Search Results for: blog should race matter

Manners Matter

Are you shocked by the social ineptitude of today’s youth? How many times have you been greeted by a tween offering an outstretched hand and a courteous, “Nice to see you again, Mrs. or Mr. So-and-so?” Or, answered your home phone and had your child’s friend identify himself and actually use the word “please” when asking to speak to your son or daughter rather than demanding to talk to Junior without even saying “Hello” first? Is the lack of etiquette exercised by today’s youth an epic parental fail? I am a stickler when it comes to manners; much to the … Continue reading →

Something You Should Know

We have three children that came to our family through adoption. All three children are siblings, they have the same biological mother but they all have different biological fathers. The biological mother is Caucasian and one of our sons has a father that is African American. With us being Caucasian we were not really sure about different skin and hair care issues that a child of an African American race we would encounter. The first difference that we came to was when the Pediatrician told us he was “ashy”. What the heck is “ashy”? I had no clue, but I … Continue reading →

Does Giftedness Matter if You Are Not In School?

If your child is an adept, focused and curious learner who has a deep empathy for others and a desire to delve into new areas of knowledge, you may have a gifted child. I went to school. I was also a gifted child. Had I not been in school, would this have mattered all that much? I think so. Giftedness frames your personality. As a parent, it is important that you understand how your child interacts with the world, and giftedness is part of this. Gifted children challenge you to reconsider the boundaries of learning. Traditional schooling may be too … Continue reading →

Should Race Matter?

When my husband and I made the choice to adopt we were not picky. The questionnaires that you have to complete for the adoption process were very detailed. You have to decide if you want a boy or a girl, Caucasian, Asian, African American, Indian or any of the other ethnicities or races in the world or a child who is mix raced. You also have to consider if you will accept children with disabilities and what ages you would accept. Out of all the questions the race and ethnicity questions were the easiest we just checked YES all the … Continue reading →

Should I Splurge?

Are there times when you should go ahead and splurge? Do you need to live your entire life on a budget, buying inexpensive items? When is it okay to spend a little extra, and when should you not? If you have been intent on saving money and getting out of debt, it may be difficult to let yourself spend a little extra money. Here are four questions to ask yourself. 1) Can you pay cash for the item? If you answered yes, then you should be fine purchasing the splurge or upgrading your purchase. If you answered no, then you … Continue reading →

It‘s Not a Race

When I was a new parent, I was terribly concerned about developmental stages and where my kids “fit“ in terms of percentiles and development charts. Over the years, however, I have learned how to relax on all of these “stages” and “phases” and I’ve realized that it isn’t a race. There is no finish line where my child needs to cross ahead of everyone else and even if it sometimes seems this way, I don’t have to choose to participate in that sort of competitive child development. Now, I am not saying that it is easy not to give in … Continue reading →

Homeschool Glossary (Books Parents Should Read) Th

As I mentioned in the introduction, new homeschooling parents should learn as much about homeschooling as possible by reading many different sources. Here continues my Homeschool Glossary of books parents should read. The Heart of Homeschooling: Teaching & Living What Really Matters by Christopher J. Klicka (Paperback – Jul 2002) The premise of this book is, have your family in order, and your child’s education will automatically fall in order. The true heart of homeschooling, so to speak, is in the heart of the family. While some may want a meatier how-to-homeschool type book, what a reader should understand is … Continue reading →

Homeschool Glossary (Books Parents Should Read) D – F

As I mentioned in the introduction, new homeschooling parents should learn as much about homeschooling as possible by reading many different sources. Here continues my Homeschool Glossary of books parents should read. Designing Your Own Classical Curriculum: A Guide to Catholic Home Education by Laura M. Berquist (Paperback – Nov 1998) This book on Classical Homeschooling is for parents who have already educated themselves on Classical Homeschooling and are ready to move forward. Like all homeschooling books, this one should be read for information and advice and not used as a step by step guide. It is written by an … Continue reading →

Should You Have a Calendar to Share Between Houses?

Organization is the saving grace of the single parent. At least, that is what I lean on to keep things from feeling too chaotic and overwhelming. As a matter of fact, I remember when I was first separated and divorced—getting organized was what helped me to build confidence and realize that I really could survive and thrive as a single mom. Now that my children are older teens, I don’t really need to coordinate and oversee the scheduling and transfers like I used to—but for younger, busier two-household families, a calendar to share between houses can be a very good … Continue reading →

Examining My Own Attitudes Toward Race

On Saturday, I wrote about my parents’ attitude toward skin color (loving, but in an “it-doesn’t-matter-so-don’t-talk-about-it” sort of way). Now I have to ask myself, how much of their discomfort talking about race rubbed off on me? I am white, with a white son and two Korean daughters. I guess I’d better get comfortable talking about it quick. I wrote a poem for my first daughter called “My Beautiful Caramel-Colored Daughter”. I absolutely love her smooth, golden-brown skin and sparkling black eyes. I love the way the light rosy blush on my youngest’s cheek looks against her light tan face. … Continue reading →