Tag Archives: government

You Can’t Learn it All from a Book

My friends and family tease me about my voracious book-reading. Any time I develop an interest in something or hear of a new theory, philosophy, idea or whatever—I go in search of a book or article on it. Now, while reading parenting books—particularly those that relate to single parents has been an important strategy and support for me, I also acknowledge that I cannot learn everything I need to know to be a good single parent from a book… Now, don’t get me wrong—I NEED those books! Some of my best information and narratives that have helped my single parent … Continue reading →

We Learn by Doing

I had a note recently from a first-time single mom who confessed that she “had no idea what she was doing, but she was having a great time figuring it out as she went along.” I thought this was such a great attitude and a good reminder that as parents—single or partnered, we really do learn so much by actually doing it. We can only read so many books and talk to so many experts, and then we have to just jump in and learn on the fly! I had a few years of parenting under my belt before I … Continue reading →

“If You Teach a Kid to Fish…”

This blog is NOT going to actually be about fishing–I thought I should put that out here right away. In truth, I wanted to write about all those things we have a tendency to do for our kids instead of teaching them how to do for themselves. As single parents, the sooner we teach our children how to handle things on their own (appropriately, of course), the sooner we won’t be overburdened doing everything for them! A friend of mine, with a nearly-thirty grown son, shared with me last week that he had called her wanting her to not only … Continue reading →

Do You Ever Wish You Could Start Over?

Now that I have been at this home business “scene” for a couple years, there are definitely times when I feel like I am getting in a groove. There are other times, however, when I think of how I might do things differently if I were to get the opportunity to go back and start all over again… Perhaps it is human nature to second-guess oneself; or perhaps it is just that hindsight is twenty/twenty. I can look back over the months and years and see how I might have done things differently or how I might have gone at … Continue reading →

How Do Dogs Learn?

There are some behaviors that dogs inherit from their wild relatives. Inherited behaviors are strongly influenced by breed; for example, a border collie tends to have strong herding instincts while a greyhound (and other sighthounds) will have a strong desire to chase moving objects. Some dogs have an innate calm; others are innately nervous. My Lally seems to be the nervous type — sudden noises and movements will startle her. Human behavior around animals can help tone down or key up these behaviors. Inherited behaviors can’t be unlearned but you can work around them. When Lally gets excited, she tends … Continue reading →

Moose and the Collar Trick

Before Moose got hit by a car back in June, I was lamenting his collar trick. You see, Moose has a big head — most German shepherds have a narrow skull, but Moose is crossed with something that has a big, square skull. (The vet suggested a pit bull or a rottweiler.) He’s also got a big neck and lots of thick fur. All that adds up to trouble for me and Moose and the collar. As much as I tighten the collar, he can still somehow slip out of it. The diameter of his neck must be bigger than … Continue reading →

Helping Them See Beneath the Surface

Kids tend to be pretty black and white in their thinking and in how they see the world. They also have a tendency to be judgmental and come to snap decisions about things–at least during the adolescent years. As parent, we can help them learn how to open up and see beyond what is obvious; we can help them look for motivations and see beneath the surface of what appears to be going on. Children can be so “in the moment” and this has some really wonderful things about it. BUT, that can also result in an inability to see … Continue reading →

There is Nothing Like a Child to Remind You That You Don’t Know it All

I am not a dumb woman…at least I didn’t think so prior to becoming a parent. In fact, I was quite certain I had all sorts of knowledge and what I didn’t know, I figured I could find a way to learn it when I needed it. Being a parent, however, has been the one thing in my life that has humbly reminded me that there is so much in this world that I really DON’T know! It isn’t that my children tell me I’m stupid (at least they didn’t until they became teenagers and they don’t try to get … Continue reading →

How to Learn More About Your Spouse: Reading Together

Among other things, October is National Book Month and Reading Group Month. I know we’re on the very last day of October, but an idea came to me the other day about how these month celebrations could enrich a marriage on any day of any month: start your own exclusive book club together, just the two of you! “In this book I’m reading…” I’m almost done reading The Secret, but I’ve found myself referring to it a lot lately. Two weekends ago I was driving and got a flat. I’ve worried about that happening ever since we moved here because … Continue reading →

Seven Things Haunted Houses Can Teach You about Your Spouse

Do you and your significant other like to go to haunted houses? Once upon a time I thought that’d be a fun couple activity for Wayne and I to enjoy. (See Date Night at a Haunted House is Supposed to Be Fun, Right? and Halloween Horror Nights: Can Your Marriage Survive It? to see I was wrong about that.) Maybe you’ve never ventured into such territory with your mate. If you’re looking for a way to learn more about your husband or wife, boyfriend or girlfriend, consider going. There’s a lot you can learn about them, yourself, and your relationship … Continue reading →