We all know schools go crazy over setting curriculum. But, what exactly are they trying to accomplish? More often than not, they are strictly looking to teach what’s needed in order to meet appropriate benchmarks, standardized tests, or standards of learning. Often teachers will focus strictly on the material needed for the class to “pass” […]
10 Things I’d Rather Do Instead of Listening to Congress Talk About the Government Shutdown
Ok, the Government shut down. Nice work! They should be proud of what they’ve done. Really impressive. I’m sick of politicians. They are a ridiculous group of individuals that make lawyers and car salesmen look like people you’d want to hang out with. Every time I turn on the TV I’m reminded of just how […]
From Cool to Questionable
I’ve always been cool. I have pictures when I was a toddler rockin’ purple pants. You can’t rock purple pants unless you’re cool. I used to wear leather jackets in elementary school. I wore sunglasses, sometimes when I didn’t need to. I feathered my hair and stuck the big handled comb in the back pocket […]
Is a Big Backyard Really Worth It?
Woke up to a nice brisk Fall morning. Leaves were lightly scattered on the ground and the cool breeze was making those still on the branch a lil nervous. While I was waiting for the dog to do her business I took a sip of my coffee and looked at my big backyard. I love […]
Most People Don’t Care About Abducted Kids
** Update: Ayvani Hope Perez was found safe 9/18/13 YES!** That’s the feeling I got yesterday. I was sitting at my desk working when I came across a story on CNN about a little girl that had been abducted from her home during a frightening home invasion. Her name is Ayvani Hope Perez and as […]
Playground Games – Creativity and Criminality
The time has come for my family to bid adieu to being parents of an elementary school age child. My youngest daughter just finished up 6th grade and is headed to middle school next year. One of the staples of elementary school, which she’ll never experience again, is recess. I remember having recess as a […]
No Love for Mom
This Sunday is Mother’s Day. I know, this is breaking news to you. Before you get too excited, this is NOT a Mother’s Day gift guide. Lord knows everyone is writing one of those this week. You are safe here. I’m not going to venture a guess as to what to buy your mother when […]
Don’t Forget Your Older Child When Doing the Simple Things
Last weekend I spent a fair amount of time running to the garden center and putting down mulch around my yard. It’s an annual activity this time of year and you really don’t have Spring without that familiar stank. This year I decided to also plant some flowers in our planters, just because I’m gangsta […]
Teaching Kids to Beer Bong?
Both of my daughters were recently sick and generally feeling terrible. Of course when times like these present themselves, you ultimately reach out for some medicine to help them get through it. My go-to elixir is NyQuil. I swear I don’t know why they continue to tell people they are looking for the cure to […]
One Dad’s Thoughts on the Boston Marathon Tragedy
I don’t shield my kids from the news but I will throttle it back if necessary. I believe in keeping my kids aware of what goes on in the world. I don’t think you should shield them from the realities of the world we live in today. They need to be as prepared as possible […]