Tag Archives: Children

Youthful Enthusiasm: It’s Tomorrow Today

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Youthful Enthusiasm: It's Tomorrow Today* This is an edited version of a post that appeared on memyselfandkids.com back in the summer of 2011. It’s my contribution to Throwback Thursday.

Dye your hair, rid yourself of wrinkles, enhance your energy etc.

All you have to do is turn on the television, scan your phone, flip on your computer, or open a newspaper/magazine to see/read some sort of advertisement whose stated goal is to make you look or feel younger.

We live in a culture where there is a drive to be young. While I wish I had a full head of hair, when I wonder what it would be like to be younger again, it has nothing to do with the physical.

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It’s Better in My Bed

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It's Better in My BedSJ has been sick this week. Nothing serious – just a cold. He only had to miss one day of school. He spent the entire day in my bed.  Why wouldn’t he – it’s all better in my bed.

“I wanna sleep in your bed.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, why do you think so?”
“I don’t know. It just is.”
“I think I know what it is.”
“What?”
“I think you feel safer there.”
“Yeah. I guess so. Plus, I like your blanket. It’s huge.”

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I Don’t Want My Children to Just Be Happy

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I Don’t Want My Children to Just Be Happy“I just want my children to be happy.”  How many times have I heard parents say this? The proclamation comes off as if it is wise and understanding.

But it gets worse!

There’s the addition, “Know what I mean?”

Look if you are saying you don’t want your children to grow up and be miserable… well, then, of course I know what you mean. What parent does?

But if you mean something like my only wish for my children is for them to be happy –  then, no I don’t know what you mean. In fact, I don’t even believe you. I’m sure you want more than mere happiness for your child.

To continue reading, go to http://goodmenproject.com/families/i-dont-want-my-children-to-just-be-happy-admc/

 

And It was the Summer Of…

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The Summer of... The Flash: SJ riding a bike.Seasons and times are remembered by events. The summer I learned to drive. The winter I started playing basketball. Junior year when I had my first girlfriend. With Labor Day in the mirror, it’s time to think what happening will mark the summer of 2015.

A few years ago, I tried to teach BR how to ride a bike. It was a struggle from the beginning. He was uninterested. His constant refrain of, “Why do I need to do this” as I led him around the block was exasperating. BR was on the verge of riding, but he was never willing to fall. His fear held him back. While riding a bike is not a required skill for a happy childhood, I felt, somehow, that I failed him. Maybe I should have pushed harder. Maybe, I should have been more delicate. Maybe I should have been more understanding.  Whatever the issue, the moment passed. It’s been two years since I even tried to get BR on a bike.

SJ loves his scooter. He also loves his bike. He didn’t mind that it had training wheels. Ms. MMK and I tried telling him he was getting too old and big and that it was time to take the training wheels off.

SJ was reluctant. He doesn’t like change. Continue reading →