Tag: Children

A Peculiar Way to Know Your Kids Are Happy

It is my ultimate desire as a parent to provide an environment of peace in my home. One might think it would be the intense way my children are engaged in play that would clue me in to their contentment or the quiet way they focus on a project. But truthfully, I have complete confirmation... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
September 10, 2013 at 9:46 am • 

Working Mothers: Dad is More Than Capable

My husband, Peter, stepped away from his job last year and we took an uncertain leap, launching our 7-year-old part-time business and my writing career into a full-time gig. And while I am at peace with our decision, what rocked me the most was the guilt that I wouldn’t be the primary caregiver of our... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
August 29, 2013 at 12:37 pm • 

Divorce: Filling the Holes

There are countless holes lining my walls now like waiting soldiers unsure of whether the war is truly over or a new battle will begin. So, they obediently wait for direction. The next move. The next step. I’m slowly removing reminders of the past, my former life, my memories of him and our failed relationship.... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
August 8, 2013 at 2:19 pm • 
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Surprise! It's A Boy!

Surprise! It's A Boy!
by Brandi Lee, Parenting Without A Parachute Contributor I was convinced that my first child was a girl. I decorated the nursery in a gender neutral farm set; little lambs and cows and baby chicks eagerly awaited her arrival. My friends and family dutifully purchased all of the green and yellow items on my registry... Read more »
By pwap,
May 15, 2013 at 8:00 am • 

An Easter Lesson for my Children: When Faith and Forgiveness are Tested on Easter

An Easter Lesson for my Children: When Faith and Forgiveness are Tested on Easter
My life is in upheaval. My world is a carnival funhouse, and I struggle to navigate my way through the path of distorted mirrors and uncomfortable darkness. I’ve been placed in a snow globe, vigorously shaken; and as soon as the hard, white plastic pieces of faux snow fall to the ground, my life is... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
March 29, 2013 at 4:22 pm • 

2013 Resolution: Embrace the Imperfections

In 2013, I will embrace my imperfect life. I am a perfectionist, and I am exhausted. I didn’t realize how truly out of control my perfectionism had gotten until I was in the midst of searching for that “perfect” holiday card photo. After hours of searching through my computer picture files, cell phone pictures and... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
December 31, 2012 at 11:18 am • 
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Logging Off for the Holidays

Logging Off for the Holidays
I was talking with a friend on Skype the other day, enjoying a great catch-up on each other’s lives. Since she lives on the east coast, it’s the best way we can connect, and the video component, it feels more intimate than just talking on the phone. So, we have coffee dates. It’s one of... Read more »
By pwap,
December 21, 2012 at 9:25 am • 

Hiking In the Rain: How Quickly One Mother Goes From Mother Earth to Cranky Grouch

Hiking In the Rain: How Quickly One Mother Goes From Mother Earth to Cranky Grouch
It sounded like a pleasant idea, a trip to the Morton Arboretum. A morning storm passed through town as we loaded the kids into the car. Our resident meteorologist, 6-year-old Raymond, informed us the rain would be passing soon, so we decided to live on the edge and take a hike amid the beauty of... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
November 26, 2012 at 11:27 am • 

Dear Son, Please Stop Teasing My Mother’s Heart

Dear Son, Please Stop Teasing My Mother’s Heart
My roller-coaster relationship with my junior high school son often leaves me dizzy, confused and nauseous. Phillip celebrated his 12th birthday earlier this month. Not even a week later, I have yet to walk that sober line to his bedroom and discuss our relationship. While I’ve struggled this past year with his changing voice, ridiculously... Read more »
By Crystal Intini Alperin,
November 9, 2012 at 8:20 am • 
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Family Game Night!

Family Game Night!
We’re a board game kind of family. Enticed by competitive interaction, our family of 4 has been playing the heck out of a few board games lately spurring conversation, giggles and at least 30 minutes of fun. We prefer tournaments with out-of-the-ordinary rules and clever characters to match the madcap crew I am happy to... Read more »
By Beth Rago,
October 29, 2012 at 3:34 pm •