This is the last installment of #10yearsaparent for 2014. I'll be back with more wisdom and insight from my vast knowledge of parenting January 9, 2015. The other day I was getting ready to leave my yoga studio, and I experienced a flare up of parenting amnesia. I overheard a conversation between two women about infant sleep. The mother of the infant was distraught about everything–her unsleeping child, her husband's reaction to the situation, her own exhaustion. Like every first time … [Read more...] about parenting amnesia – it’s real people #10yearsaparent
#10yearsaparent
in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
When I walk into my basement, which looks like an inner circle of Lego purgatory with half finished abandoned creations, overturned bins, loose pieces covering every inch of floor, I have the intense urge to brand the word sucker right across my forehead. We have too many Legos.* For five years, more than half their short lives, my kids have been asking for and receiving Legos for every birthday, Christmas and grandparent visit. For five years, I have been buying storage bins, finding … [Read more...] about in the land of legos #10yearsaparent
don’t talk about other people’s kids #10yearsaparent
It's going to happen to you as a parent. First, you will hear someone talking about your kid. And you'll have to stifle the urge to go all mama/papa bear on them. He's so tall. There's no way he's actually seven. Then, you will find yourself in a situation where you will feel compelled to talk about someone else's child. Oh yeah, that Timmy, he's a handful. He can't keep his hands off my Tommy. Or even worse, the ole' judgement masked as false concern. I'm so worried about … [Read more...] about don’t talk about other people’s kids #10yearsaparent
i hope your kid’s a loser #10yearsaparent
My sons just wrapped up a losing season of flag football. And when I say losing season, I don't mean more losses than wins, I mean all losses and one tie. Their team played well. They improved tremendously. They put their hearts into it. The games weren't blow outs. They were close. Their team was in it the whole time. Each game could have gone either way. They could not get a break. As a parent, when you see your kids trying so hard, playing so well, having fun and holding their … [Read more...] about i hope your kid’s a loser #10yearsaparent
birthday parties are for suckers #10yearsaparent
Ever since my ninth birthday when I hid under my bed because everyone was paying attention to Lani Ouzts instead of me, birthday parties have been events to dread. My one regret as a parent is that I didn't have a birthday party strategy in place from day one. I didn't set a precedent about what to expect in this realm. When the invitations to other kid's parties started rolling in, there was pressure to do things a certain way–as in have birthday parties. If I had made a plan upfront, I … [Read more...] about birthday parties are for suckers #10yearsaparent
one second dear, mommy’s busy judging your father’s parenting style #10yearsaparent
Okay, moms. Let's talk about dads. It doesn't really matter how your family is set up. If you're home with your kid/s during the day while your husband is at work or if you just end up taking the lead on a lot of parenting decisions. Or maybe there's a 50/50 split. However your family is set up, this will happen to you. You will spend hours, days, possibly weeks building system, a routine, holding the line, getting everything just right. And before you can say... No more binky in … [Read more...] about one second dear, mommy’s busy judging your father’s parenting style #10yearsaparent
you don’t have to listen to crappy kids’ music #10yearsaparent
It took me a few years of Laurie Berkner on repeat being pushed to the very edge of insanity to come to the realization that just because you have kids doesn't mean that you have to listen to crappy kids' music. It's a slippery slope – you want to do something nice for your child, give them the best environment that you can so that they grow and learn and blossom. And you think, Music! Music is what we need! And music made specifically for kids is not torturous at first, if you listen to … [Read more...] about you don’t have to listen to crappy kids’ music #10yearsaparent
ten years a parent #10yearsaparent
Today my son turns nine, and I'm determined to make it about me. I'm celebrating ten years a parent. Ten years, people. The longest I've held any job. (I admit it's not exactly ten years, because I am adding my pregnancy into the figure which is only nine months. But it's close enough for this purpose.) And what is this purpose you may ask? A new blog series titled: Ten Years A Parent #10yearsaparent Over the next year or few months or until I run out of ideas, every Friday I … [Read more...] about ten years a parent #10yearsaparent