There’s no getting around it: Coronavirus (COVID-19) closures mean you’re going to be home for the foreseeable future. So are your children. They're fortunate that they probably don’t have to attend a video call-in for their class’ presentation on the War of 1812. You -- a working parent -- are not so lucky at your job. What do you do when you have to be a parent and employee at the same time? Here are some suggestions to help the growing number of work-at-home moms and dads new to this dual role conquer the day: First, talk about why everyone is home And by talk, I mean listen. … [Read more...]
Parenting Siblings Requires ‘Special’ Fair, Equitable Strategy
When you have multiple children, you quickly realize parenting siblings individually to a collective audience is one of the most challenging issues you face. Each child is different and requires different types of attention, different resources and different parenting styles for maximum effectiveness. Even when you give it your best to be fair and equitable in parenting these different individuals, you realize that at times you simply come up short. How often do your kids hit you with, “You let the other one do it!” or the classic, “That's not fair!”? If you're like me, these … [Read more...]
Stay a Kid Forever By Never Filling Those Big Girl Shoes
I sit watching my daughter struggle to put her shoes on. Why must she always pick the most difficult shoes to put on when we are in a hurry? “I can do it myself, Daddy!” Yes, you can do it yourself, but it will take forever and once forever is finally over, I will be horribly late for my meeting at school. Just let me put the damn shoes on for you so we can get out of the house! “Take your time, dear," I say, "I know you can do it.” I continue to work on deep breathing. I continue reminding myself that this very moment will be forgotten in time and life will continue. I have … [Read more...]
Children’s Future Depends on How We Help Rewrite Their Script
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...]
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