My latest paying gig comes with some choice benefits, the best being I get to work remotely four days out of every five. Once a week, I pop in to the office to touch base, sit in on meetings, and sip some damn fine cardamom-flavored coffee. The rest of the time, I'm allowed free reign. Being able to work from home has enabled me to help my wife with the daily dropping off and picking up at school of our four kids, ages 8 through 3. While I’m happy to be more available to lend a hand around the homestead, raising young children is trench warfare. Calling it a full-time job is like … [Read more...]
PTA Meeting Brings Father Amazon Nightmares, Pepperoni Dreams
I used to be against the death penalty until I sat through my first and only PTA meeting. That was where I was exposed to a nearly fatal dose of superstar parenting. Maybe the electric chair for these walking migraine triggers is a bit harsh. They should at least be quarantined, as a public health measure. This night of the jackals begins with a sharp elbow to my ribs. "Excuse me!" a jittery house frau screeches. She rushes by me in the library where the PTA meeting is being held and grabs a seat next to someone she knows. My daughter's teacher, Rinat, launches into her presentation … [Read more...]
‘Because I Love You’ Has Painful Consequences for Parent
Few words accurately describe the feeling of love you, as a father, get from your little ones at certain moments. The ear-to-ear smile you see as you walk through the door. Their full-speed sprint that leads to a somersault resulting in a perfect 10 landing in your arms. The numerous “Jedi mind tricks” they use in hope of staying up a few extra minutes past bedtime. That said, fatherhood also comes with its various challenges. One of the biggest I have found is discipline. My wife and I strive to foster an environment where our two children have every opportunity to thrive and grow. … [Read more...]
End Any Argument with Your Teen with This 1 Trick
You know how it goes: Even the smallest disagreements with your teen can turn into yelling, doors slamming, feelings hurt and evenings ruined. But there’s a trick to preventing these regular altercations from escalating. Ask your teen if they actually enjoy what’s happening during the fight. Most of the time, they don’t feel good about it, so they’ll redirect their anger before it gets out of hand. Let me break down how this works to end any argument. End any argument with this question The ultimate phrase that will end any argument in its track is, “Do you like where this is … [Read more...]
Path to Fatherhood a Journey to Life’s Greatest Achievement
On the day this piece will be published, I’ll turn 40. I have a 5-year-old, 3-year-old, and, wait for it, a post-vasectomy 4-month-old.
Yeah, it’s been that kind of year.
Or maybe it’s just been that kind of life?
I have no career. I have published zero novels, and despite having spent tens of thousands of dollars on college, I have zero college degrees. As far as banks are concerned, I own nothing. As far history is concerned, I’ve accomplished nothing.
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