So does this mean they’re going to grow up to be terrorists?

This afternoon my 8 year old was annoying me so I suggested that he play his zoo tycoon game on another computer.  This is one of those games where you have to set up a business and run it well to make more money to re-invest into the business and grow it, etc.  Part of the game format is that if you screw it up, … Continue reading So does this mean they’re going to grow up to be terrorists?

Miss Manners’ take on “boomerang kids”

A few days ago I wrote about re-thinking our assumptions regarding young adults living with mom and dad. Today I came across a column Miss Manners wrote about the attitudes of parents and children facing a return home upon completing college. Her take is that the assumption that as our kids grow, they will come to have disdain for us is damaging to the parent … Continue reading Miss Manners’ take on “boomerang kids”

Miss Manners’ take on "boomerang kids"

A few days ago I wrote about re-thinking our assumptions regarding young adults living with mom and dad. Today I came across a column Miss Manners wrote about the attitudes of parents and children facing a return home upon completing college. Her take is that the assumption that as our kids grow, they will come to have disdain for us is damaging to the parent … Continue reading Miss Manners’ take on "boomerang kids"

The disappearing generation gap?

Today over at the National Review Online, Myrna Blyth has an article making fun of life coaches. In it she makes reference to a New York Magazine article about parents in their 30’s and early 40’s who, in her words, “in their hoodies and their retro sneakers, have decided it is really very cool to remain childish even when they have children of their own. … Continue reading The disappearing generation gap?

Is "Failure to Launch" Really Such a Failure?

There has been some talk lately about people in their 20’s or even 30’s who still live at home with mom and dad. Now, when I was in my early 20’s, I certainly did not want to live with my folks and truthfully, I didn’t really respect those who did. I have always said that I fully expect my kids to strike out on their … Continue reading Is "Failure to Launch" Really Such a Failure?

Is “Failure to Launch” Really Such a Failure?

There has been some talk lately about people in their 20’s or even 30’s who still live at home with mom and dad. Now, when I was in my early 20’s, I certainly did not want to live with my folks and truthfully, I didn’t really respect those who did. I have always said that I fully expect my kids to strike out on their … Continue reading Is “Failure to Launch” Really Such a Failure?

My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

This is our third year homeschooling and perhaps I’m a little slow on the uptake, but half the time I feel like I’m just starting to figure out what we’re doing. I do think I’m ready to make a confession, however: my kitchen table is sorely under-used. (Actually, I think it gets way too much use from greedy munchkins who expect to be fed 3 … Continue reading My kitchen table is under-used (and I think I’m OK with that)

More on Public policy and Families

There’s an article up on The Weekly Standard called “Indentured Families” which I found very interesting. It outlines several prime examples of how the GOP, while being miles above the Democratic Party on many things, is hardly the champion of the family it is too often allowed to portray itself as. It gives examples of 3 specific policies which hurt families but because of specific … Continue reading More on Public policy and Families

Frightening Video

A few days ago in a post about our cultural taboo against correcting other people’s children, I wrote this: “It’s not just that we live in a more dangerous world – the reality is that crime has dropped very dramatically in the last 20-30 years. Statistically speaking, we’re much safer today. However, what’s missing is any re-enforcement from others our children will meet as they … Continue reading Frightening Video

"Smart Sex"

It is really difficult to over estimate all the ways in which our culture bombards us and our children with the idea of sex as merely a recreational activity whose consequences can be avoided. Too many parents indulge their discomfort about the topic and fail to provide their kids with an equally strong, consistent and frequent alternative view. They think that making sure their kids … Continue reading "Smart Sex"