It never fails. Each time our extended family is gathered for a special occasion, my mother-in-law, at some point during the festivities will take great delight in the misbehavior of our children. She will sometimes just snicker or chuckle to herself, but typically, she announces how happy she is to see that “The Mother’s Curse” has come true.
What is “The Mother’s Curse”, you ask? This is the intergenerational prophecy that mothers are known for bestowing upon their children any number of times throughout the raising of said children. “One day, I hope you have a child that behaves just like you!”
My mother-in-law’s constant reminder of this curse infuriates me to no end. In fact, I usually forget about my children’s shenanigans, and instead, focus on her abhorrent remarks. “How can she even say such a thing?”, I think to myself. “And why does she think this is funny?” I only married into the curse, so perhaps it all just seems a little unfair…
…However…today my three-year-old was sent to his room by his father after he hit his brother with a plastic golf club. My child, determined he had done nothing wrong, stomped his little size 9 feet on each and every one of the steps from the basement to his bedroom on the second floor. I immediately recognized this form of protest, as I was a professional at the stomping technique during my childhood days. I knew I had to call my dad. He laughed hysterically, which I knew he would do because, apparently, fathers are able to inflict the curse as well, and his came to fruition today. I guess it runs on both sides of the family.
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Written by Laura on March 18, 2011
My family used to own a dog that had a major case of separation anxiety. Kobi was a very large Golden Retriever, and he loved to be around people. Whenever we left the house, we would lock him in the basement using a baby gate. Slowly, he proceeded to destroy the walls to which the gate was attached.
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Written by Laura on March 7, 2011
My kids, like most others this time of year, have been excited about the upcoming holiday for quite some time. The closer we get to Christmas, the more excited they become. And yes, I have seen a change in their behavior as well. They are getting more and more wound up. In fact, I fear my three-year-old may actually turn into a tangled ball of yarn if Christmas doesn’t arrive soon.
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Written by Laura on December 17, 2010
My older son is REALLY into Christmas. He has always loved Christmas music and will listen to Bing Crosby year round. My three-year-old also gets excited about the thought of Santa and the singing of Jingle Bells, but Brennen has a passion for the holiday that have not seen in other children. So I, being the teacher I am, tried to think of ways to convert this passion into something educational
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Written by Laura on November 29, 2010
It is a week before Thanksgiving, and we started listening to Christmas music today. I used to make a rule in my own head that I would not start playing Christmas music until Black Friday. However, now that children are in the picture, this rule has been blown away with the wind and the snow.
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Written by Laura on November 19, 2010
I am very fortunate to be able to stay home with my children. I know one day I will have to go back to work, but for now, this is the best job in the world. My husband loves that he is able to provide for his family. He cherishes the fact that I am able to be here to raise our children. It is a blessing neither of us take lightly.
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Written by Laura on October 8, 2010
I used to teach preschool. I should know better than anyone that a quick “goodbye” on the first few days of school is imperative. And yet, there I was resisting the urge to stay just a few more seconds or even minutes. It was Elliot’s first day of preschool and, although he screamed like a banshee about leaving his classroom the week before at orientation, he was now replicati
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Written by Laura on September 22, 2010
Today is my older son’s birthday. Whenever these special days come around, I have this desire to make everything perfect. I can remember the joy I felt on my birthdays as I was growing up, and I want my own children to experience that joy as well. In our family, we have made a decision that the day of the actual birthday is spent with just our immediate family.
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Written by Laura on July 16, 2010
My baby turned three-years-old this week, and he still takes my breath away. As I am sure most any mother can, I am able to clearly recall the day he was born. It was a quick, easy (if there is such a thing when there are no medications involved) birth. He was placed on my chest immediately after he was born as the nurses cleaned him. I can remember being completely elated and my breath was go
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Written by Laura on June 21, 2010
A few months ago, and for several years previous to then, meal times were extremely stressful with my two little boys. I have one child who will eat just about anything except common kid’s foods, along with anything his brother does eat, which is a menu consisting of about ten items. The other, literally gags if he is made to try a new food he does not want to eat. My husband and I had trie
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Written by Laura on April 23, 2010
Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence to teach your preschooler the joy of reading and writing.
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