Daddy Newbie

Have you made parenting rules that you’ve also broken?   Heck, the list of rules I made has been a paper weight on my desk for about 1 3/4 years of my son’s 2 years of life. No tv rule No crappy food We have all had them. And, we resolve not to break parenting rules. In my (former) academic life, theory ruled. Everything looks …

Do you ever catch yourself paying more attention to negative feedback, than positive? When you do receive positive feedback, do you find yourself looking past that and on to what you think needs improvement? There are ways for us as to combat this way of acting and thinking. According to neuroscientists, our brains are hardwired to focus more on the negative, including worry, disapproval, …

The cost of new kitchen cabinets can range from $1,800- $4600 ( cost estimates from About.com Home Renovations “What is the Cost of Kitchen Cabinets?” ) Kitchen cabinet replacement is one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen renovation project. But in many cases, you can create an entirely new look to the kitchen by giving those cabinets the love they …

As my son becomes more and more independent, it is also a time for him to become increasingly frustrated as well. He’s trying out all his new abilities. Running… he is learning to balance himself while running–so I see him take off on that wobbly, top-speed run. But, he can just as easily trip and fall. Or, he can’t keep …

Well another week has gone by, and I’ve learned more amazing things… As we begin the journey, we think it is our child that is learning  and gaining experience. Somewhere along the line, we discover that we’ve been growing (and learning) even more–in a different way. We gain patience, inner and outer strength, bat-like hearing, a heightened sense of pending danger, …

Haircuts are an adventure. From the age of about 1 year… I’m sure it also depends on whether the child enjoys the process. But, I have to say: my son is NOT a haircut fan. So, it’s a little heartbreaking for me… I love going to the barber shop and getting my hair cut. And, sadly for my son, he has …

I remember those first few hours, those first few weeks, and months after my son was born. I was so scared that I was going to do something that would maim,  cause injury, or damage him in some way. Even putting his shirts on was always a scary adventure for me, as I was afraid of snapping his tiny little head …

Well another week down, and more lessons learned. Bath time has become more fun, as splashing and dumping water out is the new toy of fun for my son. He discovered the “fun” of dumping water out onto the bathroom floor.  The pond dripped through the downstairs ceiling, and puddled on the floor below. So, in just a matter of …

Going through separation issues with your child is tough, like leaving them at daycare, or with a sitter, or with the grandparents. When my son was a baby, he was completely unaware that he was a separate being. But, over time, he developed physical, mental, and emotional skills. As he grows more confident, he’s discovering that he’s his own person (with …

My son is getting to the age where he understands what he wants and how to get it. And, of course, I want him to express himself,  but it needs to be in a positive way. He wears his heart on his sleeve (and in his voice, his fists, his stamping feet, and his crocodile tears). You seldom have to guess …