When Santa asked my kids what they wanted for Christmas, I was a little worried: I had already done the shopping, so I hoped their wants coincided with my choices. “I want a computer, a tablet, a camera, and a video camera,” said my six-year-old. Ouch. I had bought her some socks and a nightgown. […]
Making the Holidays Meaningful Read More »
I signed up my girlfriend on one of those dating websites while she was in the hospital. It seems like an odd time to look for a date, but really, it was perfect. She’d been admitted for a week and because of underlying health issues, they weren’t sure what was causing her new problems. They’d
Really Live Your Imperfect, Messy, Beautiful Life Read More »
How would you react to a magazine piece expressing surprise at new-fangled inventions like the “hot tub” or the “cellphone”? How about a column concluding that this “Internet” thing is here to stay? That’s why, some years back, I was amazed to read a piece by an eminent writer–in The New Yorker, no
Hot New Trend in American Life Read More »
Is that your problem? Or perhaps your child wants to go to the neighborhood playground or park, but when you suggest the backyard, he complains, “There’s nothing to do in the yard!” If I’ve just described your family, cheer upI’ve got some simple solutions. Leaf Bingo Prep: With a pen, divide a piece of cardboard
6 outdoor games perfect for your backyard Read More »
Before you buy soggy, flavorless wraps in bulk, consider presenting a sandwich bar! Simply divide out your sandwich meats, fruits, veggies, a variety of spreads, breads, crackers, or lettuce leaves (to use as wraps), and let your guests be creative. When it comes to choosing your ingredients, be daring! Sure, there’s your basic PB&J or
How to Make a Sandwich… Party! Read More »
Question: What inspired you to write this book? Whenever I am with a group of friends, members of my family, and/or colleagues, I am always eager to create an experience which brings us closer together. I truly love playing games of all kinds, but for as long as I can remember I have had a particular
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I recently read an interesting article written by Jonathan Zalesne, Marriage Counselor and Couples Therapist in Fort Collins, Colorado, entitled, “Blending families: A Merger, Not a Hostile Take-over.” https://coloradocouples.com/blending-families-a-merger-not-a-hostile-takeover/ The corporate metaphor rang true, and reminded me of a newly-divorced woman, who was in a new relationship with a newly-divorced man. In response to an inquiry
How to Raise Your New Blended Family as a Friendly Acquisition and Not A Hostile Merger Read More »
While our kids were growing up, they were alike in many ways. Allen and Anne both talked early and often. They were both curious and creative. They spent hours digging through the costume box and dressing up. They loved books and pretending to be the characters in the stories we read together. But sometimes, my
Is My Child Traumatized? Read More »
One Friday morning a couple of weeks ago, I put my girls on the bus, jumped in my car, and went to visit my dad. He lives at The Inn, the nursing home he calls home, and where he has done his slow dance with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia for the past 7 years. Usually
1. Look for opportunities to read. Tuck a book into your diaper bag to take out at the doctor’s office. Hand the preschooler a book while you’re driving in the car. Encourage your toddler to “read” the book to you or to himself. You don’t need to limit yourself to bedtime. We have “waking up”
21 Ways to share the joy of reading with kids Read More »
