solo parenting | Dina L. Relles

Have a Moment

Dina L. Relles

09/03/2014

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 …

This Is the Village It Takes

Dina L. Relles

6 comments

08/31/2014

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 …

Grit, And Where To Find It

Dina L. Relles

7 comments

07/11/2014

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. …

We Took A Drive

Dina L. Relles

5 comments

06/02/2014

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. …

The Playground: A Judgment-Free Zone

Dina L. Relles

5 comments

04/30/2014

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 …