I never floss my teeth when I am on vacation. This thought occurred to me when I looked in my husband’s travel bag and spotted dental floss. I don’t know why this is. I’m an avid flosser when I’m at home. It is not like the small spool would add weight to my bags or take up precious packing space. I
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“I hope I’m pretty when I grow up,” you tell me, with wide fawn eyes and a nervous smile. You say it earnestly seeking out the future and not just fishing for compliments. “Why is it important to you?” I ask, trying to steady my voice and keep it void of emotion. “Because pretty matters,” you tell me confidently,
Read moreDear Evan and Lulu, I say this to you a lot. It could be worse. When Robie chews all your stuffed animals I tell you “It could be worse” because I know that I’ve already thrown away 250 mangled dolls, books, bubbles, puzzles, markers, and much more of your belongings that became carnage of Robie’s wrath. It could be
Read moreDear Evan and Lulu, This week you both had your tonsils out. The hospital had figured out a system so the two of you never had to be without a parent except for the 20 minutes you were actually in surgery. You checked in together. You put on your gowns together. Your dad walked one into the surgery
Read moreWe just returned from our annual Spring Break vacation to the ocean. So you’ll probably want to avoid me for a few days while I decompress after spending 16 hours in a car with children during the last week. I take a vacation every year with my family and yet I am still surprised at the things I learn.
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Dear Evan and Lulu, I’m so sorry you never got to experience nature growing up. You see, the fact is parents have to choose between technology and being outside. Clearly, we chose technology. It is the same grueling decision that parents make when they have to decide whether they want their children to learn reading or math. There can only
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I am a millennial. Just barely. In fact, I am one of the first generations of millennial. I got this party started. (Although I’ll probably leave a little sooner than most for an early bedtime.) I had a computer in my daily life from the time I was 9. I had a cell phone in my life from the time
Read moreLast week the Huffington Post ran this article titled 10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12. As an educator who advocates for the intentional and appropriate use of technology, I could go on about this forever. But instead I’m writing here as a mother. Here are my 10 reasons why I will continue
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Chop Wood, Carry Water 