Arctic Asheville has taken a huge bite out of my kids’ daily outside time. Subfreezing temperatures plus school cancellations plus school, but, “It’s too cold for recess” have turned my kids into bored, hyper and annoying…little people. 

Regardless of the fact that the world may end this year (or by 2012), I predict there will be some dramatic changes in parenting and family life.

My year’s been really exciting, even though all I’ve done is sit in front of my computer reading e-mails and hanging out on Facebook and Twitter. But I’ve learned so much!

Here we go again. We’ve cleaned out the “bad” plastics from the cupboard. We’ve taught our kids not to use plastics or plastic wrap in the microwave. We’ve replaced sippy cups and plastic water bottles with metal drinking bottles.  But wait. Those metal drinking bottles that have been marketed as eco-friendly and non-harmful? Not safe, either.

Parenting when you’re sick or in pain can be difficult. Most of us have to just muddle through the burden of taking care of kids while trying to heal ourselves.

The amount of designated screen time is an ongoing kid vs. adult battle in my household. During the school year, my kids are allowed one hour per day, though they rarely have time even for that when school’s in session.

Regardless of what my kids need or want, whether or not they can get it themselves, or whether or not they easily can ask another adult for help, they always, always, always ask me first. And nine times out of 10, the first three words out of their puerile mouths are, “Mom, can you…?”