When I was a teen, I was into reading fiction about girls with anorexia, which at that time (mid-80's) was pretty new. I even thought that I might want to become a psychologist or psychiatrist due to the empathy that was borne in me from reading about the inexplicable struggle that these young girls go through. It's been a long time since I was a teen and it seems like eating disorders are much more commonplace (in fact they only affect about 1% of teen girls--see note below**), but I still wonder if anyone reading this hasn't had a friend or a relative who has struggled through anorexia or bulimia. And now with a tween daughter of my own, I feel certain that at some point one of her friends or she herself will struggle. Is ...
Category Archives: Parenting
Every Natural Fact
Although the general public's commitment to environmentalism and "going green" may be on the rise, the quantity and quality of many of our family's interactions with the natural world are challenged by hectic schedules, lack of access, and the call of air conditioning on a hot summer's afternoon, among countless other factors. To all who value the experiences that only the outdoors can provide, rejoicing is in order for Amy Lou Jenkins' new book, Every Natural Fact: Five Seasons of Open-Air Parenting, a series of essays describing her outdoor adventures with her son in their native state of Wisconsin. But really, this book is so very much more. At the base, Jenkins has written a book honoring the beauty and wonder of nature, and her writing style conveys a respect and adoration for this world. The graceful ...
Eat! Move! Play!
With childhood obesity on the rise and in the news on a daily basis, along side nonstop advertisements for junk food and a growing sedentary lifestyle for families, there's no denying the fact that more parents are concerned about their children's health than ever before. In response to the growing interest in these topics, the well established group Weight Watchers has recently released Eat! Move! Play! A Parent's Guide for Raising Healthy, Happy Kids. Part lifestyle advice, part workbook, and part recipe guide, Eat! Move! Play! is a fabulous comprehensive guide for families trying to be conscious of how they stay healthy in their eating and exercise habits. This book includes information and thought-provoking sections on the contemporary challenges to healthy living. Solid advice and points to consider when making personal decisions are ...
Bringing Up Girls
About eight years ago, I read Bringing Up Boys by James Dobson. At the time, my son was only a few months old, and I remember wanting to soak in every word to help me as I began my parenting journey (I also remember being thankful that we wouldn't be facing many of the challenges for years, and now my baby is eight!). A few years later, my daughter arrived, and I wished that Dr. Dobson would write a book about girls as well. I am glad to say that Bringing Up Girls is now available, and it is a wonderful resource for parents and grandparents as they strive to raise daughters in today's culture. By combining his medical background, his own parenting experiences, and information from research, Dr. Dobson fills Bringing Up ...
You’re Not the Boss of Me
If I told you to close your eyes and describe to me what first comes to mind when I say the word "brat," what would you say? Would you picture a tantrum-throwing and demanding child, a la Roald Dahl's Veruca Salt? Or perhaps a whining child who refuses to do anything for himself, insisting upon adult intervention and assistance at all times? Or maybe even a completely self-absorbed child who offers no contributions toward her family's responsibilities and well-being? These stereotypical examples are only a few of the potential connotations of the word "brat," and quite honestly, they also demonstrate what any child can be like sometimes. (Please don't tell me I'm alone on that observation of my own kids!) As a parent, the idea of raising a "brat" is horrifying, and I assume this is ...
Some resources for the college bound
I have officially entered what has to be one of the more surreal stages of parenthood, a stage marked by nearly daily letters from various prospective colleges, a stage with its own unique vocabulary comprised of words and acronyms like “ACT,” “GPA,” “dual enrollment,” and “AP.” Yes, you guessed it: in a short two years (far shorter than you moms of preschoolers could ever imagine), my boy, my number one son, will join the ranks of the college bound. It’s a stage not easily navigated for newbies like ourselves. Happily, we’ve discovered 1) that we’re not alone and 2) there are some great resources available. Here are a few resources for students and parents wanting to make the best possible decision in regard to the maze that is the college application process: Admission Matters: What Students and Parents Need to Know About Getting into College ...
Real World Parents
The full title of this book ups the understanding of its content and tone. In Real World Parents: Christian Parenting for Families Living in the Real World Mark Matlock, who has spent many years working with youth and their families, presents his ideas for raising Christian kids without going to two extremes: isolation from it or complete immersion in it. He continually encourages the reader to do "what feels right for your family." He doesn't advocate moral compromise, but for example, he says that for some families a structured "family devotion" time doesn't feel natural. He shares that they never had regular family devotions in his own home, and yet he and two of his brothers are in full-time ministry. His point is well-taken -- one can teach Christian values and raise Christian ...
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Jennifer Donovan
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