Teens

Like any mom who’s been in the game for a while, I’ve gained some street cred over the years. I know my way around crying babies and explosive diapers. I’ve navigated the terrible twos and the reign of a...

My daughter and I have this communication thing down pat.  She's 18-years-old, she's female, and she's an open book.  We have a natural rhythm going, (even though we hit a sour note every once in a while). My son and...

The reverent phrase, “Remember that you are dust and to dust, you shall return,” never loses its power over me even after hearing it my entire life. When I kneel and ashes are marked as a cross on my...

"Miss Independent Miss Self-Sufficient Miss Keep-Your-Distance..." – Kelly Clarkson When I found out I was having a girl, I resolved to raise her to be strong, independent, and resilient. I definitely didn’t want my daughter to be easily intimidated or afraid to do...

Yes, you read that right.  I dyed my 13-year-old niece's hair purple. Yes, it was her idea. And yes, she ambushed me to do it. I walked into her house with my 7-year-old nephew after picking him up from camp...

I recently read an article in the Wall Street Journal, a generally reliable source of information, but I have to say that in this instance I just Do. Not. Agree. The article, "The Wrong Way to Speak to Children", warns...

I have watched the unfolding of something magical in my home, something I deeply believed would never happen. Sisters moving from rivals to reveling in being best of friends. I heard it would change as they get older, but...

When you're the mom of a teen boy, the last place you want to visit is Funky Town. Hormones, sporting events, and missed showers can leave your home smelling more like a locker room than a field of gardenias.  If...

She shyly giggled and shared how she once ate an entire 9 x 13 of brownies after paying her bills and feeling stressed. She sheepishly looked around the room of young moms and asked if anyone else had done...

October 20th is National Youth Confidence Day. You probably haven’t heard much about this special day but it is a day we should all add to our mom radar. National Youth Confidence Day is designed to celebrate the energy,...