Journey to Global Community
I keep getting asked this question: "Do you think using the media is good way to spread an important message?" I absolutely do! There are some things worth mentioning before jumping into something as crazy as a potential media firestorm, though. MAKE SURE THE DECISION IS UNANIMOUS. Your entire family needs to be on-board. You are a unit, make important decisions as one. A media firestorm will effect every member of your family, so you'll all need to be prepared. DO NOT TAKE … [Read more...]
Conversation about adoption can be tricky. A seemingly benign comment can cause an adoptive parent to lash out in protection of their family. I've received many emails from people quite upset. They are experiencing negativity from friends or acquaintances when asking about adoption. The questions themselves are harmless. However, the terms used are offensive. I find this whole situation frustrating, and I get a bit disappointed in my fellow adoptive parents. We have all … [Read more...]
I, too, am not the babysitter. Most teenagers aspire to look older. After all, there are advantages to looking older at that point in life. Then, sometime in their 20s or 30s, many young adults begin to purposely reverse the signs of aging. I have yet to reach that point. Ageism is a form of discrimination I have encountered throughout most of my adult life. From being asked what grade I was in by another teacher at a conference (she “apologized” by admitting to me that she … [Read more...]
Dear People Who Write Me Hate Mail, Thanks for entertaining me. I will never respond privately, but I appreciate you guys. So, here is a special post dedicated to you: To the breastfeeding haters- I have no idea why you're writing me telling me you're happy with your bottle feeding choice. That is great. I'm happy for you. I don't want people to judge me for breastfeeding and I don't want people to judge you. We're on the same team. To the people that claim to be … [Read more...]
So, I have a rant..... Lately, when I meet other mothers at the park the conversation about schooling will come up. I explain my kids will be home schooled, which immediately sparks some strange conversation. If someone wants to ask me questions about homeschooling, I don't mind at all. Questions seem to range from socialization to college preparation. Lately, the main conversation I've been having with strangers tends to lead with them pushing me towards conventional schooling (it … [Read more...]
Brian sometimes takes the kids to the park so I can get things done around the house. When he goes by himself he finds himself without any parents to socialize with. Why? Everyone is afraid of him. Sure to some he may resemble a common criminal, but my goodness, he's not like some creepers who come to the playground part of the park without any children. He has two. He came home last week really down in the dumps when a lady frantically called her child over to her and left the park in a … [Read more...]
Here are some comments from strangers to me: ...................................................................................................... Checker at Whole Foods: Are you the nanny? (hey, at least he asked) Me (after a long day): I wish.... ...................................................................................................... the boys were yelling "Jamie" after the lady at Starbucks called out my name for my drink Man at Starbucks: Do they know … [Read more...]
Dear Annoying Lady at the Park, I do not normally have opinions of other mothers at the park. However, you are the exception. I overheard you referring to me as the nanny, and while that was not annoying, I did see how you treated me much different than the other mothers at the park. I also did not appreciate you letting your screaming daughter walk right in front of my children while they were swinging at the park. I did not like that you did not apologize as I threw my entire body … [Read more...]
Our hope is that people will get a chance to see a family that may look a little different, but is as close and loving as a family that meets the stereotypical ideal. It is time to break barriers, stop making assumptions, and realize that families come in all different shapes and sizes and can still define the term. Find Out More ››
