Volunteering on the Parents Anonymous Family Helpline is a little like being the Wizard of Oz. We always tell people who call the line that we are not trained counselors but that we are there to listen and help as we can with referrals to other resources. Once in a while we can … [Read more...] about The Volunteer Wizard of Oz
Parenting Teens
Getting Your Needs Met in a Parents Anonymous Group
Having volunteered on the Helpline and been a group member for many years I was often asked how Parents Anonymous works. That is when I then smile and reply, “It is the parents who do the work.” On my way to each meeting I would think of the previous week and make a mental … [Read more...] about Getting Your Needs Met in a Parents Anonymous Group
Surviving Summer
We were all so looking forward to summer, weren't we, mamas? Long, uninterrupted days of nothing that we had to do! Now a week later, there is nothing to do! Ah summer..you are wrecking our homes with your flip flops at the front door and your wet towels on the back deck. Summer, … [Read more...] about Surviving Summer
6 Ways to Get a Conversation Started
“The sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light in the darkness of mere being.” Carl Yung I just finished reading an enlightening article on a website for teachers called Teachervision that talks about the types of questions teachers should engage students in to help … [Read more...] about 6 Ways to Get a Conversation Started
Stay-At-Home Guilt
Are you a working parent or a stay-at-home parent? Over the years Mr. Ramirez and I have revisited my being a stay-at-home mom and whether or not it was a good idea. Yesterday we rehashed those reasons again with a new perspective since both girls are grown and I wanted to … [Read more...] about Stay-At-Home Guilt
Parenting viewpoints from parents in the trenches, because parenting doesn’t come with a manual. In addition to