Boredom is the Font of Creativity

It's been a hot, hot summer in the mid-Atlantic. Plenty of time for play and reading. For the first time in my entire career in teaching (nearly twenty years), I've successfully disconnected myself from my classroom responsibilities for a few weeks this summer. Instead, I focused my efforts on my health, my kids (the time they will want to spend with me is slowly eroding, even if it's only temporary), and reading and writing about education outside of the classroom. It's my own effort at inner renewal that Parker Palmer advocates in Courage to Teach, only I don't get to go on quarterly retreats (yet).

To read more on the value of unstructured time and creativity for kids, read the newest blog, Read More

Summertime, and the Livin' Is Easy. Reading Can Be, Too!

Just clicked "Publish" and am ready to take my coffee and latest book to the backyard before it's hits 90+ degrees. What are you and your child reading this summer?

Read more about the importance of summer reading on my blog, Wonder of Children.

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Happy Reading!... Read More

Setting up the future.

Today I spoke with a friend of mine. He is a well respected friend whom I have been close to for many years, despite the distance ....in miles.... that came between us after I moved several years back. He has one on me as he and his wife have successfully raised to great young men, both well into their college years. This fact gave me the thought to writing my post today. Not his two college aged boys, but the theory of raising them.

While talking and catching up with him in our anticipated monthly phone call to each other, the subject of how my 19 year old son is doing came up. The question raised a topic that peaked interest with me. He brought up a point that caught my attention, and made me think. Not that I had never realized what he was telling me, but to say, that... Read More

Reality - ugh!

---This is a post from my blog: http://candace-mixedupmom.blogspot.com


I am not lost. I have not fallen off the planet. I did not decide to abandon all aspects of socializing, or in this case, writing.

I simply have paused.....because the reality of my situation is pressing in on me, leaving me in a fog.

The reality is.....an incredibly hard work schedule that I, mom....partner....self, have to deal with! Yes, I'm whining!

I'll explain....for those of you that have already heard my moans and groans, mosey on down the post.
For the rest of you that are sticking around to give your sympathetic ears to my selfish whimpers, here is my case:
Terry, my self-less, big-hearted, incredibly hard-working man, has decided (after persuading m... Read More

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When you're hot, you're not

Just when you think you've got it wired. They. Keep. On. Coming. Back.

So, sometimes you think your kids/pets/husband really like something. My dog has two favorite non-squeaky toys, duck and frog; my husband well, you know; and the kids have a favorite restaurant, outfit, plan of attack. I'm anticipating it. I'm prepared. I'm ready.

Here comes the curveball.

I've done it right, a few times, but not many. For example, when S was teething, he really liked these $1 orange squirty trucks to chew on (much like the dog, actually). My mom, sensing his affinity for these, cleaned out the dollar store's supply of squirty orange trucks. Those suckers were EVERYWHERE. Under car seats, in restaurant booths, wedged in crib rails, EVERYWHERE. He loved those. In fact, ... Read More

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Overwhelmed? Hectic? Superwoman, Ah, No Way!

When people ask me what life is like at home, I cackle. Do they think I am superwoman because I know something about kids?

Of course, our life is as hectic, comedic and frenzied as the next families, but we try. I try. I try to do all that I know is in our kids' best interest and what reflect our values, goals, priorities and knowledge of our kids and child development. The goal, just like we tell our kids, is to do our best, not perfection.

But let me tell you, I mess up. I get overwhelmed and my ability to do my best starts to slip. Give me a few nearly-100 degree days, and I'll really show you how things unravel.

Read more about why I am most certainly NOT Superwoman by visiting www.wonderofchildren.wordpress.com
... Read More

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