We were crowded in the elementary school gym on a 90-degree day with no A/C. We were told there would be babysitting; there wasn’t really. Our almost-kindergartners were whisked away…I was left behind to chase after my two younger boys, the sweat gathering on the nape of my neck as I cursed my black skinny …
I’m standing on a stretch of grass outside the camp’s dining hall during the weekly Wednesday evening cookout. My watermelon-stained hands struggle to free a wipe from its package. My oldest nags at my feet for a third cookie. And dammit, where is my middle son? Just then, my stroller tips over. You help me …
I’ve been thinking a lot about grit lately. I’m not the only one. What Is Grit? Angela Duckworth, an Associate Professor in Penn’s Psychology Department, focuses her professional research on studying the character traits that contribute to doing well in school and life. She defines “grit” as a passion and perseverance for long-term goals, stamina. …
Some days are harder than others. Some days Husband says he’ll be home from hospital rounds at Noon and he doesn’t appear until 5. Some days the boys wake by 6, and all at once, before coffee. Sometimes there are several tantrums before 7, spilled oatmeal, resistance to wearing pants, sibling spats, and missed naps. …
It’s finally nice outside. I couldn’t resist. It was an evening last week when I had no dinner plan, so when the older boys clamored for a bike ride to the local playground, I was all too happy to concede. I quickly slapped some cream cheese on whole wheat bread, grabbed a bag of baby …
Dina L. Relles 