Bad Moods: Should We Try to End Them?
I love it when comments make me think! On the post Teasing Boys, part 2, commenter Mogs said this: True, “bad moods” may not be bad; but generally if we had a choice between the two we would choose to be in a good mood. As such suppression is not the answer; but like...
Hot Tip: Washable Bed for a Sick Kid
Okay, so you've got a sick kid and you're concerned he may throw up in the night. Ever tried to clean a mattress after a kid's been sick on it? Ewwww. What about the dangers of running from his bed to the bathroom in the night? How do you keep him safe and minimize...
Gingerbread Challenge 2008
We baked gingerbread houses last week for a neighborhood party. I thought this would be an ideal time for a boy to have a baking lesson, so I snagged the first ten-year-old who walked by. The Mercenary was interested in the job so we got started before he could ask...
Teasing Boys, part 2
One of the posts that has gotten the most attention ever on this blog is 8 Ways to Tease a Boy Out of a Bad Mood. A few days ago, commenter Taariq made this point: I wonder if this doesn’t teach him to suppress his real feelings and emotions. Bad moods, like good...
There’s a Piano in my Kitchen
Well, there's not now. But there was a piano in my kitchen a few days ago. Darn, I should have taken a picture. The only way to get through that part of the house was to squeeze past the piano or climb past the couch that was on the other side of the island blocking...
Whoo-eeee, Blog Business 12-09-08
Hellooooo again, Internets! Have you missed me? I've missed you! We've been neck-deep in projects for the past little while here at Earnest Parenting. The good news is that last week carpet was installed in the basement and we declared that no more home improvement...
How Do We Combat Entitlement?
I've been thinking a lot about entitlement lately. There are a couple of news items out floating around detailing studies done of young people born between about 1980 and 2000 (give or take). These are the kids who are victims beneficiaries of the self-esteem...
Thankfulness
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving here in the US, and like so many of my blogging compatriots my thoughts are on the holiday and what it means. There are so many things to be thankful for: we have a house, warm clothes, family to love, and food to eat. Believe me when I say...
When You Lose Your Temper, Pt. 2
When I wrote the last post about losing my temper, I was right in the middle of the situation. I was so angry! The good news is I've calmed down and can share with you a few lessons I learned. If you get a chance, check out the comments from that post. Mary's advice...
When You Lose Your Temper
Just yelled my head off and sent all the boys to their rooms. It started this morning when I was fetching dirty laundry and asked The Mercenary to bring any stray clothes down to my room so I could sort and wash them. (Note that I do all the washing, drying, and...