Vivian loves to dance. A few times a week, we waltz around the kitchen, jive in the entry, or crazy dance in the living room. She used to wish desperately that we’d sign her up for dance classes; now, she’s stopped asking. I know there are a zillion benefits to dance, from coordination to confidence, […]
Whiteboard Wednesday
When Sisters Act As Mothers
At least once a day, I find myself saying this to Vivian: Sometimes, when I’m in the lecturing mood, I follow this up with this: “You’re his sister. You’re on his team. Defend him.” Conversations like this happen after Vivian alerts me (and scolds William) about not washing his hands, practicing piano with his feet, […]
Routines, Apples, and Underwear
Most of my at-home evenings look the same. They involve my husband relaxing upstairs, watching his favourite sports team lose (Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs, Canada’s Rugby Team) and me pfaffing on my laptop in our library, sometimes writing, sometimes tweeting, sometimes chatting with Kelly from Dances with Chaos. The second part of this routine […]
Children: the world’s first poets
My daughter, Vivian, loves words. I know, because she uses a lot of them, some of which I even listen to. When she really wants my attention, she writes notes. When I came home after a three hour writing session, this was taped to our front door: Last week, after I vacuumed the shards of […]
The Art of Entertaining Children on a Road Trip
It’s Spring Break, or as I called it last year, Spring Break-down. So far, after four consecutive full days with my kids, I’m still remarkably composed. I haven’t been overly tempted to lock them in the closet, at least not for a long period; I’ve also locked myself in my walk-in closet only once during […]
Another Craft Disaster with Kids
Last week I received a notification. I grieved, all stages. First I denied it. Then I bargained. Eventually I accepted it. There was no way out: I would have to do a fifteen minute craft with children ages three to six. At church. * I ponder. It’s Lent. Shouldn’t these kids be giving up fun […]
Explaining the 80s to Children
I have a love-hate relationship with school dress-up days. While Pajama Day can be fun (who doesn’t love spending a whole day in flannels), other days, like Crazy Pants Day, can require a bit more planning, not to mention a glue gun. My kids’ elementary school recently held 80’s Day. If you’re six-years-old, the eighties […]
Teaching Children Conversational Skills
Vivian, my daughter, is gifted in the art of conversation. Not only can she can ask questions and empathize with both peers and adults, but she can do so with her mouth stuffed with food, mid-chew. Although her twin brother, William, will wait until he swallows to speak, he then proceeds to speak at you […]
Thing 1 and Thing 2 Go To Hollywood
March is a bizarre month for holidays, both real and made up. I know, because I’m guest posting about weird commemorative days every Wednesday this month at Sweetspot.ca. If you’re sick of me blathering on about my trip to Hollywood and want me to get back to the funny, check out today’s guest post: Happy […]