The song Make New Friendswas woven into the fabric of my youth by its ubiquity in Girl Scouts. I have always loved the sentiment, which I have always taken to mean older friends are more valuable. As adults, this is so much more important. It’s easy to focus all your time and energy on your […]
Read MoreIt’s a tough subject and one we all struggle with, but unless your parents die young, at some point they will need your help with day-to-day tasks. You probably won’t want to admit it when it first happens, and they almost certainly won’t, but waiting just makes it worse. Age is clearly a factor, but […]
Read MoreWhen we took our son on his first steam train ride when he was a few months old – to visit the Grand Canyon National Park – we had no idea what we were starting. Naturally, Thomas the Tank Engine was the true gateway to his addiction. For those who don’t know yet, there are many trains on […]
Read MoreStop paying $15-$20 or more per person to see the newest stereotype-reinforcing pile of poo from the big studios, especially while it’s still new in the theater! You do have other movie choices. Buying, streaming or borrowing DVDs come to mind, but that isn’t the same as seeing something on the big screen. And no, that doesn’t mean […]
Read MoreRead this article for more complete details, but the simple reality is that when Hattie McDaniels won an Oscar in 1939 for her role in Gone With the Wind, racism was so deeply ingrained in American life, and in every aspect of Hollywood, that the first black winner of an Oscar wasn’t even able to attend the premiere […]
Read MoreWe all know to teach kids about “stranger danger” when they are little, but do they really know what to do if they need help and they can’t find someone they know and trust? Telling them to “find help” is really easy, but actually talking to an adult and asking them for help is not […]
Read MoreJust lay the foundation. That’s all you can do. Do our kids have great technique with brushing and flossing? Honestly, do any kids? My goal has been to make sure they at least brush morning and night and floss every now and then, maybe use some mouth wash. Since they don’t have a lot of cavities, […]
Read MoreKids aren’t the most experimental eaters, generally speaking. Sure, if it’s sugar-coated they’ll go for it, but they tend to stick to their favorites and it’s hard to get them to experiment. But when was the last time you tried something really different? I make a point of eating different foods just to push myself, and […]
Read MoreIt’s easy to get angry, even very angry, especially when your kids are stepping on your very last nerve. But consider this, especially if you are getting unusually angry: Is that really why you are mad? A lot of times, our anger isn’t about what has happened or even the way other people are reacting, although […]
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