“Valentine’s Day stresses me out. As a parent, I see it through my kids’ eyes. This holiday has always been a high-stakes game of promise and preparation.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn takes on the emotional turmoil of this heart-hobbling holiday.
“What kids think their parents do and what their parents actually do can be worlds apart. The other day, I overheard my 6-year-old telling a friend that Enviro-spouse is a garbage man.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn asks kids about about what their parents do for a living.
“The day after Christmas I received a special gift from my sister. She gave me her 21-month-old toddler for three days.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn gets a brief reminder of the joy and pain of having a toddler in the house.
This week I’m writing about that critical ingredient in sane parenting: beer. Not only is it mama’s nightly equilibrium enhancer, but this nectar is good for mama, too. Turns out that beer is the popcorn of beverages: economical, healthy, and an excellent mealtime complement, particularly when small children are underfoot.
“I usually don’t give unsolicited advice. And if I do, you certainly don’t have to take it. But if you follow my party rules, listed below, I guarantee that your party life will rock. Or at least roll a bit more.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn explains how to properly party, parent-style.
“I prefer resolutions that are actually attainable. Although I’d love to drop eight pounds, I know it’s probably not going to happen. Particularly given the chocolate kahlua cake that’s calling to me right now from the kitchen.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn becomes pen pals with 2008.
“One of Santa’s elves lives in our home for about a month each year. He’s 8 inches tall, wears red and white-striped overalls and has a bell on his hat. He’s at least 40 years old.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn describes her own brand of Christmas magic.
My book club, along with every other book club in America, recently read Elizabeth Gilbert’s memoir, Eat, Pray, Love. When we discussed the story, one of my book-club buddies noted Gilbert’s courage in venturing off on a yearlong spiritual search for self. But, she added, for those of us with kids, that amount of time and space for self is fricking impossible (OK, she didn’t say “fricking” — I did).
“Finally, I’ve figured out a few saner, safer ways of surviving the holidays other than pouring myself down a beer bottle.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fittten Glenn takes a little stress out of the season.
Wondering what to give your eco-wise, non-materialistic progeny for the holidays? Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn has a few suggestions.
“The genius who first mixed spandex with cotton is my hero. I’m serious. What’s one of my secrets to surviving momhood? Yoga pants.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn talks about the stretchy goodness of these miraculous garments.
Ever wonder why so many writers cluster here in the mountains of Western North Carolina? Is it the creative atmosphere, the inspiring mountain beauty, the vortex? There are our native writers, raised on this rocky soil, then there are those who move here, drawn, perhaps, by all of the above.
“The first time I got preggers, Enviro-spouse and I spent hours discussing all the stuff soon-to-be first-time parents discuss—baby names, cloth versus disposable, how big my breasts were growing and circumcision.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn looks at the unkindest cut.
“The scariest part of Halloween for me is the 20 pounds of sugar that comes through the door on the arms of my kidlings at the end of the night.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn examines the dreadful dental aftermath of trick-or-treating.
Lots of local kids got a little bit richer last week and protected their teeth in the process.
“‘Sister said I’m not a superhero!’ That was the shout that awoke me at 5:45 a.m. the other morning. My 6-year-old son then crawled into bed with me, despondent, because his big sister just doesn’t understand his need for superpowers.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn examines her son’s obsession with cape-clad heroes.
“I’m scared I might be the Bill Buckner of parental organization. I’ve watched a few critical balls roll right between my legs, just like the ill-fated Boston Red Sox first baseman did in 1986. But I haven’t totally blown the World Series of parenting. At least not yet.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn takes on the big leagues of parental planning.
“Forget adrenaline: Mamaline — as I’ve christened it — puts adrenaline to shame.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn discusses nature’s compelling parental urges.
“I’ve never attended a parenting class, but I learned a lot about parenting when I went to dog obedience class.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn discusses the striking similarities between raising kids and training dogs.
“I don’t know how you do it — all the time, day in and day out, for years on end — those of you who are single parents.” Xpress parenting columnist Anne Fitten Glenn on challenges of being a part-time single parent.
The second Day in the Life of Asheville photo project takes off this week, so all area photographers need to get out there and shoot our city and its residents.
