When you were growing up did you ever have that conversation with your parents about sex? I certainly didn't. It may be because my parents weren't comfortable and probably didn't know how to approach the topic. But times have changed since we were in university... or have they? Certainly access to … [Read more...]
Talking To Your Teens About Dating – Part 1
Being a mom means there is always a fresh issue to tackle. In every stage there has been so much for me to learn about, get my head around and enjoy. I guess I should say fear too, although I would be lying. I can't say why but I just love every bit of it. Worry and fear, for me, is like a wrecking … [Read more...]
The Fine Line: Raising Teenage Girls
“I hate these blurred lines/I know you want it…” There has been a lot of media attention directed at Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines lately, much of it critical. Thicke’s catchy tune has been called everything from misogynist to “rapey”, but are these criticisms fair? Well, I suppose that all … [Read more...]
HYSTERICAL OFF COLOUR HUMOUR
You think you are distracted or overwhelmed? Take a look [youtube id="4BMUC4Yb4z4"] Hysterical and off colour humour-These are a few of my favourite things … [Read more...]
the real problem with porn and teens
When we were kids porn came from only a few sources- your uncle's playboys hidden in the attic or under the bed at the cottage and Xavier Hollander's Happy Hooker read outloud at slumber parties. Today porn is readily available and even impossible to avoid. My daughter did a grade one French … [Read more...]
Can You Talk “The Talk?”
It started last year, my eldest daughter questioning where babies come from. Caught off guard, I mentioned something about "a special hug between a mommy and daddy" then changed the subject. It satisfied her curiosity at the time, but recently her questions resurfaced and we felt the time had come … [Read more...]
The Steubenville Rape: The Untouchable Teenage Boy
I started to write a post about something else but every time I put my fingers to the keyboard all I could think about was this post I read through a Facebook update: I am so fucking sick of teaching our daughters not to get raped. I clicked on the links. I watched the videos. I felt sick that … [Read more...]
It’s just an expression
Heart to hearts with your kids can be really special moments. There is nothing like helping iron out a specific imbroglio in that 10 to 500 seconds where screens or younger brothers are not screeching in the background. I can tell it is appreciated - even through a haze of blushed expression - … [Read more...]
Palm sisters
Steph and I often find ourselves sitting on the couch, bathing in a brief respite from the frenzy, reflecting on our week or planning for the remainder of it. At some point in the conversation, we usually mention the speed of life, spurred on by some benchmark in one of our son's lives: A … [Read more...]
Just might be that time…
As mentioned often (almost to the point of nausea), I love my two boys. I also feel content with having two boys. Sure I long for the wee little girl and the unique relationship that only a father and daughter can share. But I have two fantastic nieces, so sweet and with one a teenager and one a … [Read more...]