood →

Newly Added to List of Swear Words: Can’t

I've decided to add a word to the list of swear words in our house: Can't. My six-year-old was invited to a rollerskating parting, and it what his first time wearing wheels on his feet. He was eager to try but, as it goes when you're learning to skate, quickly fell on his butt. He … Continue reading Newly Added to List of Swear Words: Can’t →

No Saving

I was given this mug when I was seven years old. I vaguely remember an ivy of some sort growing out of the soil, planted into its "no spill" design. I loved everything about it, the color, the design, the sail boats. I received this cup during a week in the hospital for the removal … Continue reading No Saving →

Raising Kids in Just 10 Minutes Twice A Day

We're running a challenging little experiment in our house. Challenging because it constitutes finding 10 minutes twice a day for each parent to spend with each child. Amy McCready calls this 10-minutes, twice per day, per adult caregiver Mind, Body & Soul time in her book If I have to Tell You One More Time...The Revolutionary … Continue reading Raising Kids in Just 10 Minutes Twice A Day →

What!? No Movies for the Road-Trip?

Twenty driving hours in the car, countless pit stops and thousands of crumbs and spills. And probably less than three of these hours included a device. Summer road trip season is an exciting time with lots of planning, packing, prepping and packing some more, especially when it involves a potty-training toddler and a very busy … Continue reading What!? No Movies for the Road-Trip? →

Can You Please Watch Your Mouth?

"I will kill you mother f*&^$%. I will stab you," she said. And there was more. A full on rant. I can't seem to recall additional pieces of the swearing that was taking place but it seemed to go on and on. This wasn't the latest Netflix series, so there was no mute button for … Continue reading Can You Please Watch Your Mouth? →

A Post-Father’s Day Letter to My Kids: You’re My Hope for the Future

To my six-year-old son and my two-year-old daughter, Thanks for spending Father's Day with me. Okay, so you didn't really have a choice. And at this age, you still want to, but in the spirit of Dad's Day I thought I'd write you a quick letter with some dad tips to look back on. All … Continue reading A Post-Father’s Day Letter to My Kids: You’re My Hope for the Future →

Substituting a Why or a What or a How: Paths to a Two-Way Relationship

My son's school has a uniform. The last week of school and he wanted to wear gym shoes instead of the more formal black standards. My first reaction was no, it's not a gym day. Can't. Then I recall how I always reacted to no or can't. Yup, I was one of those don't tell … Continue reading Substituting a Why or a What or a How: Paths to a Two-Way Relationship →

Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary

For those of us in the grown up role, fathering and mothering young children, the mundane and necessary can be something to fear or even procrastinate. Shopping for groceries for example, is often scheduled sans kids. Dinner prep can be a time to fear. Laundry is a never ending chore. Never mind basic cleaning to … Continue reading Involving Your Kids in the Mundane and Necessary →

Just Do Your Best and a Bunch of Hot Air

My perfection often leads to procrastination or frustration, depending on whether or not I take action. After at least five months of having the box in my basement, I decided to take action and install my son's ceiling fan. My six-year old son moved upstairs when he was four, at the arrival of his little … Continue reading Just Do Your Best and a Bunch of Hot Air →