When a  High School Principal sent home a student for crossing dressing there was a big stir up.  One question for you is how far would you let your child go to be an individual? IMG: Sxc.huNow what if that look actually distracted the students?  That’s what happened with O’Rhonde Chapman who is a 14 year old male that dresses up like a female, wearing heels and all. However it wasn’t until he wore a wig and really made himself look like one of the other gals that there was a big issue. Here are some surveys one site did online: Do you think the student should have been sent home from school for this dress code violation? Total Yes57% No43% Do you think that the actions of the school were appropriate? Total Yes61% No39% Do... [Read more]

This category is full of everything from getting kids ready for school to picking out those summer fun activities. So it shouldn’t surprize you that when someone emailed and asked me:IMG: Elizabeth Ferree My son is 3 years old and refusing use his potty chair. Any recommendations? My first question would be to ask if something has happened between said child and the toilet? I remember my 3 year old reacting the same way just after she learned to use her new potty, only it tried eating her. That’s what she said when she came running out of the bathroom holding her butt in her hands. She swore it tried to eat her butt, but her butt got squished when she put the lid down on it. Another thought would be did he/she choose the toilet,... [Read more]

My daughter, Sarah, is 11 and in the 6th grade. She is a good student (just brought home a perfect report card), an athlete playing on both the volleyball and the basketball teams, and a musician with weekly guitar lessons. IMG: Michelle Smith She’s silly and funny, usually looking on the bright side. She is also a bit of a tattle-tale.   I worked at her school for 4 years as a playground and lunchroom aid. In that time, I learned a lot about tattle-tales. Sometimes they just want to be heard, sometimes they are trying to shift the blame, and sometimes they are trying to stir stuff up. I’ve seen Sarah tattle in all three situations.   In less than a year she’s going to be in middle school. It’s time for the tattling... [Read more]

I don’t care what they try telling you, mom and dad are soft spots for kids.  No matter what they don’t want to see mom and dad vulnerable, hurt or sick, when they do it frightens them.   IMG: sxc.huI have been sick for over a week and not just the common flu bug, this is one of those where mom doesn’t ever leave the room and she’s weak with a fever that just won’t drop. My little girl begged me, “Mom, please don’t die and get better really soon. I miss you.”  My other daughter echoed the sentiment especially when she heard the doctor could diagnose me as I went in too late.  My oldest, now he tries being brave but he’s the one that quiets everyone down and kisses me on the forehead... [Read more]

WARNING: This post will turn your stomach! This came across my screen early this morning and honestly I thought of not even posting it but I kept asking myself: How did these people allow this to happen? Why did no one stop it? IMG: Sxc.hu That poor girl. I’m sure I have you wondering, if the title didn’t give it away first. A Richmond Teen was gang raped at a High School Homecoming Dance for two and a half hours. It gets worse…there were bystanders and they all watched, when news spread others watched and some decided to join in. On Monday it was announced that this California teen was in stable condition, however this was not the case two night before when she had to be flown to a hospital in critical condition. So far two... [Read more]