My picture taking devices and I have decided to enter into a conscious uncoupling. After many holidays spent together and countless forgotten uploads, we have decided that we can not carry on in the same way we have been. It's just not sustainable. We want to remember our children's formative years, but are unable to manage the deluge of photos that result from trying to create a visual history of every family moment. We are at an impasse. We simply have no idea what the hell to do with … [Read more...] about I’m Dropping the Camera #10yearsaparent
#10yearsaparent
Letting Go of Screen Time Shame #10yearsaparent
If you want to jump right into the belly of the parenting beast in 2015, just mention the words screen time. A term that only emerged in the last few years to encompass all of the electronics in our lives and how much we use them. It's a hot topic because we don't want our kids to be the Generals in the Drone Army, but we also find ourselves needing the respite that a screen can provide. Enter today's parents most challenging decision: to screen or not to screen. Times when screens seems … [Read more...] about Letting Go of Screen Time Shame #10yearsaparent
The War of Sorry #10yearsaparent
There is a battle constantly brewing in our house. There are two sides to every story and this conflict is no different, but it seems that we are in ongoing disagreement about the terms and conditions of saying "I'm sorry." Ten years into this occupation and and we're not any closer to peace than when these children entered our lives. Will we ever be? Or is this war destined to last for the next 8 years? One side believes you should always say you're sorry, immediately as soon as you … [Read more...] about The War of Sorry #10yearsaparent
they never talk when you want them to talk #10yearsaparent
I have two children with very different personalities. One that will tell you everything in detail. And not only will he tell you, he wants to talk about it. He needs to share, work out his experiences, and his emotions (kind of like Taylor Swift trapped in a seven year old boy's body). It's how he processes. Often he can't fall asleep, because he can't clear his head, and he tells me that, "Mom, I just can't turn my brain off." I sit on the edge of his bed and listen, even though I want … [Read more...] about they never talk when you want them to talk #10yearsaparent
it’s okay to be bored #10yearsaparent
I never dumped a bucket of ice over my head. And I've never hopped on to a social media campaign that involves holding up a handwritten sign (until now, see picture). It doesn't mean that I don't think the issues at hand are important. It just hasn't been my thing. But when a fellow blogger sparked a conversation about sharing real experiences about mothering and creating a network of support for mothers that might be struggling or feeling alone, something inside me connected. And so here we … [Read more...] about it’s okay to be bored #10yearsaparent
seven bad habits that will not make you friends #10yearsaparent
I haven't met a mom yet that isn't on the lookout for friends. Parenting can be a lonely, solitary endeavor and sometimes you just need to connect with other parents. But sometimes, we are so bad at making a connection. We want, we crave, the connection and it just doesn't come. I blame these seven habits. I am guilty of slipping into each and every one of these. I'm not any better than anyone else. But every once in awhile, just for the goodness of humanity, I try to stop, take a breath … [Read more...] about seven bad habits that will not make you friends #10yearsaparent
the myth of the good mother #10yearsaparent
Seeing as this time of year is often referred to as awards season, let's acknowledge that there is not an award for Mother of the Year. We might hear the term thrown around on the playground when a child is eating Cheetos out of the sandbox or on Facebook when a child chooses to fully express themselves in the Target line, but the reality is, there is no such award. There isn't an awards ceremony. There isn't a red carpet. There aren't any fashion police. Because there is no such thing as … [Read more...] about the myth of the good mother #10yearsaparent
five picture books you should recycle immediately #10yearsaparent
I am a book lover. I love picture books. I love reading to my kids. Stacks of books from the library are the highlight of my week. I never get sick of Go, Dog. Go! (Go around again!) or watching Curious George get high on ether or helping that little bird find his mother. I tear up every time Mike Mulligan retires MaryAnn to the town hall basement. But there are a handful of books that I think should be retired from circulation. These are the books that I've hidden from my kids at bedtime … [Read more...] about five picture books you should recycle immediately #10yearsaparent