A few weeks ago my husband and I found ourselves in a situation that doesn’t come often enough. We were home alone, and our three kids were out. As we were, let us say taking advantage of our good fortune, the doorbell rang. Our first kid wasn’t due home for another hour. We couldn’t imagine who would be at the door. Joe got out of bed and peaked out of our window. It … [Read more...]
Thank You, Mrs. Lee
When my first child, Tom, started to show signs that he had a learning difference at the age of 18 months, I jumped very quickly on it and did everything in my power to get him help. I did this not out of any special skill or talent but because I remembered very clearly what it felt like to be totally lost in a classroom. In 1971 I was in the first grade and miserable. I … [Read more...]
Making the Grade
My cell phone rang and jarred me from my computer. I checked the time, I still had about 25 minutes to work before my kids started coming home from school. I looked at the phone and saw it was my 17-year-old son. Strange, he should be in class. Hoping that there was no problem, I quickly picked it up. “Mom, I got my math regents grade back.” With those few words, I … [Read more...]
For the Love of Ten
This morning Peter ran into my room, very excited to show me the telescope and binoculars he made from paper, tape and staples. “Can I bring them with me when Tom and I visit Grandpa today? I want to show them to him.” “Of course. I think he will love to see them.” “Mom, they aren’t real you know. He broadly smiles and starts to laugh.” “Yes, I know.” Now we are … [Read more...]
Three Indispensable Tips for Every Parent
I adore my children and can’t imagine my life without them. But parenting is one tough gig. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. Read all the child rearing books you want. Take every parenting class available. But it’s still a job that is a learn-as-you-go process. What worked yesterday with one kid may be an utter failure today with another. With … [Read more...]
