I’m riding my Fulbright Scholar wife’s coattails around Southern Italy with our three-year-old son, who’s gotten into the Old World spirit by becoming possessed by demons. Laura, my wife, blames the boy’s hellish behavior—dub “The Bad Seed” and substitute Primigi boots for patent-leather Mary Janes—on the time difference and intemperate weather. But the village priest and I … [Read more...] about Macaronic
Puzzles for kids
Last night, I took down an old favorite, the ABCFloorPuzzlefrom Mudpuppy Press, to play with my 22-month-old. The puzzle is made up of 24 big 8" square pieces that fit easily together and are easily manouverable by a little tyke. The box says 3+, but he enjoyed seeing the picture come together and was pretty darn happy when he could fit one piece to another. And I found it … [Read more...] about Puzzles for kids
Kids, Movies, and Common Sense
Last night, while the wife was working late, my 20 month-old and six year-old got in bed and watched Home Alone 2. Not only was it not as good as the original (surprise!), but it was peppered with references to prostitution and drunkenness, as well as constant references to killing the little kid. In my opinion, without being prudish, it went a little further than I would have … [Read more...] about Kids, Movies, and Common Sense
Skiing and little kids
Hello from snowy Squaw Valley where all, or seemingly all, of the kids in California are spending their vacation. If your ski week is coming up, a few refresher suggestions may be in order. If you only ski once a year, or just rarely do a vacation rental, it's easy to forget the little stuff. 1. Plan to pack. If you only ski (or travel to the beach for that matter), … [Read more...] about Skiing and little kids
Teenagers and dads – don’t believe the myth that kids don’t want to talk to parents.
"Teens Don't Like Adults" Myth As a father of two teenage daughters (15 and 17) I have continually heard the comment that goes something along the lines of "Whoa, that's a tough age. I guess you'll get to talk to them again in six years!" I have also run into numerous dads (moms too) that say, "Yeah, my kids don't even want to be around me these days. They are so into their … [Read more...] about Teenagers and dads – don’t believe the myth that kids don’t want to talk to parents.