Keeping Kids Safe
The Austin newspaper had a frightening story last weekend about a local child abduction. It is the sort of story that makes parents worry a little more and hold our kids a little closer. But, it also brings up good questions about what we parents can do to keep our children safe from harm. We know how to keep them away from the knives and the bleach, but what about dangerous people?
Back to School
I am reminded that even when kids & families are still within their 'green zone,' back-to-school is still a stressor. Everywhere I look, I see more tears, more tantrums, more exasperated parents, more frustrated voices than usual.
Happy Father’s Day!
Three links in honor of Father's Day. (I couldn't find free stuff like I did for Mother's Day--sorry!!)1. Was Father's Day invented by Hallmark? ;^) No, but you can find the real history here.2. This article about a woman adopted by her (deceased) mother's ex-boyfriend is sweet and heart warming--and made me tear up a little. 3. Barack Obama's essay [...]
Q: Should my child be allowed to have a TV/computer in their room?
Question: Should my child be allowed to have a TV/computer in their room?Answer:I advise against it. Three thoughts regarding why: It limits or reduces personal communication and interaction with family members. Sometimes quality time is plain-ole quantity time!P*rnography on the internet. Yes, you've got parental controls installed. Yes, you don't think your child knows about it/is interested in it yet. [...]
The Best Gift Idea
Short and simple--the best gifts are often experiences, rather than things.Most of the kids I know & work with don't need any more THINGS. They have too many already. But what they do need, and want, are more connected, loving, fun, adventurous, memorable experiences--especially experiences with their parents.Next time you have a gift-giving opportunity, consider giving an experience. You can [...]
Oracles
On his travel blog, Rick Steves once explained the 'secret' of the Oracles at Delphi, saying this: Two thousand five hundred years ago, movers and shakers from throughout the ancient world went to Delphi to get advice from the Delphi priests. The priests weren't in cahoots with the gods. They just interviewed everyone who came to them, thinking that [...]
Free stuff for Austin Moms
Maybe this happens every year, or perhaps it's particular to this year's economy, but I keep hearing about cool free things for moms this week. I'm posting the short list I have now, and will update it this week as I hear about new stuff. (because who doesn't love free!) Except where noted, I do not have an affiliation with any of these organizations/businesses.
News Flash: Marriage + Kids = Stress
it's nice having one's own experiences validated by research
Behavior 201, for Parents
The best way to shape a child's behavior doesn't happen after they've done something WRONG--it happens before & after they do something RIGHT.
3 Parenting Tips Worth Repeating
Who has time to read an entire parenting book these days? It's amazing how much time & energy it takes to chew through a 350 page epic on how you "should" parent.
