March 2010

Mocha Dad and Moms: Make Your Kids a Priority

Mocha Dad and Moms is a monthly column where a mom and I give our points-of-view on a parenting topic. Today’s featured mom is Lorraine Sanabria Robertson. * * * * * Stepping Up My Game One of my favorite parts of freelance writing is interviewing experts and learning about interesting subjects. Often I choose to write parenting or [...]

37 comments Read the full article →

Our First Pinewood Derby

As I stared at the block of wood, many fond memories raced through my mind. I remembered the smell of the sawdust, paint and wood glue. I remembered the sound of the plastic wheels racing down the rickety wooden track. I remember the excitement that I felt as I watched my car cross the finish [...]

30 comments Read the full article →

Parenting By the Book or By Instinct

Today’s parents are overwhelmed with information. Parenting books, blogs, classes, and DVDs provide various viewpoints on discipline, education, nutrition, and every other conceivable child rearing topic. The information overload begins with the book, What to Expect When You’re Expecting. Since the book was published, it has been the reference manual for every new parent in [...]

47 comments Read the full article →

Come on Feel the Noise

Imagine what it would sound like if you were cutting the lawn at a rock concert near an airport as a freight trained barreled past. That sound is nothing compared to the nerve rattling noise produced by three children and a dog. It was non-stop screaming, yelling and crying from the minute I walked in [...]

34 comments Read the full article →

Poopy Pants

On the way to church, my son, N, and I were engaged in a conversation on the literary merits of “Captain Underpants.” “Why does Captain Underpants only wear underwear and a cape?” asked N. “Because that’s his costume,” I said. “That’s why he’s called Captain Underpants.” “I think he should wear pants and shirt,” N [...]

41 comments Read the full article →

The Secret to Raising Smart Kids

Since she was a toddler, my daughter Nee has shown a natural aptitude for language. She started reading when she was three years old and has developed into a talented writer and speller. All of her life, relatives have praised her intelligence. They often tell her things like, “You’re such a smart girl” or “You [...]

60 comments Read the full article →

Demi Lovato and The Jonas Brothers: A Concert Review From a Dad’s Perspective

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a Texas tradition. The month-long event includes a rodeo competition, livestock show, carnival (which featured outlandish foods such as fried White Castle burgers and chicken fried bacon) and concerts. My family somehow used Jedi mind tricks to convince me to purchase tickets to the Demi Lovato and Jonas [...]

27 comments Read the full article →

Peer Pressure and Kindergarten Fashion

“Why can’t I wear broken pants?” inquired my 6-year-old son, N. “What exactly are broken pants?” I asked. “You know,” he said in a condescending tone. “Broken pants. The ones with the holes in the knees.” “Oh,” I said feigning understanding. “Now I understand.” “Good,” he said. “So why can’t I wear them?” “Because you’re [...]

47 comments Read the full article →

A Little Red Monster Defeats My Laptop

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” - Dr. Seuss As I sat at my desk tapping away at the keyboard, my 2-year-old son, X, shoved a book in my face. “Read Elmo,” he demanded. I pushed the book away and [...]

30 comments Read the full article →