Is Santa still coming? My eight year old asked quietly as we walked back from the swing set. Our family was outside when the governor announced Ohio’s mandatory shut down. My husband and I read the breaking news on our phones. We didn’t say much out loud, but what our kids saw on our faces…
Tag: lifewithkids
The Wishing Tree That Grew Three Hearts Big
I watched them circle each picture with a bright red marker–legos, nerf guns, a sparkly new purse. Apparently they wanted everything. And they needed none of it. Christmas. As a mother it means so many things. Family, togetherness, overeating. Shopping online and in line and praying your kids don’t change their minds after it’s…
As You Leave Me For Kindergarten
Maybe it’s because you draw me rainbows when I’m sad. Or use your entire body to stir the banana bread batter. It’s probably because you put veggies in the shopping cart and ask for hugs and brush my hair. You’re also the only kid that lets me play my own music in the car. And…
Dear Third Baby, You Gave Me Life
He made me put three different superhero outfits on the stuffed dog before deciding on ‘Spider Pup.’ Plus, a carrier, one bowl of dog food, a six piece vet kit ‘so I can give him check up,’ and the $2 cookie at the register. Stuff I NEVER would have allowed my first two children to…
Hacks to Keep Cupid & Classmates Happy
It’s almost time. To tap into the depth of your soul. To unleash unconditional love from that happy heart of yours. To elbow your way through 800 other parents shopping the isles of Target. ‘Sponge Bob or Mickey Mouse?! Just pick one already!!!’ Valentine’s Day is just a quick shot of that fat angel’s arrow…
Four Ways Your Kids Can Thank Veterans
It looked like an alien. But the green box with arms, legs and smaller square “medals” peppering its upper body was actually a “Veteran.” My first grader corrected me as he carefully finished drawing the soldier on a thank you card for a school project. “Do you know any Veterans, mommy?” You learn a lot…
Keep the Killer Clowns at Bay
“Mom, have you seen the movie It?” My first grader asked innocently on the way home from school. “Yes sweet pea, why did you ask me that?” “Gio has seen it. He told me about it during center time.” As I dismissed his inquiry he chirped on in the back seat about the boy’s yellow…
I Am My Children’s First Impression
“So who takes care of all this?” It’s a question I get every time someone visits our home. The big house, 30 plus acres, farm animals, pond and three energetic kids tend to overwhelm people as they watch the sights and smells unfold in real time. “We do.” I answer. A little insulted that people…
Be the Good My Little First Grader
‘Do they have cameras to keep the bad guys out?’ It was a question I did not anticipate from my 6-year-old son. We were throwing the football as the sun set the last Saturday of summer. I had asked him if he was nervous about starting first grade at a new school on Monday. The…
Just Wear the Goshdarn Bikini
We just returned from a seven-day trip to Florida. And by “we” I mean myself, my six and four year old, and my youngest who is almost two. My husband was there for the first few days before returning for a work trip, but this post isn’t about him. Because when it comes to pool…
Not a Princess, But a Warrior
It’s 8:15 in the morning. The baby is smashing pancakes while my four-year-old daughter shouts in Korean. “Watch my crane kick, mom!” She executes a move with her skinny legs and just about falls over. I give her a high-five as she chops and shouts her way to the family room. A few months ago…
How to Read Your Little’s Mind
“We don’t typically write an incident report when the only first aid that’s required is an ice pack.” This was the principal’s response to my inquiry. A classmate tackled my son on the playground during recess. It wasn’t until the incident had escalated to something physical that my five-year-old told me this had happened more…
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