When I went to primary school way back in the B&W days of no remote control and transistor radios and rotary phones, my parents had little to do or worry about when I headed out the door. In fact, they had little to worry about after school as well because I rode my bike wherever I wanted as long as I got home before dark. Mom made sure I carried a dime “just in case” I needed to call home. It’s slightly different now!
We all think or speak about wanting to “Start over” with dreams of what we might do differently if we could. Whenever I declare such a thing, I am clear that I’d like to start over with the knowledge I’ve learned living as long as I have. Sort of an oxymoron, I suppose.
I recently had the privilege of attending the 20th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of Vitamin Angels. It was a gloriously fun event held at the beautiful Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast, California.
The event was a gathering of sponsors, donors, and others who have supported and worked with/for Vitamin Angels over the years. It included a terrifically fun golf tournament, lovely swag gifts from the sponsors, and a beautiful outdoor dinner with entertainment and short powerful speeches, accompanied by compelling video.
Did you know that a recent poll found that the majority of parents feared their kids would not do as well as they had? That is an amazing thing! And, I believe a FIRST in modern American history. What are our kid’s best career options? Should EVERY kid go to college? What affect will student loan debt have on our children? Is “trade” school a better option for some? What careers are offering great opportunities and which are declining? Let’s discuss this and more with an EXPERT – Mark S. Babbitt – in this field Thursday, October 9 at 6:00 p.m. PT/9:00 p.m. ET. Mark is generously giving away TWO copies of his book, co-written with Ted Coine, A World Gone Social.
I recently underwent some minor surgery for a small hernia. I haven’t been “under” since I had rotator cuff surgery a decade or so ago. That was a horrendous experience on a number of levels. Yet, as I approached this next time going “under” I was not particularly anxious. Part of my calmness was confidence in the doctor who was going to perform the operation. Part of it was a resignation that this is what comes with “maturity” or simply getting older. Part of it was the wine…just kidding.
Do your kids suffer from itching? Lack of sleep? We all know how much food can affect our well-being. Many of us suffer from allergies that are food-related or from other sources. These chronic problems are especially difficult for our children who often are too young to understand the pain and discomforts they feel. For parents, NOTHING is worse than seeing your child in pain (or discomfort). Thursday September 18 from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. PT/9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET we will discuss this issue with co-host Marcie Mom aka Mei, our favorite #DadChat regular, from Singapore.
Ahh, is there any more sensitive subject than “looks” between men and women? Yes, and I’ve covered them in earlier columns in this series. But, “looks” are a big deal in both directions for different reasons that are inherent to our respective genders!
Are you a parental hypocrite? Do you tell your kids the dangers of smoking or drinking, while holding a cigarette and beer? How about something less obvious – do you NOT wear a helmet when you ski or ride a bike while demanding that your kids wear one? I see this ALL the time when I ski and it makes me nuts! Very simply, are YOU a parental hypocrite? Own it if you are and work to change it. Remember that your kids SEE everything you do.
