Category Archives: parenting

Box up the Story Books? No Way!

Posted on April 30, 2013 by

What to do with the old picture books once beloved by now grown children? Donate? Recycle? Save? Reading Dwight Garner‘s reflections about how he boxed up the picture books that his now teenagers  cherished, I thought about the titles that engaged … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Family, Grandchildren, parenting, Reading, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Proud Mother: Honors Day

Posted on April 10, 2013 by

It was the second time in less than two weeks that I had the privilege of sitting in Rosse Hall. Accustomed to traveling to Kenyon College for tennis matches,  I switched my purple fleece and blue jeans for dress clothes. … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, celebrations, commentary, daughters, Education, Family, History, interviews, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 16 Comments

School Cheating Scandals Cheat Students

Posted on April 1, 2013 by

We shouldn’t be shocked that 35 Atlanta educators, the former superintendent among them, were indicted for cheating on students’ tests. My cynical side says they’re just the unlucky ones who got caught.  As a former classroom teacher, I understand the pressure … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, parenting, Reading, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Help Send Lesley Carter ‘Round the World!

Posted on March 25, 2013 by

Nothing will stop adventure seeker and blogger Lesley Carter.  I’m not sure how we first connected in the blogosphere but I have been an avid armchair traveling companion ever since.  Now she’s entered in a contest and has asked her … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, daughters, Education, environment, exercise, Family, interviews, parenting, Shakespeare, sports, travel, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Sports Injuries: Who Decides Who Plays?

Posted on March 18, 2013 by

“You’re supposed to hurt in wrestling.” I remember those words my son quoted the coach telling him when Jacob complained that his wrist ached.  The high school trainer had told him to put ice on it.  And he did. And … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, daughters, exercise, Family, health, parenting, sports, teaching, teenagers, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Security Blankets & Comfort Toys: Not only for Babies

Posted on March 15, 2013 by

Any parent from the dawn of humankind could probably tell stories about how their  children formed attachments to certain objects— blankets and stuffed animals particularly.  Called comfort toys and security blankets, these beloved items help child feel better after a … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Family, Grandchildren, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

NYC Soda Sizing Sizzles

Posted on March 12, 2013 by

Size matters. Yup, in most things, though not the one that saying usually refers to. It matters if you’re too short for the rides at Six Flags, or too tall to play in IKEA’s ball pit.   Or if you used … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, exercise, Family, food, health, New York City, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Grandma Diary: Violin Practice…or Not?

Posted on February 20, 2013 by

“Do you want to show me what you did with Miss Cheryl (the violin teacher) this week? I asked my grandson, who’s been taking Suzuki violin for about a year. His violin is miniature.  He rests his chin on a … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, Education, Family, Grandchildren, parenting, teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Valentine’s Musings: Skiing Then & Now

Posted on February 14, 2013 by

Valentine’s Day, 1982. I’d bought my soon-to-be fiancé cross country skis and we were headed to a little inn in New Hampshire for the weekend. He wanted to get engaged on Valentine’s Day because it was his parent’s wedding anniversary. … Continue reading →

Posted in celebrations, exercise, Family, holidays, parenting, sports, Trees | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

WordPress Weekly Challenge: HOME

Posted on February 8, 2013 by

I pull the knobs on the Formica desktop that’s part of a built- in dresser and bookshelf. It’s where I used to do my homework.  Remnants of my childhood surround me—photos, books, souvenirs, and other assorted memorabilia. I’m in my … Continue reading →

Posted in commentary, daughters, Family, health, parenting, Writing | Tagged , , , , , | 27 Comments