My parents didn’t do my homework. They didn’t hover over me asking how it was going or offering to help. Both teacher and parent understood that I was responsible for, and capable of, initiating and completing the work on my own. Assignments addressed me, not my parents, as parents were not expected to be directly… Continue reading I’ve Done My Homework (Years of It).

Have you ever watched Dora the Explorer? I watched it a few times, just to check it out. I promptly banned it, with my kids’ blessing, from our home. The girl cannot express herself without shrieking. She yells everything. It’s as if she is incapable of having fun, or being excited, without being really, really… Continue reading Inside Voice, My Ear!

At least four women had brought their little ones along to this particular class. The children, who ranged from about 9 months old to preschool age, entered the room without a fuss and began exploring the toys and activities on offer. All but one little girl.

For several weeks now, my daughter — along with several hundred other school-age campers and the entire staff of the highly regarded, private-school-affiliated day camp she’s attending — has been forbidden from bringing peanut or tree nut products for lunch because a few campers have severe allergies. You’re likely thinking, “So? That’s how it should… Continue reading Just Plain Nuts

So we took our kids to the circus. It was wonderful. What’s more, we really felt we’d got our money’s worth. How often can you say that, right? We had nothing but praise for the performers, the staff, the venue, the music. Even the woman at the ticket window had been friendly and helpful. It… Continue reading Send in the Clowns

I almost made a serious mistake — one that could land my daughters in the very sort of situations I (and I’m guessing, most parents) would hope to spare them. Of course I didn’t realize I was going down a potentially dangerous path. I was just doing the same thing my own parents and other… Continue reading He’s Not Mean Because He Likes You … He’s Just Mean

When did it become acceptable for a kid to ignore a direct question or greeting? To not respond when spoken to? I’m fairly sure it hasn’t always been like this. So, what’s changed and why? I don’t mean ignoring some guy in a trench coat who approaches at a playground. I mean ignoring someone who… Continue reading Too Shy, Shy

My husband and I, with our toddler and infant, attended a party at the suburban home of friends. It was a casual, daytime affair, but one that had clearly taken some effort and cost to put together. Local and long-distance friends and relatives had come to celebrate the special occasion. Food was served buffet style, and… Continue reading Competitive Mom

I read an amusing, thought-provoking, and well-written non-fiction book. The author casually scattered throughout the chapters references to his young son’s tantrums and “freak outs.” He didn’t refer to the behavior as problematic, but rather seemed to take it in stride — part and parcel of having a child. This is how kids are and… Continue reading Not Holding My Breath