Tweens/Teens

Mama J on February 23rd, 2009

Sometimes when I need a new perspective, jokes like these make me look at the world a different way.  I hope they give you the same shift.  Enjoy your day!  Q: Name the four seasons. A: Salt, pepper, mustard and vinegar. ******** Q: Explain one of the processes by which water can be made safe […]

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Mama J on February 17th, 2009

Since this is the time of year when winter gets really long in some places, I thought a post on how to have winter fun with our daughters makes sense.  Why nine ideas?  Because you get to fill out number 10!    Take turns reading a book out loud together.  One of the moms I […]

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Mama J on February 5th, 2009

I have this feature on the latest version of my blog software called QuickPress, and I feel compelled to try it out. You are the guinea pigs for this “Quick Blog” success story on addressing bullying. One crossroads I think parents face when they learn of bullying behavior against their child is whether or not […]

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Mama J on February 2nd, 2009

My title reminds me of Dr. Seuss’s One Fish Two Fish.  Despite my love for this author, alas today’s post is not going to be a fantastical poem!  It does capture my musings about why a small swim club seems to be a better choice right now for my daughter.  I spent this past weekend […]

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Mama J on January 19th, 2009

Given that many of you will be drawn to the presidential inauguration on Tuesday, I’m posting today and I’ll leave it up until Wednesday’s post. You’ve all probably heard of tough love before, but what does it mean?  Does it mean yelling at our kids?  Does it mean pulling the no-flex authority trip, or copping […]

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Mama J on December 9th, 2008

One piece of parenting advice that has stuck with me through the years is the phrase “wait thirty days.”  I don’t remember the source, but I’ll explain why it had to be someone very wise.   Does your young lady rush in the door after school, proclaiming her need for the latest music, book, toy, fashion, […]

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Mama J on December 2nd, 2008

You’re inspired to take your daughter to a movie or show that’s a little more adult than Little Mermaid, or someone else invites her to such an event.  Can you decide ahead of time if it’s appropriate?  If not, what happens if you get into the event and parts of it are not OK for […]

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Mama J on November 11th, 2008

As my mother is aging she has moved closer by and I’m spending more and more time with her.  Something I’ve become sharply aware of in recent years is that she’s one of my biggest fans. Sometimes I don’t need this kind of validation, but who am I to deny a little praise? She frequently […]

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Mama J on October 7th, 2008

Have you ever been caught off guard when your daughter, stepdaughter, or granddaughter is suddenly paralyzed to move forward because she’s afraid of some horrible outcome? For example, she contracts a huge belly ache that will prevent her from going to school on the day that she has to give an oral presentation.  Or, she […]

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Mama J on September 30th, 2008

Your turn:  Inspire us with some ways you’ve found to talk about life issues with your tween/teen. Time and time again I have heard parents say they think it’s more important than ever to be available for their kids when they’re tweens and teens.  Having helped raise two to young adulthood, I have to whole […]

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