“They always come back.”This was a simple sentence from a friend, a father of four adults, in a conversation about my 12-year-old son.It was not that long ago I would have done anything for a few minutes of breathing room from my kids. It’s quite the opposite these days, and it’s been interesting to observe… Read more »

Social media can be a wasteland at times, but it has been a tremendous asset to us over the years when it comes to our special needs kid.The challenges of parenting vary with each child. In our house, our issues are complex with our 11- and 12-year-old adopted boys, but we take great comfort in… Read more »

Beckett had mid-term exams this week to wrap up the semester.Therefore, I’m exhausted. I have not studied so much since college.Since it has become painfully evident our guy doesn’t really grasp the concept of studying yet, I set out on a mission last week to invest some time with him, teaching him how to prepare… Read more »

Some of the best parenting advice I ever got was to enjoy the kids while they are young and simple because it only gets harder.When I was swimming in dirty diapers, sleepless nights and toddler tantrums over nothing, it was the last thing I wanted to hear. Life was tough then, but it required physical… Read more »

The 12-year-old kid in the house has a different view of independence than his parents.Independence is something to be earned not given. In Beckett’s mind, he should be allowed to do what he wants simply because a friend or two can. Entitlement comes to mind when listening to his rationalization.If a friend can stay on… Read more »

It’s remarkable to consider how Christmas mornings have changed over the years.With our two boys, who are now 12 and 11 years old, there’s excitement but it certainly pales in comparison to how it once was in the house. There was no waking up at 5 in the morning to ensure we were up before… Read more »

It took a terrible fall on a skate ramp to bring it back, but I got to see my 12-year-old boy’s vulnerability again.While tough to handle at times, the oldest kid in the home is clearly distancing himself from his parents. We remain engaged as possible with him, but Beckett is shutting us out of… Read more »

Admiring a completed project with a drink in handStraight talk without spinFeeling hopeful seeing people get the COVID vaccinationSeeing my kid overcome a fearGood news from an unknown phone numberA street with a lot of decorated housesNo jacket required days in DecemberWhen my memory serves me rightCharitable teenagersClosure when it’s neededThe morning after a big… Read more »

My boys vary greatly in their approaches to food and the stark dichotomy never ceases to amaze me.Eating is one of the highlights of Carson’s day. Despite having gluten and dairy intolerances, Carson, 11, has a love for a variety of foods. It can be challenging with the diet restrictions to diversify his eating habits,… Read more »

The truth is nobody knows the impact this prolonged period of virtual learning will ultimately have on our kids.Aside from teaching them the importance of being resilient and making the best of an unfortunate situation, there are no positives to come from learning remotely. Some would argue it limits the spread of the virus, but… Read more »