I had a runaway daughter this past week. The middle child, now almost 17, in an original sibling group of 7 tough, strong-willed children, tore out of our house after the beautiful afternoon high school graduation of her older birth sister.

I’d pointed out that she seemed to be harboring a raging case of PMS. Often she’s referred to as our favorite Viper Girl due to a particularly strong mean streak. Conversely she’s very attached to me, needs my constant reassurance and she’s affectionate as well, helpful... more

When calling around to find my daughter April, I called a friend's house and when I asked if he had seen April, he burst out in laughter.

He then proceeded to tell me she was providing live outdoor entertainment for the neighborhood. In more detail he said "she is out there kicking another lady's butt."

Once again my daughter was in another BiPolar episode and I had seen it coming on but since she is almost 18 and has moved out of our home, there is not much I can do about it except ask her to take her meds.

Her medication... more

In today's fast paced world. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry. In the high schools it is very obvious that there are high percentages of teens having sex.

This is one reason parents need to have good communication going with their kids at a very young age. Sexual activity between younger teens is happening now at a more alarming age. By the time your children go to middle school. It is important to have talked with them about sex and sexually transmitted diseases.

In the world of foster parenting and adoption. Many of our children will already... more

Recently I was contacted by a local parent who was having trouble getting the school to understand her concern for her son.

She had asked that her son be moved from one teachers class to another. The principal tried to the mother and placed the child in another classroom.

When the child continued to have a difficult time. The parent became concerned again. Thinking his behavior should not call for the child to be placed outside of the class room and made to redo work he had already completed.

The Teacher and the Principal both... more

You may know the cool looking Camel named "Joe" he is one of the cute adds that the tobacco nation has sprung on the world to attract people to the world of smoking.

There are dozens of brands from menthol to 100's. Brands like Camels, Kools, Marboro, Salems, Dorals and the no brand cheap-o's. Some carry a flavor. But they all can cause cancer.

They yellow your teeth and finger nails. They corrupt your lungs and cause serious illness and Respatory Issues.

Yet with the Surgon General of America placing a... more

Summer camp has been one of my favorite times of the year. I love getting the kids ready for the adventure of meeting new people and all the fun things that summer camp teaches kids.

The first time I sent my kids to summer camp We all had mixed feelings. The kids were afraid to go. They had never been away from us since our adoption. They would have rather stayed home and underfoot.

I am so greatful that I made them go. When the bus pulled away. My heart yearned for the kids. I was lost without them. After several days... more

Just the word "Teenager" scares most parents to death and do we wonder why. You would think after living through quote: "You've lived through 2 AM feedings, toddler temper tantrums, and the but-I-don't-want-to-go-to-school-today blues. So why is the word "teenager" causing you so much anxiety?"

When you consider that the teen years are a period of intense growth, not only physically but morally and intellectually, it's understandable that it's a time of confusion and upheaval for many families.

Despite some adults' negative perceptions about teens, they are often energetic, thoughtful, and idealistic, with a deep interest in what's fair and right. So, although it can... more

Looking around to find the culprits causing all the noise in the park. Much to my surprise I see five full grown teenage babies. Running and jumping on the tables and benches or falling off the cement piggy spring (where the little ones usually play).

Just another day in the park. I shake my head and go on with my own drama filled book I began reading, before all the noise started.

The next thing I notice is a woman coming out of her home a crossed the street from the park bench where I was sitting.

Her loud voice and violent words were offensive to me as well as the teenagers at play. You would have thought we were invading her back yard. She definitely felt ownership... more

Well so much for enjoying the summer. Emotions are running high with the teens around town lately. This sort of thing always happens when kids have to much time on their hands. They end up in gossip gripes.

All the he said, she said in the world wont iron out the truth when to many teens have their two cents in the kettle.

One innocent comment gets twisted and then off it goes into a big snowball effect running down a hill and engulfing everyone within its space.

By the time it gets back to the person the gossip has been said about.... more

What color do your words paint the world around you?

Sitting quietly here tonight I have been reminiscing of the good times I have had with my children.

With each memory I have thought nice things about each one of my children. I also speak well of almost all of my children all of the time. Even my hard to handle April.

I see past her anger and her need for drama. Right into to her loving and kind heart. But much to my dismay I can not remember one single time when April has had a nice word to say about us, her parents.

I... more