I admit this idea is not my own.  It comes from Mrs. W., my brilliant fourth grade teacher, who shall remain anonymous because there is no doubt in my mind that what she did would be means for termination (and possibly jail) today.  However, it remains one of the greatest parenting tricks I’ve ever discovered. When we had to stay late after school for an activity or if there was down time for some reason, Mrs. W. would offer up (...Read More)

When you’re the mother of babies, toddlers, or preschoolers, people pretty much leave you alone. They know you’ve got your hands full. They understand you’re almost too busy to take breaths between the diaper changes and wine drinking. When your toddlers grow into grade-school kids, though, the game changes. Completely. Where your preschool of choice might’ve asked you to lend a hand here and there, grade schools, particularly public grade schools, have a million jobs that need doing for which (...Read More)

Confession time: When I was 20, I spent the summer living in a small apartment complex in my hometown. One night, a child in a nearby apartment cried for hours and HOURS. Believing (foolishly, as a childless 20-year-old would) that NO child would cry so long if properly cared for, I eventually called the police to report suspected child neglect. Not long after the call I heard the neighbor laughing with the police. The child continued to cry. I was (...Read More)

Day 4. School doors barred. We remain trapped. The natives are restless, and I am tired of their primitive ways. Three days ago, the voice of Rico Chavez called to announce that schools were closed. I was so naïve. A day off? That sounds great! Why, I’ll take a break from my usual routine and join my natives! Sure, it crossed my mind that being confined could lead to trouble, but I dismissed the thought! It’ll be fun! It’s only (...Read More)

At some point in the history of the United States, the government decided to post a color-coded security system called the Homeland Security Advisory System, a way of alerting the public to potential dangers from some really bad guys.  “The advisory system will be the foundation for building a comprehensive and effective communications structure for the dissemination of information regarding the risk of terrorist attacks to all levels of government and the American people.”  Whatever that means. What it means (...Read More)