Carla and I are in the stage before the empty nest, whatever that’s called. We’re not quite empty nesters because we still have one at home in high school. We’re more like intermittently semi-occupied nesters. Is that a thing? If not, I’m calling it. We’re ISONs. In this stage, our house can go from empty … Continue reading Full driveway, full house, full heart
Tag: parenting
Letting them figure it out
Parenting today involves a lot of heavy equipment, evidently. From “helicopter parenting” to “lawnmower parenting” and even “bulldozer parenting,” much has been made on social media, in the press and scholarly journals on the impact on a person’s psychology when parents are too involved in their children’s lives and deny them the opportunity to overcome … Continue reading Letting them figure it out
Unaccompanied minors
Out of sight is not out of mind when you’re a parent. When your children are toddlers, you develop a sixth sense. You instinctively know that if you don’t see them and it’s quiet, trouble is afoot. I learned this summer that sense stays with you the rest of your life. It is especially acute … Continue reading Unaccompanied minors
Mothers and sons
It seems rare for a family structure to repeat, but my family is living proof it happens. I grew up the oldest of three boys with my mom the lone female in a household of uniquely male eccentricities. I am now the parent of three boys with my wife the lone female in a similar … Continue reading Mothers and sons
Do you know where your children are?
In the middle of a recent busy working weekend, I suddenly realized I had no idea where my children were. Now that’s not really a big deal because my boys are 23, 18 and 15, but it struck me as rare. Even the two older ones who are off at college are usually where I … Continue reading Do you know where your children are?
Keepin’ it Reel
Carla and I have recently unlocked the key to marital communication – The Instagram Reel. With apologies to Gary Chapman, author of “The Five Love Languages,” we have discovered that sending each other Instagram Reels has become our love language. Maybe it’s the sixth one. It’s an exaggeration to say it has saved our marriage, … Continue reading Keepin’ it Reel
Canoe conversations
I am always seeking out ways to maneuver my offspring into meaningful conversations. I went into this parenting thing believing the lie that family dramas on TV sell (I’m looking at you Seventh Heaven) about deep conversations with your children happening once every 23 minutes only to discover that it’s really hard to find a … Continue reading Canoe conversations
Advice for my great grandchildren
I’m still in the heat of battle of raising children. It is beyond my comprehension that I will one day have grandchildren, much less that they will have children. The thought of having great grandchildren gives me hope, and in that spirit I offer the following advice to them as a voice from beyond the … Continue reading Advice for my great grandchildren
Choices in childrearing
This week's "Rethinking" podcast from organizational psychologist Adam Grant prompted us to rethink the choices we've made parenting our three boys. Adam interviewed Dr. Becky Kennedy, who is rapidly becoming the Millennial Generation's answer to Dr. Spock, the noted pediatrician not the Vulcan science officer on "Star Trek." She challenged the notion that parents' job … Continue reading Choices in childrearing
First born
I am the firstborn son of a firstborn son, but it wasn’t until my first son was born 21 years ago that I began to understand how little I knew about being a parent. Carla and I waited until she finished her master of social work degree before having children. It took us a little … Continue reading First born
New South Essays 