Many years ago my favorite non-stick frying pan disappeared from its usual place in the kitchen and I could not find it for the life of me. For more than a week I looked everywhere: in the oven, in the pantry, under the island, in the cabinets, under the sink and even in the … [Read more...] about What We Learned from a Missing Frying Pan
Parenting Kids
Second Child Syndrome, Birth Order and Personality
We've all heard it before: "you just have second child syndrome" or "leave her alone, she's just suffering from middle child syndrome." But how accurate is the "second child syndrome?" Does it really affect birth order and personality? Is it a real "syndrome?"Alfred Adler, an … [Read more...] about Second Child Syndrome, Birth Order and Personality
Toddler to Hulk in .3 seconds
Everyone loves a good tantrum right? I know I do! Very often I want to throw myself on the floor, scream at the top of my lungs and bash my head repeatedly on the tiled surface, an urge which, scarily, seems to overcome me quite regularly. For example, the urge will rear its ugly … [Read more...] about Toddler to Hulk in .3 seconds
Stroking: What It Is and How It Works
“Stroking” is something that one of our Parents Anonymous facilitator mentioned often to members. It is such a simple thing, really, but something we may not think of too often. Stroking is a powerful tool that can potentially turn around moods and attitudes between people and … [Read more...] about Stroking: What It Is and How It Works
Trayvon: Children and Racism
As parents, we go about our daily duties without a thought until a disturbing news event gets our attention and we turn to watch and listen. We are visibly moved and stop to ask— why. A few people are tired of hearing about Trayvon and want people to just “get over it.” For … [Read more...] about Trayvon: Children and Racism
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to