The Passive Aggressive Valentine

With the holiday approaching, I ventured out yesterday to pick up Valentine's cards for Hubs and the kids.  Despite not really appreciating the commercial element of the holiday, I still do that.  I always like the little extra attention as a kid.  The reminder that my parents loved me.  

OK...and the chocolate.  

I've always tried to get the kids an interesting gift.  Not a toy.  On year I got Puck a bird house for the back yard.  For Flower, an ornamental box for her jewellery.  Last year I got them a bird feeder and some seed.  I'm going to try to find some wooden yo-yo's for them this year.  (Yes, I do realize that this is a "toy" - but it will teach them dexterity - and a lot of kids don't have yo-yos).

With Hubs, this is just one more occasion to appreciate him.  And I do.  I take a lot of time to pick out just the right Valentine's card.  The one that's not too corny - but that tells him just how much I appreciate him.  And how special he makes me feel.  And how lucky the kids and I are to have him.

Why I Should Never Have Had Children

OK...so my title is a bit of a misnomer.  I have three beautiful children.  I deal with headaches from the father of two of them regularly.  But I would NEVER, EVER wish them away because I don't want to deal with them.  All three of them are a spectacular gift.  Two of them from a man who has so many issues with "giving" that I should be thankful to have them.

Coparenting: When Back to School Means Back to Conflict

The problem with negotiating a “one-size fits all” parenting agreement is that it’s impossible to anticipate what types of changes the children are going to experience as they get older.  The after summer transition to a new grade can be particularly trying as both parents try to adapt to new teachers, more homework, different lunches, different extra-curricular activities and new friends.

I’m managing thus far – but sometimes it seems like pulling off these transitions is a feat that’s just too much.  It seems my ex views the new school year as an opportunity for a new power struggle over one thing or another.