I have always coached my son that having fun is the most important part of any game, but I have found myself alongside other well-meaning parents getting swept away in the excitement and drama of the game — questioning the calls of referees and umpires, and critiquing the other team. When I step back, it’s easy to see how the momentum of the win can start to overshadow what’s really supposed to matter at this age — learning, development, skill-building and, most of all, fun.
Read MoreAround the time my son started talking, the warnings of the "tween years" started swirling. Well-meaning friends who had older kids would say things like, "Enjoy this time. It won't be long before he's a tween and talking back to you." Or, "Enjoy the cuddles now because in a few years he won't want anything to do with you."
As a first-time mom of an only-child, these cautionary tales cut right through me as I looked at my sweet, loving little buddy.
Fast forward several years and that adorable, joyful, caring boy is now an 11-year-old tween. He and his stepsister, who is the same age, are smack dab between child and teen and, to be honest, this phase of parenting might be among my favorites.
Read MoreRecently, my darling husband kindly asked me what I want for Christmas. My mind went two places — sweatpants or diamonds. While it would be far more realistic and reasonable for me to list my "top gifts mom will love that don't break the bank," a girl needs to dream a little. So I decided to come up with a guide for what mom really wants this year. It's wholly impractical and luxurious, but it's also sure to have her say, "This year hasn't been the worst after all."
Read MoreTrying to manage the kids’ activities is like trying to juggle while riding the spinning teacups at Disneyland.
In my house, we have three kids within a range of two years. Like a lot of families today, our children might be categorized as “over-programmed."
Most weeks we find ourselves running between competition dance, baseball, basketball, golf (or whatever sport is in season) and piano lessons. We'll even occasionally throw in in a showcase, performance or science fair at school.
We try to monitor this, but frequently an extra lesson or an extra team sneaks in here and there. And, unfortunately, there are just times where events overlap — or we can’t shuffle work around to be somewhere at 3 p.m. on a Tuesday — and we miss their event.
I feel the pang of guilt every time this happens.
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