Communication

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 […]

Continue reading about Bullying, Part 2

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 […]

Continue reading about Tender Thoughts on Tough Love

Mama J on January 14th, 2009

I’ve been watching the DVDs of the former TV series, “Everwood.”  I became interested in this show too late to watch it live on the WB, but once I learned it revolved around a single dad raising kids after his wife and their mother dies, I figured I could learn something from it.  (Plus it’s […]

Continue reading about Striving for Authenticity

Mama J on December 25th, 2008

As Christmas Day draws to a sleepy close, I thought I’d share something I did for my kids today.  Since I’m a writer, I decided to give them each a gift of words that describe something I admire about each one.  I rolled up each sheet of sentiments (four in all), rubber- banded it tight, […]

Continue reading about Message in a Bottle

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 […]

Continue reading about Is That Show Appropriate for Her to Watch?

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 […]

Continue reading about Let’s Be Our Daughters’ Fans

Mama J on October 15th, 2008

I like to think of myself as a compassionate person, but sometimes my compassion allowance runs low.  I become too tired or too wrapped up in my own work and life issues to show compassion to my kids.  That’s when I lose sight of what I call “the good.” Before my stepchildren became young adults, […]

Continue reading about One Way to Find the Good

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 […]

Continue reading about The Worst That Could Happen?

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 […]

Continue reading about Starting “The Talks” with your Girls

Mama J on September 23rd, 2008

This post is a reminder about the beauty of brevity with the young ladies in our lives.  I know. I didn’t keep this post to 25 words.  But you’re adults. : ) Many times (a day) we want to get across a message, request, or teaching point with our girls.  Here’s the scoop: avoid crossing […]

Continue reading about 25 Words or Less