Lisa Endlich's Blog, page 390

Dear, Daughter: 5 Things This Mom Learned in College

Dear Daughter,

Wow – we’re really dropping you off at college. There are so many things I want to say to you and of course, I’m feeling a little emotional (I know you’re surprised, right?) … so I thought I would write down a few things that, hopefully, will be helpful for you to read and even to look back at from time to time.

First and foremost, I am so PROUD of you. Watching you go through your high school years with the drive and effort you put in to achieve your goals has given me so muc...

I Care About What My Teens Wear Because, Science

When my children were small, I embraced a fairly laid-back approach to how they dressed. When my son insisted on wearing his motorcycle t-shirt every day, I let him. When my daughter believed the best way to accessorize her sundresses was with snow boots, I went with it. I have taken my children all over town dressed as fairies, cowboys, superheroes, princesses, and wearing every manner of mismatched, seasonally inappropriate outfits they could come up with.

I have always believed in choosin...

A Letter to Our Son: My Love Goes With You Always

Dear Grey,

Once you walk out that front door in August, your life, your relationships and your perspective will be forever altered.

Always be aware that everyone you will meet has a story. Some of those are worth more of your time than others. Never, ever discount someone simply based on how they look, where they are from, what their educational background is or the manner in which you came across them. Treat them with respect and kindness consistently. Listen for understanding of them, not t...

Parenting Through The Years: A Different Kind of Crazy

A couple of months ago, my sister-in-law called to ask me a question about preschool for her daughters who are three and almost one. As we talked on the phone, I could hear her baby crying in the background while the preschooler repeatedly called out “Mommy! Mommy!” I thought, “Man, I remember those days” and I could almost feel the chaos and exhaustion of balancing a baby on my hip and holding the phone with my shoulder while fixing the toddler some watered own juice in just the right cup an...

Here Are The ABCs of College Life

A mom writes her college-bound son a goodbye letter as he prepares for freshman year: 

A – ALARM
Set it! But not so loud that it also wakes up your roommate. Even for naps. Set it when you need to be at work, have a test, etc. (USE YOUR PLANNER TOO!!)

B – BREAKFAST
Eat it! Maybe you don’t normally eat breakfast. But you need to have an awake brain in your classes. One of the best ways to be ready for class and for exams is to eat. Brain power. Doesn’t matter what it is – pop tarts, cereal, s...

The Hours Have Never Been Long Enough, Love, Dad

As we approach the time of your high school graduation, my mind keeps drifting back to the first time I dropped you off at daycare. You were only 6 weeks old and had the biggest, brightest, and most watchful eyes I’d ever seen on a baby. You never smiled, and you seldom blinked. You just took everything in.

I so clearly recall a feeling of foreboding that morning; I knew intuitively that this would be only the first of many departures.

After I kissed you goodbye and left the building adjacen...

My Daughter Broke Up With Her Boyfriend. So Why Am I So Upset?

I don’t think any parent would say that the moment your child starts dating is an easy one. Even when they start with an innocent crush, it still feels odd to think that your baby is now having feelings for someone other than their family. I have always encouraged my kids to be open about their feelings. Even when I tried to discourage a grade 6 crush that eventually came crashing down, there wasn’t much that I could do about it other than support my daughter and try to pick up the pieces.

W...

How to Help a Kid Who Really, Truly Hates School

My son was in the 4th grade, he came home from school with a note for me from his teacher. The note was a request for an immediate conference to discuss the fact that my son had turned in no classwork during the 3rd marking period of school.

In that same backpack, on that same day, was another note from the school for me. That note was from his principal, and was effusive in its praise of my son’s kindness, poise, and generous spirit. That note ended with a request for my son to represent th...

Dear Daughter, A Letter From Your Biggest Fan

When I think back to last summer and our college visit road trip, I keep remembering that moment when I knew you were really leaving me. It wasn’t like the first time I held you or the day you were big enough to get on the bus for kindergarten. It was so much bigger than that. I think I knew in that exact moment that I had done my job.

I raised a wonderful daughter who I truly admire so much. You are all of the best parts of both me and Daddy. I know, without a doubt, that you will be succes...

What “Roots and Wings” Means to Me

It was a really quick summer. Too quick, in fact. Just a few months ago, my oldest graduated high school. And in just a few short days, I’ll be dropping her off at college. What the hell, time? Why are you going by so fast? Remember when I was in labor with her and you moved so damn slowly? I remember that, and I remember thinking “Oh God this is taking forever!!” Well, if I could go back and change that, I would. If I could make the time stand still, I would. But I can’t, and soon, life as w...