I’m an involved dad to my four daughters, who are 6 to 16. I’ve given them piano lessons, taught them how to fight, and have read the same books I-don’t-know-how-many times. Along with all the things I do, I’m plagued with thoughts of what I don’t, particularly with my oldest. At 16, she’s had a […]
Nancy Tripp King: North Carolina Sharecropper’s Daughter Dishes out the Literary Smack Down
When it comes to reading I find that most of the authors I enjoy are men. My favorites have ranged from Edgar Allen Poe to Charles Bukowski, and with the exception of Ayn Rand, I’m not sure if I ever found a woman writer that I could really sink my teeth into.
Helping Kids Make Good Decisions Starts Young
Kids will surprise you often if you listen enough. I do my best to talk to my children about their day every day. Nothing eventful happens most of the time, but if they are in the habit of talking to me, then when something does happen, they’ll think of me first, I hope, even if only out of habit.
Breast Milk is Better Than Formula
Parents always want what is best for their children. In some cases, this involves breast feeding versus formula. Some say it doesn’t matter which is used while several experts, such as Marilyn Poston, a lactation consultant and registered nurse, informs her patients that breast milk is much healthier than formula. But outside of expert advice, […]
How to Have a Conversation With Your 4-Year-Old
I have been at home with my children for a little more than 2 years. My middle child (4) probably receives the worst of my parenting because while the oldest needs me to bring her to martial arts class and the youngest needs me to feed her, my middle child wants me to play with […]
Struggling Helps Children Become Stronger
As a parent it can be difficult helping children become independent. After all, we know how to do things faster and better, and sometimes there’s just no time for them to do things on their own like: Putting on their own shoes Zipping their jacket Going through an entire morning routine alone There are hundreds […]
Being a Stay-at-Home Parent is a Serious Profession
When my wife and I first got married we had a clear understanding of what we thought we wanted based on our prenuptial agreement. Among matters of money, marriage, and everything else we agreed there should always be a parent at home, and I wanted it to be me. Wanting to become a professional outside […]
How to be Your Wife’s Birth Advocate During Labor
Last November my wife and I had our third child. Due to military training and deployments in the past this was the first time I was available to be there for the entire pregnancy, and it was also my first time in the delivery room not including my own bold entrance into the outside world. […]
When Kid Idols Like Hannah Montana are Too Mature for our Tots
Teen senstations like the actress Miley Cyrus are strategically sexualized in order to transition their appeal to an older audience. But what about the little ones who still want to see them?
Saving Our Daughters as Sexual Content Bombards Them From Every Direction
My daughters like to play with dolls, watch television, and play with their friends. And while they do, I find that I have to monitor certain things like what’s being portrayed on the videos they watch, the kinds of dolls sold in stores, and magazine headlines in the supermarket.
Baby Names for Girls: What’s in a Name Anyway
Every year, BabyCenter.com ranks names. With over 17,000 names for girls, some seem unbelievable. And with a daughter on the way, we need to come up with a name that is unusual without being extremely unusual.
Trials in Parenthood: Using Rules to Remind Kids About Proper Behavior
Rules are a good way to shape our children’s behavior. And, it is best to remind kids about “the rules” BEFORE going where they are needed.
