We’re all busy. We often remind and reassure ourselves that our children are fine, their homework is done, they’ve eaten all their vegetables. And while their beds aren’t made and rooms are war zones, you’re fairly pleased with the day.
Being a parent involves many unpredictable, shocking and surprising turn of events. The groceries may be put away, laundry done and dinner on the table, but just when you think you’re ahead of the game, you quickly realize you’re last in line .
Until recently, our three children, ages 16, 14 and 12, all had smartphones. With my family’s schedule, we found it necessary to regularly communicate with their whereabouts, pick up times and afternoon activities. The risk, and extra headache, is the hovering question of whether your children are using their phones responsibly. We understand the phones are not babysitters, but providing adolescents with current technology also leaves a doubtful cloud of trust. Kids today have the world in their hands, literally. At anytime, they can search the internet for information, text a classmate, call a parent, FaceTime with family. While all these abilities are convenient, Read more... Read Your Kid’s Phone…Unannounced, Regularly and Randomly
We’re all busy. We often remind and reassure ourselves that our children are fine, their homework is done, they’ve eaten all their vegetables. And while their beds aren’t made and rooms are war zones, you’re fairly pleased with the day.
Being a parent involves many unpredictable, shocking and surprising turn of events. The groceries may be put away, laundry done and dinner on the table, but just when you think you’re ahead of the game, you quickly realize you’re last in line .
Until recently, our three children, ages 16, 14 and 12, all had smartphones. With my family’s schedule, we found it necessary to regularly communicate with their whereabouts, pick up times and afternoon activities. The risk, and extra headache, is the hovering question of whether your children are using their phones responsibly. We understand the phones are not babysitters, but providing adolescents with current technology also leaves a doubtful cloud of trust. Kids today have the world in their hands, literally. At anytime, they can search the internet for information, text a classmate, call a parent, FaceTime with family. While all these abilities are convenient, Read more... 
by Wendy Pierman Mitzel
I am a girl with many projects.
Love to start them. Not so good at finishing them.
The beginnings of many novels, short stories and essays germinate on my computer or in the many notebooks scattered about my house.
Baskets with price tags still attached wait to be filled and organized.
The new ceiling fans sit boxed at the ready next to the shelves waiting for hammer and nail.
And inside my head? In there is even worse! I am well aware the state of my physical affairs is a manifestation of my congested cerebrum.
Popping around in there are kernels of ideas. Such as starting a creative center for autism, a place where high functioning kids can go hang out. Then there are the characters from all my novels and short stories. They pace around in that waiting room, muttering and begging for me to pay attention to them. Laying dead center is the long list of boring matters like making doctor appointments and searching for summer camps.
I’ve recently begun to wonder what keeps me from moving forward. A lot of it is just daily life and distractions getting in the way. I spend a lot of time running out for milk and eggs and running