When I arrived in Halifax two weeks ago, I wasn't sure I'd survive. How was I supposed to focus on writing my book and earning my degree when my kids were 800 miles away? I'd miss them too much. Cry for them. I'd crumble when they cried for me. Was I a good mom for leaving, or was I bad? I … [Read more...]
Raising Boys & Single Mommy Guilt
I recently attended a fundraising event for my boyfriend's daughter's school. It was a great night out for parents. We were all happy to dress up, get out, socialize and, oddly enough, talk about our kids. One thing that became apparent was that all siblings seem to bicker and fight. All boys are … [Read more...]
No Girls Allowed
"No girls allowed." That's what the sign said, propped up against the opening of my son's makeshift fort. He was curled up in there with his Chromebook, a lamp and a bowl of snacks. He was in his "boy cave", not to be disturbed under any circumstances. The sign was directed at me, obviously. I'm the … [Read more...]
Ready, Aim, Pee?
As a single mother of a boy, I've mentioned before that I had a few "guy" things that I was worried about when it comes to raising him. #1 on the list: who was going to teach him how to pee standing up? I can't even pee and crouch for godsakes. Yup. That was me on an Outward Bound mountain … [Read more...]
Girls Do This, Boys Do That
I have two boys, and I have lots of friends and family members who have girls, so there’s often an even representation at my house most days. I mention that because there is nothing better than watching and overhearing kids play together. From these play dates, I've noticed there are some subtle and … [Read more...]
In The Pink
The end of the school year is here, and though we don't tend to reward our kids with gifts for the occasion, we have at times brought home something a child has been hankering for in particular, only because we don't often spoil them with things. Case in point: a skateboard for Oliver. He … [Read more...]
Head first.
It seems that anything worth doing is worth doing head-first. Is this a boy thing? Is it a personality trait? Is this reckless abandon something I could stand to learn to incorporate into my own life? Am I fated to spend the next eighteen years standing at the foot of the metaphorical slide, … [Read more...]
Neuf.
My boy got busy turning nine last weekend, which really feels different than his last few to me. I see a real growth change in him - longer in the legs all of a sudden. Nice posture, too. And next year we begin the double-digits (from here on out, I guess!) and I feel his "small boy" years are … [Read more...]
Warning: Teen Boy Thoughts
Books aimed at teen boys, like books aimed at teen girls, need to talk to their audience and tap into a pretty realistic voice to really work. For a guy, this means antics as well as emotions, and crude humour along with coming of age. don't say I didn't warn you... Carter's Unfocused One-Track … [Read more...]
Do you have bedwetters?
One of my children (I won't give his name because my children do read my posts from time to time) is a chronic bedwetter and has shown no signs of stopping.At first I thought it was due to anxiety as it really escalated when he started school, and from then on it just continued. At first he … [Read more...]