We’ve found a new activity at our house that doesn’t involve television, video games, or my smart phone. And, no, the activity we’ve found isn’t sleeping. Instead, it’s reading. As in, my son reading to me. Now before you start to think I’m either a GREAT parent for thinking up this rather (ahem) novel idea…
Tag: single parents
Trying to Make the Grade
I woke up last Monday morning to something new – there was no sense of anxiety. At least it seemed new for the first day of the new school year. I’m not going to say there weren’t any problems at all. My son was already in full Do-I-have-to-go-to-school mode. But all-in-all, it was a good…
Blood, Sweat, and Toilet Water
As parents, we all have moments when we’re not always paying complete attention to our kids when they’re talking to us. But there are certain key words that always catch our ears. And that’s what happened to me recently. There I was, minding my own business trying to do something important like watch wrestling or…
Don’t Just Turn the Other Cheek, You Need to Wash It, too
Yesterday, I heard the words every parent dreads. “Dad, I did something embarrassing this morning.” I was in the bathroom at our Sunday School, and I was hoping I had misunderstood him. “What?” “I did something embarrassing in Sunday School this morning.” It’s amazing how many thoughts can race through your mind in a matter of…
Before and After
Not long after my wife died, I started seeing a counselor. It was a good thing, I think. It was something I did off and on over the next few years. I thought most of it was good. And helpful. But there were a few things I didn’t agree with. One thing that always struck…
I Was Just Worried About You, Dad
I don’t have professional training in how to worry. But as a parent, I find that it comes quite naturally. Afterall, that’s what we’re supposed to do as parents – worry. My son is going on a trip with a friend? Time to worry. My daughter is going out on a date? Uh-oh. My son is…
The Girlfriend With No Name
Dating has changed a lot for me this second time around. The first time I was single, I was young, geeky, and didn’t have any money. Now, in my second act of dating, I’m old(er), still geeky (maybe geekier – if that’s possible) , have kids, and still don’t have any money. Ok, so maybe…
Are You John Smith or Kocoum?
When my daughter was about two years old, we took her to see the movie Pocahontas. Yeah, I know, we probably shouldn’t have, but Braveheart was sold out, so the Disney movie was about all that was left. Now I’m not going to say I hated the movie, but I did construct a Pocahontas voodoo…
I’ll Do Anything for my Kids, but Do I Have to do THIS?
I love my kids. And I’ll do almost anything for them. I dressed up as a clown for one of my daughter’s birthday parties. I’ve been to events, gone over spelling words, and even ridden rides at amusement parks. I’ve cleaned up puke and nursed them through all kinds of sicknesses and fake sicknesses. I’ve worked and…
Presenting . . . A Stupid Man Trick
One of the hardest things for me to learn as a single dad has been cooking. Now I’m not going to say I didn’t know my way around the kitchen before my wife passed away, but on one occasion she did draw me a map to the kitchen, with explicit directions on how to find…
Holding together the jello 