Poppy's New Adventure

Recently, Tami asked Kenzie to start thinking about what she wants Santa Claus to bring her for Christmas. Kenzie thought about it for awhile and then told Tami: “I know you buy the presents.”

That’s right.  Kenzie has learned the truth about Santa Claus. She’s reached that milestone in her life where she found out that there is no Santa Claus!

I suspect it won’t be long until she stops believing in the Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny as well.

What bothers me about her discovery is that she learned about Santa from her little friends at school. I didn’t even get to have “the talk” with her.

Continue reading “Goodbye Santa”

Lately I’ve been a little concerned that that the kids aren’t taking me seriously as their parent.

They seem to perceive me as one of their friends, a big playmate. It’s like I’m their Dad Pal.

If I issue a paternal command, instead of responding with   “Yes Father” or “OK Dad”, they reply with a high-five or a fist bump followed by a “Let’s go play!”

I feel like the Rodney Dangerfield of fathers, “I don’t get no respect!”

Continue reading “The Dad Pal”

Nearly two years ago I published a post describing how the kids each want to blame their bad behavior on their sibling.

At the time I said the kids were going through this blame game phase. I guess I’m finding out that:

IT’S NOT A PHASE!

Apparently, blaming one’s own misconduct on one’s sibling is not some stage of child development they are passing through. It’s a daily routine; no, it’s a way of life!

Continue reading “The Blame Game – Redux”

I  may have to fire one of my long-time employees.  Excessive absence. Non-performance. Neglect of duty.

Unfortunately, this employee has many years of loyal and dedicated service with me. But, the poor guy just quit doing his job!

It’s not so much that my employee is incompetent. He has a strong background in his field and many years of experience for the position he now holds in my organization.

He is, in fact, well-qualified for the job.

Continue reading “You’re Fired!”

‘Twas the day after Christmas and all through our home,
All the presents were broken even the robotic gnome.
The stockings once filled with new Christmas toys,
Lie empty, marred by careless girls and boys.

The children were whining and with nothing to do,
Argued how toys became damaged and by whom.
I knew there’s no way I could ever fix them all,
And still have time to watch college football!

When out on the street there arose such a clatter,
I jumped from my chair to see what was the matter!
As I ran out on the porch to witness the flap,
I saw an old van driven by an odd-looking chap!

Continue reading “The Christmas Gift Repairman”

I worry about dying.

Not because I’m worried that I have some undetected disease or some undetermined medical condition. I’m not worried about having a heart attack or a car accident.

I worry about the kids. What would become of them if I’m not around?

I suppose younger parents don’t worry about such things.

When I was younger, life seemed so long. Now, life seems so short.

And, it seems that I’m growing old faster than the kids are growing up!

So, I worry about what their life will be like if die.

Continue reading “Life After Death”

One of the biggest behavior problems we have with the kids is sibling rivalry. And, it sometimes develops into sibling warfare. Kenzie antagonizes Kaleb and he thinks it’s his duty to discipline her by yelling, hitting, pushing and/or tattling on her.

She reciprocates in-kind!

We have tried many forms of punishment to deal with the kids arguing and fighting with one another. You know the usual methods–timeout, standing in corner, banishment to room, taking away privileges, taking away possessions, and occasionally spanking.

None of these methodologies seems to have much impact or lasting effect.

Continue reading “Crime and Punishment”