Making parenting more fun, easy, meaningful and joyous
Kubla usually doesn’t have trouble turning off the TV. It’s a challenge to peel him away from YouTube videos. God help the poor soul who tries to take a smartphone out of his hands. With
When Kubla was 4, he loved watching YouTube videos. And his favorite type of video was Toy Reviews—grown men explaining what was so great about their classic toy collections. I don’t understand the appeal. I
His last couple weeks in preschool, Kubla showed an avid interest in reading. He would spell out the letters on signs, license plates, anything. I declared this would be the summer he learned to read.
“Don’t forget to clear your plate.” Is that really how families want to end dinner? With a chore? That word, chore—makes me think of Cinderella not being able to go to the ball. What do
I was changing Kubla’s diaper. He was about 9 months old, extra squirmy and entirely unhelpful. I get frustrated. I try to get him to lie still, which makes him squirm even more. Later, as
It finally stopped raining. The sun warmed the playground. Someone brought popsicles. The kids finish their popsicles. They stir the muddy puddles with the naked sticks, making whirlpools. Their curiosity wanes. They throw the sticks
Kubla pops another marshmallow into his mouth. It’s his third. “Kubla, stop. That’s disgusting.” His face falls a little. “But can I tell you a secret? When I was your age, I thought marshmallows were
When Kubla and I go to the park to play, we both go to the park to play. I don’t just tag along to keep him safe. I play with him and his friends (tag
We return from our walk, mortified to see my mother-in-law letting Kubla play with her saw. I snatch it from his hands and count all his fingers. A four year old can’t play with a
As a toddler Kubla was very attached to Liping. He couldn’t bear to be away from her. Kubla and I are playing with blocks. I hear the dreaded question,“Where’s Mom?” “She’s doing some errands. She’ll
