Are You Who You Want To Be?

Recently, as I was researching information for this Blog, I came upon a headline that caught my attention. It read: “Michelle Bachelet, President and Single Mom.” At first I thought, how interesting, she must have become the president of a company or a local social club or some other small type of organization. I decided to read the full article and was very pleasantly surprised when I found out that Michelle Bachelet, President and single mother is the recently elected President of Chile! According to Wikpedia.com, Dr. Bachelet is, “Her country’s first female elected president and the first woman who … Continue reading

I Don’t Do Slides (An Embarrassing Motherhood Moment)

Oh, the delights of motherhood. Like most parents, for me a trip to the playground means sitting on a bench, observing my kids from a safe distance. I have learned that venturing onto the equipment, for adults, is risky business. Not only is one’s personal safety threatened, but one’s personal dignity might go right down the… slide. It was nearly a decade ago and I still remember it. On a bright sunny Saturday in California, my kids wanted to go to the park. I indulged them. It was an older park with metal equipment and bolts, but its location made … Continue reading

Dealing with a Difficult Mother

As we discussed before, the mother is highly respected in Islam. We should treat our mothers with love, affection, and kindness. The ideal mother makes this easy. The ideal mother, whether Muslim or not, has her children’s best interests at heart. This mother loves her children, protects them, nurtures them, and would sacrifice anything for their health and happiness. Yes, it is easy to adore this mother. [h]The Abusive Mother[/h] What if this precious mother was not in your destiny? What if your mother was mean, abusive, or negligent? According to Islam, we should still treat her with kindness. We … Continue reading

Be a Better Single Parent in Four Easy Ways

We all have trials and tribulations as a parent, but being a single parent is a class all it’s own. But you can resolve to be a better single parent and improve your relationship with your children, and others in your life. Worry Less Worrying about everything around you creates stress and isn’t productive. Spend less time worrying and more time being productive in other ways. And if you really must worry, than try to only worry about the things that you can actually control – and rather than worry, spend time finding a solution. No Guilt Is your child’s … Continue reading

My Thoughts on Mothering Special Kids

In April, during spring break I had the rare opportunity to be almost-childless for a week. My four sons were sent off to California, to be with their father. My two stepdaughters were sent off to St. George, to be with their mother. That left seven full days with only my three-year-old to manage. Let’s see… what could I do with a free week? I wouldn’t have to be my son Garrett’s blood sugar sheriff. I wouldn’t have to worry about ADHD medications for my stepdaughters, or keeping them on track with their homework. I wouldn’t have to do Sunni’s … Continue reading

Thanking Mothers

With Mother’s Day fast approaching it is appropriate to spend some time dwelling on the important influence that mothers have in their children’s lives. Motherhood is a blessing, yet it is also a sacred responsibility. Mothers are given the charge of their families and teaching their children the gospel. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland in his talk “Because She Is a Mother,” said: “In light of that kind of expression, it is clear that some of those Rhode Island–sized shadows come not just from diapers and carpooling but from at least a few sleepless nights spent searching the soul, seeking earnestly … Continue reading

“Where’s My Mommy” by Jo Brown

“Where’s My Mommy” by Jo Brown is the story of a crocodile who is looking for its mother. In the book the baby crocodile is born, and when he comes out of his egg he can not find his mother. The crocodile goes in search of his mother in the world around him. In his search the crocodile encounters lots of different animals that all try to determine what type of animal he is and where his mother might be. For instance the first animal he encounters is a monkey. The monkey asks the crocodile if he can swing from … Continue reading

Decorate for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is quickly approaching. You might not be used to decorating for Mother’s Day, but why not make this day extra special for Mom? Let her sleep in (or stay in her room and relax) while you get things ready, and make your home feel as festive as you would for any other special occasion. Cover the dining table with a pretty tablecloth. Buy a new one if you need to. You can find some very nice damask tablecloths at Wal-Mart for very affordable prices, and Mom will appreciate the extra gift. Set the table with your best dishes … Continue reading

Guilty Mom Syndrome (GMS)

Do you suffer from Guilty Mom Syndrome? Don’t think you know what it is? Sure you do. GMS (Guilty Mom Syndrome) is the name I created for the irrational guilt I feel all too frequently as a mom. Every day I wake up hoping to be the best mom I can be. I try to play with my kids, to teach them the lessons of life, to talk with them and to laugh with them. I work hard at making sure they are safe, healthy, and dry. Yet inevitably, at the end of each day, when my kids are tucked … Continue reading

Step-Daughters With Uninvolved Mothers

“I do it all and my step-daughter never appreciates any of it.” “My step-daughter’s mom isn’t even in the picture but she still respects her more than me!” “My step-daughter seems to resent me even though I’m doing nothing but loving her with all of my heart!” “My step-daughter believes that her mom is going back for her some day despite the proof to the contrary.” “I took her shopping and all it did was make her depressed!” I can’t even count the number of times I have heard step-mothers repeat these phrases or variations on this theme. Being the … Continue reading