parenting

My Facebook + Instagram Imploded. What’s Next?

Hello friends who once knew me from mom writing, LTYM, or performing. My Facebook got hacked and permanently disabled, which took down my IG too. It all happened within moments. No recourse really exists — at least that doesn’t involve hours of spiraling in endless feedback loops that lead nowhere, ironically called “help” and “support.” I hear the only way to get it back is to go through someone who knows someone at Facebook. I might try that, or I might let go of all of it. Today, I’m leaning toward letting it all go.… Read More »My Facebook + Instagram Imploded. What’s Next?

A Tip Jar for Me

Kid behaviors like fighting, whining, BackTalk (TM my Dad) and neglecting chores clamor for my husband and my attention on a loop. Too often we fail to recognize all the positive steps and good decisions our boys make. Thanks to an idea from my therapist mom, years ago we began using a tip jar as an incentive for our kids, and a reminder for ourselves to acknowledge their progress. The tip jar Caring gestures, good attitudes, generosity, cooperation– any and all of it earns a poker chip in the jar. When they fill the jar… Read More »A Tip Jar for Me

We used to have movie night now we have MOVIENITE

You’re Invited to a First-Person Four-Player Experience Called Movienite! Who: You and your older brother. What: Let’s All Stare at the Same Screen at the Same Time. When: Tonight. Movienite. Let’s get it! Where: The Elysian Fields of XBox Sweat, aka the basement sectional, aka the teen boy bassinet where you spend more hours than your actual bed. Wear: Two-sizes too small Old Navy gym shorts, and no bath for three days. To unlock “ultimate comfort mode” kick off your shorts. Shorts are total trash, bro! Toss the cat around your neck like a pashmina.… Read More »We used to have movie night now we have MOVIENITE

My kids are genuine helpers now, not fake helpers-in-training

As part of their #WhatULuv campaign, the folks at Luvs asked me about what I truly value and feel thankful for as a parent. The following immediately came to mind: My 9 and 12-year-old are now genuine helpers–with the capability of actual helpfulness–instead of fake helpers-in-training. For instance: My kids now empty the dishwasher and put away the dishes, instead of emptying the dishwasher and leaving everything on the counter they “can’t reach.” I called them out on the “can’t reach” counter when they could rest their elbows for prolonged emptying-the-dishwasher breaks in the very cupboard where the… Read More »My kids are genuine helpers now, not fake helpers-in-training