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For some kids, going back to school at the end of summer can be traumatic. Anticipating a new teacher, classmates, grade, or school can trigger fear, anxiety, and depression–not to mention very real physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, and insomnia. Fortunately, your child has a whole toolbox to draw from–in her own imagination. Here [...]
Category Archives: Thoughts and opinions
Summer School: Lessons Learned by a First Time SAHD
August 31, 2009 – 7:38 pm
As school is starting and the house is without the noise of kids running around, I had the chance to reflect on the summer and what we did. I never thought I would have the feelings I had when the kids left for school, but never the less I had them! I’m not going to [...]
[FRESH BROOD] Hell on (Two) Wheels – Part 2
August 30, 2009 – 6:40 pm
Editor’s note:Â In case you missed it, catch-up on Part 1 of “Hell on (Two) Wheels” before reading on. OK, so we finally got home with a bike that: a) fit my son, b) had training wheels that were actually attached properly, and c) looked bad-ass cool. Check, check, and check. Now it was time [...]
How Do I Know My Kid Is Lying?
August 30, 2009 – 6:28 pm
Kids always seem to be surprised when they are caught in the middle of a lie — Mom really does have eyes in the back of her head! She really does talk to that little bird! Is it really these eyes that Mom has or does that little bird really give the secrets away? Or [...]
[INTO THE DAWN] Memories of Summer 2009
August 27, 2009 – 6:24 pm
Elementary school began yesterday, and on the one hand it seems hard to let the summer go, but on the other hand there were some moments I could have done without. For instance, all summer long I put off getting my bi-annual haircut/head shave because my eight year old told me, “You’re ugly enough as [...]
[A DAD'S POINT-OF-VIEW] The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
August 26, 2009 – 6:45 pm
No, I’m not writing about the movie or its wonderful music. Instead, this column will contain lists of random things that I think fit those three categories. I was driving to Mammoth, a ski resort we frequent, alone and early in the morning and began reflecting on my life. I had a rough period recently [...]
Eight Baby Sleep Tricks Your Doc Will Never Tell You
August 25, 2009 – 7:26 pm
Face it. Doctors are pretty lame with practical advice on stuff that should come naturally to babies. So here are a few tricks we’ve picked – none risky, we promise – that might help you get your baby to sleep or back on track sleep-wise. Dads, take charge. This is one area where dads can [...]
Six Ways Kids Manipulate Parents …and What You Can Do About It
August 24, 2009 – 7:43 pm
Your kid wants to stay up late, avoid homework, hang out with friends, and watch TV and play video games. In short, your school-aged child wants to do everything but go to bed early and do schoolwork. What’s more, he has lots of clever ways to wear you down and get his way. Here are [...]
[FRESH BROOD] Hell on (Two) Wheels – Part 1
August 23, 2009 – 6:24 pm
Editor’s note: THE FATHER LIFE is pleased to welcome David Paull to our pages. You’ll find his column, Fresh Brood, appearing regularly right here at thefatherlife.com. Leave David a comment and make him feel welcome! I’m one of those people for whom things are rarely simple. Don’t get me wrong, I like simple. I strive [...]
[A DAD'S POINT-OF-VIEW] Patience Is My Middle Name
August 22, 2009 – 6:09 pm
First, a disclaimer. It seems the reactions to my family’s nicknames have been mixed from readers. I respect my readers, and I also got the same feedback from a new friend, via this column, in Australia. Isn’t the Internet amazing? So, hereafter, I will dispense with the nicknames. My wife is Loren, my older son [...]