Mom, Can I Have More Screen Time? – How we are Surviving the Summer
As a parent, I try really hard to say “Yes” as much as I can, but this summer, I have found myself saying “No” more than I would like. This week I had to do something to break that cycle. One of our biggest challenges this summer is the excessive asking for screen time. It is really, really hot here in Florida and unless we are in the pool, it is pretty miserable to be outside. Since I can only handle so much of the pool, that leaves us with a lot of time around the house with my little ones wanting to watch TV or play the iPad. They ask constantly and I say “No!” constantly.
The only way we were going to survive the summer was if I came up with a different game plan.Continue Reading
Seven Top Educational Preschool Apps
Needless to say, I deleted all the Cut the Rope apps off my iPad and went on a hunt for even better apps than we had. Most of our apps were already educational, but there were a few (like Cut the Rope) that I was someone swindled into installing.
I found some really great options. Hopefully you will enjoy these top educational apps as well.Continue Reading
When is Sibling Teasing Too Much?
How do you know when sibling teasing becomes too much? There can be a fine line between playful banter and nasty comments. Siblings are close enough to know your quirks, your fears and your weaknesses — the good, the bad and the ugly. For someone in such a trusted role to say hurtful things can gnaw away at self-esteem over time. In my recent interview with SheKNOWS, I explain that
“Most adults would say they can still remember the hurtful things their siblings said to them as kids,” shares Kim Blackham, LMFT. “If teasing involves hurtful comments, parents should always step in and stop it.” Speak to your children about how the other child feels when hurtful things are said, and help them to build a sense of empathy towards their brother or sister. READ MORE
Surviving Residency: 10 Things I Learned While My Husband was a Surgery Resident
It’s July…Happy New Year!
I know, most people celebrate New Years in January, but for some of us, July 1st is the start of the “new year.”
See, I’m married to a doctor and my husband has been in training for the past 11 years…with two more to go. Four years of medical school, five years of general surgery residency, two additional years of research and starting July 1st of this year, two years of surgical oncology fellowship. Each of these “milestones” or transitions occurred in July.
This July is a big deal for us.
When we were in medical school, he initially thought he wanted to do ophthalmology or radiology, but as he progressed through his different rotations, it became increasingly obvious that neither of those were a good fit for him. He loved surgery. He tried to love a different specialty, but his passion as a physician was really in the operating room.Continue Reading
Tip #1 – Surviving Residency and Making Medical Marriages Work
Believe that medical marriages work – even if the chosen path is surgery.
Surviving residency with your marriage intact is possible! I wish someone had told me that. Okay, people did tell me that, but only people who didn’t really know. “Oh, it will be fine. Just think about how great it will be when he is finished. Five years isn’t that long.” When those comments were stacked up with the ones from those who had lived it, the “It was the worst thing we ever did for our marriage,” and “It’s not worth it” won out. The truth is (from someone who really has lived through it), it really can work and you really can come through with a great marriage!
I honestly would not change the path we have taken. I am so glad that my husband gets to spend each day doing what he loves. That does not have to come at the expense of your relationship. I promise. {Lesson 2}
