Boys are easier than girls, yada yada yada, less emotional drama, and they don’t care as much about fashion . . . Those are all things I hear A LOT as a mom of three boys. OK, it’s true my boys don’t care about accessorizing or being dressed to the nines, but the opposite can actually be quite a challenge, too. (note – I do know some boys who love to dress nice . . . they just don’t live…
When does hockey season end? People ask me that a lot. Is it never? I think it’s never. Here we are in my son’s second season as a hockey player. He is having SO. MUCH. FUN and is learning so much – new skills, faster and more precise skating, more rules of the game. He even got his first penalty (and then his second, and third . . . ) And I’m still learning a lot, too. Did you see…
SNACKS!!!!!!!!!! As parents, we’re all quite familiar with them, constantly bombarded with requests for them, and constantly on a quest to find just the right snacks for kids that they will love and that we feel good about giving them. We go up to Expert Level Parenting when we actually find one that all the kids will like, which is a challenge in my house. My oldest son has never liked what are often considered the typical/easy every-kid-loves-these kind of…
I should have posted this weeks ago in preparation for Halloween, but didn’t have a chance to write it until now. The good news is that it doesn’t just apply to Halloween, but to all holidays, to any eating occasion, really — for a food allergy family. Today is Halloween. Spooky, right? What’s REALLY scary it is navigating holidays with food allergies. As I set out the candy in hopes of trick-or-treaters coming my way tonight (we shall see…
The best days were when you were a newborn. I just held you and snuggled you and breathed you in. You slept and you cuddled and you nestled in my arms and all we needed was each other. The best days were when you were a baby, and I could watch you discover the world — emotions, fingers, colors, toys, feet, people, sounds, smells, characters, textures. Everything was a wonder to you, and you were every bit of amazing…
Can kindness be taught? I’m not sure, but I’m sure trying to find out. “Use your manners!” I call out with a sing-songy voice, checking the box on doing the right thing to raise my kids to be good human beings. But is that enough? I don’t think so. Sometimes, no matter how great a role model I try to be – remembering my own “please” and “thank you,” my kids can be downright rude to each other, and…
OK, it’s August. I get it – school where we live starts later this month. But this year, as I’m bombarded with constant reminders of the impending first day of school (TV ads, in-store displays, radio ads, social media, and kids saying it’s not fair it starts so soon), I find myself wondering . . . do we really need to do any shopping? Sure, part of the rationale for not wanting to do it is because it’s summer! …
Another summer, another family vacation. We head to Cape Cod every year and stay at the same place, with the same friends. It’s tradition. And I love it. The kids have been there enough times now that they feel comfortable and confident walking around the resort, and they get so excited at the thought of a beach and an outdoor pool and an indoor pool and a hot tub and mini golf and go-karts and arcade and ice cream. And…
I’m not one to complain a lot. But when my husband calls me from a kids’ hockey tournament and tells me about the competing team’s parents taunting my kid’s team (these are 8-10-year old players, by the way), shouting profanity, and being downright horrible role models, my blood boils. So, here’s my uncharacteristic rant. I’m hoping some perspective from good old ME can help change this dynamic, though I’m guessing those of you who read this and agree are already in…
It’s OK to watch them breathe. To just sit there, watching their tiny chests move up and down. To feel their breath on your hand. To ask them repeatedly to say the words, “I’m OK, Mommy,” just so you can be sure. That’s what I did on the way to the hospital tonight. See, my littlest love has nut allergies. He has an anaphylactic reaction to almonds, hazelnuts and peanuts. To be safe, I keep him away from all nuts. …