Tag Archives: growing up

That Midnight Kiss(1949)

“That Midnight Kiss” was the first film ever to star Mario Lanza, and Hollywood immediately fell in love with this shy young man with the golden voice. He plays Johnny Donnetti, truck driver and son of Italian immigrants who run a restaurant. He studied opera for a time, but it never panned out for him, so he spends his time delivering furniture. Kathryn Grayson is Prudence Budell, a young lady who desperately wants to be an opera star. Her grandmother, Abigail Budell (Ethel Barrymore) is a wealthy woman who donates much of her fortune to the arts. She decides to … Continue reading →

The Anxiety of Growing Up

It can be tempting to think of childhood and the growing up years as being one nonstop romp for our kids. It can also be tempting to imagine that the parent is the one who is anxious and stressed and sad to see that little one grow into adult. The fact is, however, that growing up can be anxiety-producing for kids too. I know firsthand that during some of those major developmental leaps and, especially now that my kids are on the eve of adulthood, there can be a great deal of emotion and anxiety on their part associated with … Continue reading →

Ongoing Lessons in Letting Go

I have a few friends who are far more experienced parents than I am—they have already launched their children and I have a couple close friends who are fairly new grandparents. One of the things I have learned from these people as I have watched their children grow up and their parenting roles change is that we parents get multiple, ongoing lessons in letting go… Like bonding and attachment, there is NOT just one opportunity to get letting go right in the world of family life. As a matter of fact, it tends to be ongoing, perpetual and with a … Continue reading →

Finding Ways to Mark the Passing Time

Kids grow up. There doesn’t seem to be much we can do about that, or maybe we do so much about that process of “growing up” as parents that it just seems so normal and obvious. I do think in our culture, however, we’ve lost sight of the importance of taking time out to acknowledge developmental and maturity leaps and to mark that passing of time and phases with any sort of ritual. I think we need to find ways of acknowledging and celebrating milestones and changes. Now, I should probably admit to you that my kids tease me, saying … Continue reading →

Every Day Milestones

When I look back over all these years of living with and raising my kids (and letting them do some raising up of me too), I can remember some of the big milestones—first days of school and first words—but it seems to be every day details that stand out most in my mind. For example, toilet training is one of those huge issues for parents with tots—you fuss and worry and stress over whether you’re doing it right or whether you might be causing permanent psychological damage to your little one. I know I fussed and cajoled and worried over … Continue reading →

How Long Do I Keep the Sippy Cups?

Alright, here is my confession for the day–I STILL have a dozen sippy cups tucked up in my kitchen cupboard. I have not been able to bring myself to throw them out even though my three children are all in the later years of high school and in less than a year, the eldest will be marching off to college. I don’t know what is worse–the fact that I still have the sippy cups, or the reality that my kids’ friends occasionally use them?! My kids don’t, I think because they are sort of embarrassed that their sentimental mom has … Continue reading →

Trust Me, Mom! – Angela McAllister

It happens to all of us – at some point, we become old enough to start doing things by ourselves. But that transition from young child to older child can be rough, especially on moms. In “Trust Me, Mom!” we meet Ollie. Today he is going to cross the street all by himself and go to the store. His mother has prepared him in every way she can think of. She even put on glasses and a fake nose to teach him about avoiding strangers. She warned him of every eventuality. And, she reminds him to only buy cheese. She … Continue reading →

From Crib to Bed – A Toddler’s Fun Move to a Big Kid Bed! (The Final Chapter!)

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The room is complete! My three-year old daughter moved into her new, big kid room over a month ago – during the Families.com hiatus – and has been doing swimmingly! Shortly after the move she ditched her overnight Pull-Ups and is all underwear, all the time now! How exciting for her (and us!) The room really came together nicely, and quickly. My daughter refers to it as her Paris Room. She is eager to return to the city of lights and we promised her that when her new, yet to be born, baby sister is three years old we will … Continue reading →

Eight Cousins – Louisa May Alcott

A book by the beloved author of “Little Women,” “Eight Cousins” is somewhat less known but just as delightful. Rose Campbell has been orphaned at the age of thirteen and is being sent to live with her two aunts, Peace and Plenty, in a huge house atop a hill which has been dubbed “The Aunt Hill.” Her uncle Alec is her official guardian, but he can’t be with her all the time, so Peace and Plenty provide her with a stable, loving atmosphere. And do they ever spoil her! Suddenly given access to all the pretty clothes, pretty toys, and … Continue reading →

On Turning Three

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My little lady turns three today, at 12:14 PM (Eastern Standard Time) to be specific. It has been a remarkable three years. We have seen so much together (Florida, Maine, North Carolina, New York, Rhode Island and France) and shared a countless array of hilarious moments. So what amazing activities do we have planned for her big day? Well, nothing really. Sitting around the house, coloring, baking a chocolate cake (with white icing) and general silliness. And for her party tomorrow? Immediate family, two close friends, pizza, soft pretzels and selections of hot hors d’oeuvres and fruit. Wow, we are … Continue reading →