November 11, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on We Take Our Kids to Funerals
We took our kids to a funeral recently. I was getting ready to explain to them how funerals typically go, until I realized they’ve actually been to quite a few funerals already. And every time we take them, I think … Continue reading
September 26, 2019
by Maralee
1 Comment
I am not an athlete. I do not run unless someone is chasing me. But God has given me athletic children and I am learning what it means to be a good soccer mom/gymnastics mom/cross country mom, etc. I think … Continue reading
September 9, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on Why My Young Daughters Don’t (and Won’t) Have Their Ears Pierced
Generally speaking, I am a “parent and let parent” kind of mom. What does it matter to me if you decide to pierce your baby’s ears? It doesn’t. And if I see your daughter on the playground with pierced ears, … Continue reading
August 12, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on To the Moms Doing Something New for School This Year
You know who gets all my love and respect today? YOU. You– the mom who had to decide to do something new this year for school. Maybe you’ve had a kid in public school and something just isn’t working. Maybe … Continue reading
May 31, 2019
by Maralee
Comments Off on A Mom’s Summer Out-of-Office Message
Hello! Thank you for attempting to contact me via social media/text/phone/making eye-contact/etc. My brain is currently out of the office for the summer. I would love to respond to your request for my attention, but I am unavailable. I am … Continue reading
March 1, 2019
by Maralee
1 Comment
Last night was a disaster. Today is “Dress Like Your Favorite Book Character” Day at school and it ends with a book parade where the kids show each other their costumes. For years I have successfully avoided any interaction with … Continue reading
February 1, 2019
by Maralee
1 Comment
Quitting has a bad reputation. It’s perceived to be giving up on your dreams or on yourself. It’s what you do when you’ve run out of willpower, support or talent. It’s that thing that losers do. Whatever else we do … Continue reading
October 5, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Teaching Empathy to Children (radio interview)
Empathy isn’t natural for kids. It’s something they learn by watching our example, and through the conversations we have. It’s become important to me to teach my kids about empathy intentionally and thoughtfully. I was glad to share with the … Continue reading
September 24, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Dear Son, Our Work Together Isn’t Done Yet
I woke up early to come wake you up. Even though you don’t need me to. Even though you’re capable of waking up on your own to your own alarm clock in your own room. Every day you become more … Continue reading
February 1, 2018
by Maralee
Comments Off on Dismantling FrankenMom
A friend of mine called me up to ask about a Norwex gift she wanted to give her cleaning lady. HER CLEANING LADY. I have known this friend for years and it never occurred to me that she had a … Continue reading