Today Thomas turns ten. “Double Digits!” everybody exclaims when he announces his new age, “How exciting!” And it is. But not only for the reasons you might think. When Thomas was two years old, we began a descent into a years-long nightmare that left me, in my darkest moments, uncertain whether Thomas had any kind […]
Don’t Help Me!
Lately, my daughter Katy has developed a passion for earning money. She’s enthralled by the notion that one can perform a service and be compensated accordingly. And each day, her list of “services” expands. “Mommy, if I brush my teeth right now, can I earn a buck?” “Mommy, if you’ll give me two dollars, I’ll […]
The Absent-Minded Professor Myth
The morning before Hurricane Sandy hit, the kids and I went out to tidy up the back yard and generally batten down our hatches. It was a windy, gray day, and Thomas was shivering beneath his thin shirt. Soon his arms had disappeared from his sleeves, tucked snugly against his middle. “Thomas, I’m thinking it’s […]
The Math in Milles Bornes
Playing board games is a great way to connect with your children and to practice math skills at the same time. Don’t do it for the math skills – having an agenda like that tends to kill the joy. Play for the sheer fun of it, and rest assured there’s probably some seriously good math […]
Cool Quotes about Sparkly Sneakers
My book is officially one week old! I have a copy sitting next to my laptop, and every once in a while I pick it up, gaze at the cover, and marvel to my husband, “Isn’t it amazing: it looks just like a real book!” to which he responds – with increasing impatience – “That’s […]