Perspectives in Parenting

4 Reasons To Give A Kid A Camera Last Christmas I was talking with some friends about Christmas gifts for our kids when one recommended a toddler camera. I loved the idea! I remember getting my first "real camera." It was a purple Minnie Mouse camera that used 110 film and needed flash cubes. I'm sure it could get costly to buy film, flash cubes and pay for processing. Then there was the wait the time to get those photos developed. While all of that is probably a foreign concept to some, the prevalence of digital cameras makes getting one for a toddler, preschooler or young child much more reasonable and accessible. My kiddo was 3 that Christmas and it seemed like...

Dear Teen Mom, I See You I’ll never forget seeing those two pink lines. I was 16. I’d had a few different boyfriends since I turned 14, but this was my first serious relationship. He was thrilled. I was, understandably, terrified. After a very difficult pregnancy, we welcomed our first son two weeks before my 17th birthday. Of course, it was love at first sight. We had an awesome support system, and I know for a fact the days would have been a lot harder without the help and love we received from grandparents. I don’t take that for granted one bit; they were a saving grace on many nights when I wanted to give up from lack of sleep. In...

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One Whole Year Dear Daddy, It’s been one whole year since you showed up at my house at 7:00 am to babysit the twins (You were always there when I needed you). One whole year since Henry’s poop fell out of his diaper and onto the floor and we laughed about how we were lucky not to have stepped in it. One whole year since I was talking to you through our Ring camera, and you were getting ready to take the twins stroll down the street in their little blue car. It was your regular routine, and the neighbors’ kids had already started calling you “Pop.” You always were a “kid whisperer.” It’s been one whole year since I got that...

Magic Does Exist :: Work-Life Balance As we enter into the new school year, I am acutely aware of my ability to support my kids in a way that I was not able to previously as a working mom. As a full-time businesswoman, I’ve always had to juggle home life and work life, and up until about two years ago, I dreaded the constant battle between priorities. The struggle caused stress and mom-guilt galore. I didn’t realize how much control I had in doing something about my career when it came to prioritizing my family. I have two kiddos, ages ten and seven, and they have attended two different schools for several years now. Their summer schedules did not grace my...