I am a celebrator. You don’t have to turn another year older, win an Oscar or save a cat from a burning building to get a cake baked in your honor at our home. So it stands to reason that I am planning a huge shindig to celebrate my first grader’s last day of school. Okay, it’s not a huge bash, but we are certainly planning to observe the end of her first year of all-day school with more than just a congratulatory handshake. After all, we can’t leave all the partying to the eighth and 12th graders. I realize … Continue reading →

My first grader is so over first grade… and I’m right there with her, as is more than half the parents I hang with at the school pick-up/drop-off line. Today marked the second day in a row that my kid has exited her class at the end of the day in tears. Yesterday the class bully decided she hadn’t picked on my daughter in a while, so she got in some end of the school year jabs. Then, today, there was drama in gym regarding a “final” which was reformatted at the last minute. First of all, who gives a … Continue reading →

When was the last time you received a manicure? A real manicure. Not streaks of Plum Passion painted on by your 5-year-old. I’m talking about the real deal; professional nail treatment courtesy of a hired hand. I’m pretty sure the last time I paid someone to push back my cuticles and buff my nails was the day before I got married. That was more than eight years ago. I remember thinking how nice it would be to enjoy a day at the spa following the birth of our daughter. That was more than six years ago. Back then I would … Continue reading →

With kids home on spring break this week, parents are likely looking for ways to preserve their own sanity. My tip is to keep them outside for as much of the day as possible. While they are out there have them partake in the following spring-themed activities: Garden: Give your child a plot of land and let him plant his own garden. Have him clear the space of weeds, sticks, rocks and other trash. Then, give him a packet of seeds to plant and a hose or watering can to moisten the dirt. Select plants and flowers that don’t attract … Continue reading →

This weekend marks the beginning of spring break for tens of thousands of students across the country. It also marks the beginning of “Save our Sanity Week” for the tens of thousands of parents who are now tasked with the job of entertaining their children for an entire week while teachers enjoy a break from the duty. If your child is off this week and you are looking for fun activities that will keep him occupied and help preserve your sanity, consider the following: Paper Bag Puppets: This activity is cheap, easy and fun. Have all of your kids create … Continue reading →

You know you are a parent when you’ve only seen one of the Academy Awards’ 10 best-picture nominees… Let’s hear it for Toy Story 3! What does it say about me that I’ve seen Toy Story 3 four times in the movie theater and about 1000 times at home after my 6-year-old was gifted with the DVD version at Christmas? There was a time when I would plan my entire day around the Oscars. I’d clear my calendar, invite friends over, order in pizza or Chinese, and then refuse to answer the phone while I drooled over my favorite Hollywood … Continue reading →

Do like Pink and raise your glass. Today is National Margarita Day! (Thanks for the reminder CBS News.) For some parents every day should be National Margarita Day… for others it is. We all know some moms and dads who joke that their children drive them to drink, but is the statement really something to laugh at? If you are neglecting your kid because you are too busy imbibing in an all-day happy hour, then you have major issues that reach well beyond a day that recognizes a popular alcoholic beverage. However, if you are like most parents, then lubricating … Continue reading →

Did you know that February is National Bird feeding Month? Celebrate our feathered creatures during this cold month by offering them a scrumptious treat. Gather your children, your neighbors children or whoever else wants to participate in this activity that is fun and helpful to these amazing creatures of the earth. Find some empty paper towel rolls or toilet paper rolls. If you do not have enough of these items enlist your family and friends to save them up for you before you start this project. Empty paper towel and toilet paper rolls come in handy for a variety of … Continue reading →

My daughter attends a very small Catholic school in a fairly small Midwestern town. As a parent volunteer I am often called upon to help out with recess duty. Most days are pretty uneventful, but the other day I was treated to an earful when a fourth grade boy got sideswiped by an overzealous fifth grader and unleashed a health dose of spicy language. The school has strict rules about cursing, swearing and using the Lord’s name in vain. However, this kid’s ire got the best of him and he let loose a few zingers that would make some sailors … Continue reading →

Fifty years. That’s how long a Florida mom will spend behind bars for shaking her 3-month-old son to death after his cries interrupted her FarmVille game on Facebook. A half century in prison for killing an innocent baby. Some say it’s not enough. Twenty-two-year-old Alexandra Tobias was given the sentence just last week as a judge wrapped up her murder case, which began last October. A couple of months ago the mom pleaded guilty to killing her infant son with her bare hands, and then lying to authorities to cover up his death. According to court records, Tobias told investigators … Continue reading →