Pass The Torch

The better ME I can be, the better MOM I can be.

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Europe with Kids – Playground in Every Town

Mar 13, 2010 11:31am

In 2004, our family traveled to Europe to visit our wonderful foreign exchange student, Maria (wearing the hat), in Austria. We ended up on a whirlwind 15-day tour of France, Germany, Austria and Italy, in a rented Opel sedan. At that time, our kids were only ages 5...

Actively Listening to your Kids

Mar 6, 2010 9:53am

Worried about the impending teenage years? Wondering how to get more than a one-word response from your kids? We can all benefit by brushing up on our active listening skills. For a few tips, please read my Positively Speaking column at 5 Minutes for Mom. Would you like Pass...

Prudential Spirit of Community

Feb 22, 2010 9:53am

This month, my daughter was recognized as the Wisconsin middle school representative for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. She was chosen from thousands of middle school students who serve in their communities, for her work with Bookworm Wednesday, and her efforts to help others start neighborhood book clubs...

Key West Express from Marco Island

Feb 15, 2010 6:30am

We had two free tickets and were in for a chilly low-60’s day, so we decided to hop on the Key West Express from Marco Island. Had it been a warmer day, we could have spent more time outside, which would have been more enjoyable. My husband and...

Positively Speaking – Writing Contracts

Feb 8, 2010 6:30am

Will your child soon be experiencing a “rite of passage”? This month’s Positively Speaking column will give you some ideas for writing a contract with him or her, to guide expectations and behavior. Please read my column at 5 Minutes for Mom. Would you like Pass the Torch updates?...

Shelling 101 on Marco Island

Feb 1, 2010 6:54am

Marco Island, Florida, isn’t well-known for shelling, but we must have come just at the right time this winter. We arrived just after a storm and found plentiful shells along the beach each day, especially toward the south end of the island, near the rocks. We walked each day on...

Vacation Meals – Kids as Cooks, Part II

Jan 25, 2010 6:41am

The second meal our kids cooked for us required a little help, which Uncle Bill gladly provided. Cajun shrimp with Parmesan asparagus. YUM! “You cut the asparagus where it naturally breaks…” And here Craig is dicing apples for his signature apple/Cool Whip/Snickers salad (which, of course, isn’t salad at all:) How...

Vacation Meals – Kids as Cooks!

Jan 18, 2010 6:33am

During this winter’s Florida vacation, we decided it was time for the kids to start cooking some of our meals. We tend to eat pretty well on vacation because we stay in a condo and have access to a full kitchen. Why not teach the kids about cooking...

Marco Island Views

Jan 11, 2010 6:23am

Over Christmas we vacationed on Marco Island, Florida. I wish I could trade below-zero days for 70-degree days more often! We enjoyed walks on the beach, sunsets, and climbing on the rocks at the south end of the beach. Believe it or not, this is the moon over the Gulf at about 6...

Setting Resolutions with Your Kids

Jan 4, 2010 8:03am

If you’re looking for inspiration for setting New Year’s Resolutions with your kids, check out my Positively Speaking column this month. There may be a way to get everyone in on the goal-setting! Happy New Year! Would you like Pass the Torch updates? Just sign up for them via email or...