Category Archives for Parenting
Marybeth: Some parents don’t always know best
To: Marybeth From: Not Crazy About Carpools This question might be filed under, “What are these people thinking?” My high … Continue reading
Marybeth: A tactful response to untactful garb
To: Marybeth From: Irritated Aunt My 13-year-old son will be confirmed in a solemn ceremony at our church. We have … Continue reading
Marybeth: A Mother’s Life (My mother’s, that is!)
Recently, my niece, Grace, a student at DePaul University, asked my parents to participate in a class project with her … Continue reading
Marybeth: Violent video games create unhealthy emotions
To: Marybeth From: Nonviolent Video Mom My son wants to play the same video games his friends play, but I’m … Continue reading
Marybeth: Parental responsibility trumps child’s privacy
To: Marybeth From: Message-reading Mom My daughter’s smartphone buzzed when she was out of the room. I picked it up … Continue reading
Regina: April is “Alcohol Awareness Month”
April is Alcohol Awareness Month founded by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence 27 years ago. The objective … Continue reading
Marybeth: Parents need time alone as a couple
To: Marybeth From: Dad is Desperate for a Date My husband says we should have “date nights” without our three … Continue reading
Marybeth: Sullen tween daughter need not be the norm
To: Marybeth From: Preteen Parent How do I survive a moody 12-year-old daughter without damaging our relationship (or killing her)? … Continue reading
Marybeth: Popular music presents serious problems
If you’re concerned that the lyrics being piped into your children’s headphones are inappropriate — or even dangerous — you’re … Continue reading
Mary: My Daughter is Not a Princess. Or a Tom-Boy.
The minute my daughter made her appearance (fourth child with three older brothers), I was inundated with predictions as to whether … Continue reading
Marybeth: Cussing teenager offers up crucial teaching moment
This week’s email brought a complicated family problem: From: A Worried Single Mom To: Marybeth My 15-year-old daughter has … Continue reading
Mary: On Leaning In
Did you hear? Now we’re supposed to lean in. This week, if you’ve been near a TV (something I typically try … Continue reading
Marybeth: Teachable moment found in a police cruiser? You bet.
In a post last week, our own Ursula Hennessey questioned the lax supervision provided by too many parents of teens. … Continue reading
Ursula: Moms of teens? Help me out, Part II
I fully admit I was probably a little naïve to write this alarmist post a couple of months ago about … Continue reading
Marybeth: On calling “Uncle” and changing gears
I quit. I just can’t do it anymore. I give up. I surrender. I call “Uncle.” For years, I’ve stood … Continue reading
Mary: On Shushing My Mom Voice
My four year old waited for a moment alone with me over the weekend then quietly and seriously … Continue reading