AMC Tag

07 Mar

Published on March 7, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Backing out of the driveway, Jensen handed her son James a little red box. When he touched it, a robotic voice said, “Two and two are ___?” James dropped it on the floor. Jensen said, "Two and two are ___?” No answer. James was clearly thinking of something else. “James, tossing Number Master down will never help you.” James didn’t respond. Jensen fumed silently. “I was a math major at Harvard. I was a management consultant until a month...

28 Feb

Published on February 28, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Two little girls were in a luncheonette with their mother, finishing up their grilled cheese sandwiches and chocolate milk. Their mother had planned the lunch as a treat. She also wanted to look for boots for herself at a shoe store that was having a huge sale. “This is really fun,” she said. “It is, Mommy. I love it here,” said Sally, the oldest, who was four. “Me too,” said her little sister Annie. They put on their coats...

14 Feb

Published on February 14, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Jane had been trying to pump on a swing for a long time. Her mother, Trish encouraged her, repeating, “Toes to the tree, heels back to me.” She wondered how long it would take Jane to learn, knowing her daughter would gain a lot of confidence from being able to swing independently. One morning, Jane ran out to the swing the minute she woke up.  As she struggled to pump, something clicked. Getting a rhythm, she...

07 Feb

Published on February 7, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Twin sisters, Becky and Lulu loved their mother’s collection of demitasse cups almost as much as she did. Whenever a new one was added, they all helped to decide where to place it to make it look its best. The girls would often go to the cabinet and count the cups to be sure they were all still there. The girls knew that two of the cups celebrated their birth. “Nana sent me two. The pink...

31 Jan

Published on January 31, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Tess and Sally were happily playing with small dolls and a dollhouse. Pretend doctor visits, diaper changes and tiny invisible meals filled this happy time. Tess’ mother was folding clothes on a couch close by. After putting the dolls to bed, the girls talked quietly. “Guess what, Tess?” Sally announced suddenly. “I’m getting a kitten this afternoon!” Tess got very excited. “A kitten? Mommy, isn’t that great? Sally is getting a kitten!” “Oh Sally, that will be fun!...

24 Jan

Published on January 24, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Johnny and his mother come down the school driveway in their car. Walking up the familiar brick path, they talk about what they will have for lunch. At the door, Johnny suddenly turns and grabs his mother’s coat and she picks him up. Memories of the day before return for both. The mother knows she doesn’t want to duplicate what happened yesterday. Johnny is in his mother’s arms as his teacher very cheerfully greets them. He...

10 Jan

Published on January 10, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

A little boy is at his mother’s feet in the play yard, slapping her shiny boots with a muddy stick. She is talking to another mother about summer camp ideas. Children are running and laughing close by. An unexpected and welcome surprise of warm weather in the middle of winter provides mothers a chance to socialize while their children are playing. The shiny boots aren’t shiny any more. The little boy means business. His mother tries...

03 Jan

Published on January 3, 2013 in Anne's Parenting Column by

Sustaining happiness is something we all wish we knew how to do. Is there some little way that we can try to do this with and for our children? Sometimes children find their way into complete and imaginative play. Rubber people and stuffed toys suddenly are equipped with a variety of voices. The play feels completely real to the children. Parents are delighted to witness such a peaceful and productive time. It is second nature for...

18 Dec

Published on December 18, 2012 in Anne's Parenting Column by

As young Mothers and Grandmothers gladly and wholeheartedly comb the earth to find a very special something for a little relative, they might be surprised to know they have this present already. What the child most wants is their attention and time. A child’s heart’s desire is unquestionably just a few hours with a parent or grandparent, somewhere simple, maybe at home, a cozy restaurant or outside. Phones and all technological devices are not invited....