Lately, I’ve been irritable, I get angry at silly things and find it harder to say what’s on my mind. All my anger, my frustration, has conveniently/unfortunately been focused on my husband. I get angry if I’m vacuuming and he’s sitting on the couch having a phone conversation with a client. Why doesn’t he knowContinue reading “Balance”
Category Archives: Kids
Apologies
In these times of trouble and divided sentiments I have come to realize that there are those who see the act of apologizing as one of weakness. This boggles my mind. Don’t we as parents tell our squabbling children to “be the bigger person” to “apologize and make peace”? Have we gotten too old toContinue reading “Apologies”
Whose Turn is it Anyway?
Monday “Carson, take the trash out please.” “Uuuhhh!” she whines. “I did it yesterday, make Hannah do it.” I turn to my other daughter also sitting on the couch watching TV. “Hannah, can you take the trash out please?” “No fair, I did the recycling earlier. Make Cole do it.” I consider this. I’d forgottenContinue reading “Whose Turn is it Anyway?”
Beach Day
The scent of sunblock fills the air. “Did you get the umbrella?” I yell to my husband as he runs up the stairs to grab another towel. “Yes, I did.” He answers in a curt tone that screams, DON’T BOTHER ME. I go back to sun blocking my daughter. “Why can’t we use the sprayContinue reading “Beach Day”
Curiously Pregnant
“Mom, what if I get pregnant?” My sixteen-year-old, middle daughter, smiles at my frozen expression before popping a floret of broccoli into her mouth. The twinkle doesn’t leave her eye as she chews. “Excuse me?” I ask to buy time and try to understand where this came from. This one always had questions, always surprisedContinue reading “Curiously Pregnant”
13 Years Old
I have a thirteen-year-old son. I know, I know. Your sympathy is appreciated. I have gone through this age twice before. I have two daughters that successfully navigated the pitfalls of this particular gauntlet. Here’s the thing, though, the girls talked. My daughters both had no problem telling me what was happening in their world. Continue reading “13 Years Old”
Lots of Laughter and a Little Patience
I work in the special education department of an elementary school. As an instructional aid I have held multiple positions working with children with varying levels of need. Several years back I was working with a child who tested me on a daily basis. Most teachers will tell you they don’t have favorites, that theyContinue reading “Lots of Laughter and a Little Patience”
The Talk
My husband and I have always been open with our kids. If they have a question, we do our best to answer it. That goes for sex too. If they ask, we will answer. Of course, we always make sure the answer is age appropriate, but we never shied away from the topic, never madeContinue reading “The Talk”
Anna
A short story
The Rice Test
“Cole, Carson, Hannah, dinner!” I holler in no particular direction, knowing they will hear me wherever they are in the house. My husband set the bowl of broccoli down and seats himself. Carson emerges from her basement bedroom her boyfriend Chris, and his friend Mason, following in her wake. I look up, “Are they eatingContinue reading “The Rice Test”
Rebecca Lamprey 