Two weeks ago I was lying in the bathtub quite literally minding my own business when my ten-year-old came in and made herself comfortable on the toilet (seat down, fortunately). “Mom,” she said. “I heard that when girls get older blood starts coming out of their vagina. Is that true?” And … [Read more...]
I May Not Agree With Your Parenting Style, But I’ll Defend It To The Death
Parents magazine recently published an article on how to deal with unwanted facial hair on your toddler. Yes, you read that right: how to wax your toddler. Most of us are appalled by the idea of plucking or waxing our babies to make them more aesthetically pleasing and this probably isn’t … [Read more...]
Raising My Daughter In The Shadow Of Her Sister’s ADHD
The brothers and sisters of children with ADHD are sometimes referred to as “ghost siblings.” Ghost siblings often seem invisible in comparison to the other child whose behaviour can include impulsivity, strong emotional expression, and hyperactivity. My ghost child is constantly getting the … [Read more...]
The 5 Types Of Friend You Need In Your Life Right Now
When I was a kid, all I wanted in a friend was someone who liked the same stuff as me. Ideally, we’d have the same toys so she’d know the “rules” of each game—but her stuff would be slightly better because what’s the point of hauling ass down the block to play with junk? In simpler times, … [Read more...]
Passenger Plane Parenting Is The Latest Trend And I Am All About It
There’s a new style of parenting out there and it’s finally one I can get behind. “Passenger plane parenting” is said to be a common style employed by so-called millennials, (people born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s). Passenger plane parenting, or PPP, is a welcome evolution from … [Read more...]
Yes, I’m On My Phone A Lot. No, You Don’t Get To Judge Me
Another day, another “bad mom” meme or rant. Oh look, this one’s about how she’s always on her phone. How original. Sigh. What is it with our obsession with moms and their phones? If a dad popped out of a school performance to take a call we’d be fine with it. We might roll our eyes and … [Read more...]
The Selfish Reason My Daughter Hated My New Nose Piercing
When I got my nose pierced this summer my oldest daughter HATED it on sight. It’s a small diamond stud on my right side. I’ve wanted to do it for a long time and I was quite pleased with myself until I came home. We’ve taught our daughter not to say she “hates” anything so it was all she could … [Read more...]
How To Find A Great Babysitter (And How To Keep Them)
Babysitting is a funny job. Most of us hire part-time occasional sitters with a minimum of background information. We look for referrals for teenagers (usually girls) who are responsible and live close by. In my house, additional criteria may include: Willingness to play with Barbies Not … [Read more...]
If School Welcome Letters Were Honest
Is anyone else DROWNING in paperwork right now? The first week of school my kids brought home enough paper to power Burning Man seven times over. I get it: allergies, bus policies, safe dismissal procedures, PA days, there’s lots of important information to be communicated. But let’s be honest, … [Read more...]
These Kids’ TV Shows Don’t Swear Or Use Violence—But They’re Banned
Nothing gets under my skin like my seven-year old’s YouTube voice. “STOP TALKING LIKE YOU’RE IN A VIDEO” is a common command in my house and it usually occurs after she’s spent too long on her iPad or in front of the television. If you’re familiar with the term “valley girl” you’ll know what I’m … [Read more...]