Let it go
Discretion is the better part of parenting
Time for dinner. Kubla is doing his best to ignore me. “Kubla, I said it’s time for dinner.” Silence. Another call to the table. He’s in a combative mood. “I want to watch TV.” Normally
Older Kids
Why am I so bored?!
What a fascinating question
Touring Kubla’s school, I see a poster in the teacher’s lounge, hidden from the students: Curiosity is the cure for boredom. There is no cure for curiosity. I commit it to memory. It’s my go-to
Just don’t say Bobbledeegoo
Take the power out of curse words
Kubla comes back from a playdate. His friend has a potty mouth. Later that day, Kubla plays with his toy cars. He pushes one off the cliff of our couch. His hand guides its fall
How is his compliance?
What is the balance between control and freedom in your family?
We check out a couple nearby preschools for Kubla. The playgrounds and classrooms are all pretty similar. The teachers are all equally friendly. Our friends say good things about both of them. It’s time for
Slave Dolphins and Free Sharks
What’s it worth to give up your freedom?
We watch the dolphin show at the aquarium. It’s fun, but a little sad to see such intelligent creatures stuck in a tank they can fully explore in under 30 seconds. “Hey Kubla, are those
Is driving hard?
A lot of things are hard, until you learn how
I drive Kubla’s friends home from their play date. Their mom doesn’t have a driver’s license. Just a learners permit. “Is driving hard?” they ask. “It’s easy when you know how.” “My mom is so stupid.” All
Oh, you gave me a love punch
What does a kid really need when he’s acting out?
I see that kid in the park. He starts towards me. I know what comes next. I protect myself as he tries to hit me. It helps that I’m four times his size. He doesn’t
The play date isn’t going well. They fight over toys. One doesn’t want to play the other’s game. It’s time for a change of venue. When they were toddlers it was easy. We chose parents
Leader of no one
Sometimes we get more of what we want by letting others be the star
Kubla wants to play soldier. The girl he’s playing with wants to play hide and seek. Neither can convince the other. It looks like the play date might need to end early. I call Kubla
Anyone who splashes me gets thrown into the lake!
Be careful what you promise
We’re at the beach. I’m reading a book. Kubla and his friends are running all over the shore, chasing and splashing and squirting. A few drops of water fall on my book. “Guys! Splash each