As our American holidays continue the slow decline into commercial bliss, I try to take the time to consider the message I am conveying to my children. The Fourth of July is a celebration of a free nation, a place where ideas can be challenged freely and change can be implemented. Does it work perfectly? Of course not, it’s something I constantly take for granted and I want to remind myself why it’s important, so I can pass it along to my children. Here are five messages you should reinforces with your child this Fourth of July: 1. Be thankful for what you have Kids don’t know how good … [Read more...]
America: The Morning After is the First Day of the Rest of Your Life
AMERICA, July 5 — Today, tired and sunburnt, we share our national walk of shame, showing up to work with freedom on our lips and barbecue on our collars. Our collective voices are hoarse from loud laughter and big ideas; but today is reality, where passion lives among the stoic, and retweets are once again our currency. Everywhere is apple pie in plastic wrap. Yesterday was all parades and fireworks, the kids running wild through the stereotypes, us with amber waves of grain alcohol. Together we shared our collective greatness, making every lawn a soapbox where we proudly wore our … [Read more...]
Fireworks Don’t Work For Me on July 4 … or Anytime
What stars shine and fade and shine again in the sky; warming upturned faces with the glow of patriotism writ loud upon a black canvas? Why, those would be fireworks. I fucking hate fireworks. I didn't always. Then the kids came, and we moved and I found myself penned in by seasonally jingoistic merrymakers. Packed into a neighborhood where the houses are separated by long, thin driveways, real estate law and little else. Neighbors' voices come unbidden, crashing through screens in windows open to the summer, and alerting us to their favorite jam or who, exactly, needs to "fuck … [Read more...]
Independence Day Comes Early for Toddler without Patience
“Wanna do it SELF! Wanna do it SELF! Wanna do it SELF!” She thrashes like an angry crocodile caught in a net. “Sienna, calm down!” I say, my frustration near boiling over. “You can’t change your diaper by yourself!” Poop leaks everywhere as she flails. I take a deep breath wishing to skip potty training (which we haven’t even started yet) and go right to whatever craziness comes next. We might be a couple of days away from the Fourth of July, but my daughter's in the throes of a sudden independence streak. She wants to do everything herself: open doors; use silverware (if I can … [Read more...]