On The Hook

My 3rd Grader’s Ancient Manifesto For Saving Money
About 2 weeks ago, my parents helped me out by taking our 8 year old to swim class while my husband was at work and our daughter and I were off doing community service for the day. Like all good grandparents (and as they often do), they went above and beyond the straightforward logistical task of getting him to and from his 50 minute class.  They expanded the activities of the day to include a trip to Sonic for his favorite tater tots, a visit to the store and hours playing with his cousin and the other neighborhood kids back at their house. And while all would agree, he had an awesome day, not of us would realize what they had really started until now.  You see, the trip to the store resulted in my Mom asking him if there was anything he wanted such as a toy, candy or a favorite snack. What she didn’t realize is that ours is unlike most 8 year olds you’ll ever meet.  That is, he’s not into candy (beyond his strawberry Trident gum and an occasional piece of dark chocolate), is relatively content with the fair share of toys he has and is an extremely finicky eater. As such, her list didn’t really strike his fancy. 
(posted October 18, 2011)

Money Making Lessons From Eddie Murphy And Club Penguin
From an early age, our youngest displayed he had quickly mastered the concept of working to earn money.  When he was about six, our son wanted a subscription to Club Penguin, a Disney sponsored online gaming community for kids. The cost? Then, $6.95 per month. My husband explained to him that the membership cost money so he and I had to think about it. Our son replied by asking us to help him count the money in his piggy bank to see if he had enough and if there was anything he could do to earn more in the future.
(posted October 11, 2011)

Sorry 2012: Is A Public Apology A License To Ill?
Back in 2003, American Idol Ruben Studdard eloquently offered in song an upcoming year’s worth of apologies for all the things most young (in age or in mind) single guys might typically apologize to the girl they don’t want lose for despite the bone-headed things that they knowingly did. Since that demographic is already covered by a song, and in light of all the staged public apologies that celebrities and other public figures seem to think somehow excuses their outlandish behavior, it got me to thinking…how are these chronological grown ups any different from a teenager who apologizes after they get caught knowingly and willfully breaking the rules? 
(posted October 7, 2011)

Woody Woodpecker on Doing The Right Thing 
(September 30, 2011)

A Salute To My Favorite Non-traditional Families (And What They’ve Taught Me!)
Like many new parents, I’ve been doing a lot of research in search of advice and inspiration from people who have been where I’m about to go. Since I didn’t give birth to my kids, I acquired them through marriage ;-), I’ve always considered ours to be a bit of a non-traditional family. However, the more I learn, the more I’m finding out that  so-called non-traditional families are, well extremely traditional! Check out a few of my favorites in my latest series of blog posts:

#1 - The Holy Family (August 23, 2011)

#2: Gepetto & Pinocchio (August 30, 2011)

#3: The Rubbles (September 6, 2011)

#4: The Macs (September 13, 2011)

#5: The Lincolns (September 30, 2011)

The Name Game: 5 Things I’ve Learned About Wearing My Mommy Crown As An ‘MTA’

When I first got married and became a second mom to two wonderful kids, I was often asked by my friends, “So what do the kids call you?”  I used to wish I could answer back “They call me Mom” or, in Sidney Poitier style, “They call me Mrs. Tillman.”  But alas, the short answer is my kids call me “Liz.” This, more than anything, is out of respect for their biological moms who are still involved in their lives despite the fact that they both live the majority of the time with their dad and me. But the longer I’m a parent, the more I’ve come to learn that all moms wear their “Mommy Crowns” in their own unique ways. So in this spirit, here are 5 things I’ve learned about how to wear mine as a “Mom Thru Acquisition” or MTA (also known as a ”step mother” to the uninitiated!).
(posted August 18, 2011)

One For Parents Who Find It Hard To Speak The Same Language As Their Children

A Sorority sister and self-described “technically challenged” friend of mine sent this cartoon to me after her daughter shared it with her.  I contacted the artist, Marty Bucella, for permission to post this here since it made me laugh out loud!  This one’s for all the parents who have EVER found it difficult to speak the same language as their children…ENJOY!
(posted August 2, 2011)

MartyBucella.com

Marty Bucella is a prolific cartoonist and illustrator who comments on parenting, business and a host of other issues in a fun and thought-provoking way. Check out his work!
(posted August 2, 2011)

Advice4Parenting.com

In addition to being “The online parenting resource for parents and parents to be.” Advice4Parenting.com is the first parenting site to invite me to be a regular contributor!  Please check them out and follow them @Parenting_Tips!
(posted July 29, 2011)

“Gorilla My Dreams” featuring Bugs Bunny and Gruesome

This classic Looney Tunes episode offers proof that there are a LOT of different ways to become a parent!
(posted July 23, 2011)

4 Things Poker Has Taught Me About Parenting

I’m not a poker player by the stretch of anyone’s imagination, least of all my husband who is a genuine enthusiast.  But ever since I officially became a parent two years ago, I’ve become quite a student of the game.  And, for anyone who is a parent or seriously thinking of becoming one the old fashioned way or through “acquisition” like I did, I highly recommend it!
(posted July 21, 2011)