Since my mom became ill things have changed a lot around our house. I've been spending more and more time and TONS of emotional energy on her care. Arranging playdates for my kids so that I can take my mom to chemo, missing soccer games and dinners at home, attending doctors appointments and spending weekends up north with my parents. At bed time? Gramma has to take her medication. Needless to say, my attention has been elsewhere. Going to the park? I'm not comfortable leaving Gramma alone. Are you starting to get my drift?Basically, I am neglecting my children. There... More »

I was a total non-athlete as a kid. I was a bit overweight and a lot lazy. Plus, I was intimidated by the thought of competition - basically I was afraid to look stupid in front of my friends. I especially hated Track & Field and Cross Country. I was so jealous of the kids who ran fast or jumped far. Life seemed so easy for them.Flash forward 20+ years and I am starting to see things from a different angle and I'm realizing that everything isn't exactly as perfect as I thought for the kids who win the race.... More »

I'm going through a transition. Well, multiple actually but I'm referring to a particular parenting shift with my son. This, of course, has not happened over night. In fact it has been happening in subtle ways since he was born. But it has now reached a point where I have to make some major decisions about what kind of mother I am and think hard about what message I am sending him.You see, my son is nearly 10. He and his pals are moving toward independence rapidly. He is confident and keen about life. He is also very trustworthy and... More »