Experienced Bad Mom

Not Just a Bad Mom, But an Experienced Bad Mom

20 Things That Surprised Me about Having a Teenage Boy

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I grew up the middle of three girls, sandwiched between two sisters. Yup, I’m just like Jan Brady, minus the bonus brothers. My sisters and I filled our teenage years in the 80s with activities like sports, theater, and student council. We also filled them with Aqua Net and Love’s Baby Soft, jelly shoes, stirrup [Read More]

I’m So Thankful for My Teen’s Pediatrician

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Do you have a terrific pediatrician for your kids? I do, and I’m so thankful for her in our lives. I wrote this post about our pediatrician while we were still in the midst of the pandemic. While the masks are gone, the affection I feel for this doctor and her care for my kids [Read More]

A Hug from My Teenage Son is Worth 1,000 Words

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Son, so many words rushed into my head when I hugged you at the top of the stairs the other day. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. But, I would argue, so is a hug.  “How did your shoulders get so broad?” I said aloud as I looked up, not down, at [Read More]

How to Celebrate January All Month Long

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After the excitement of ringing in the New Year, many of us are faced with the January blues. The festive feel of the holiday season is gone and the winter days can be gloomy.  However, there are tons of days in January that offer something to celebrate. Whether it’s enjoying food, honoring animals, or just [Read More]

Parenting Teens: What’s Old Is New Again

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It’s funny how things that were cool when we were younger come back around to be cool now that we’re older. Let me explain how what’s old is new again. My daughter, 14, is a freshman in high school this year. She recently completed her JV golf season and attended the end-of-season golf banquet. The [Read More]

7 Funny But True Reasons Why I’m Jealous of My Teen

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“How many have you had?” I asked my teenage son as he popped another buttered roll into his mouth. We were dining at Texas Roadhouse, a restaurant that serves rolls before the meal.  “Nnnnh,” he replied, his mouth full of doughy goodness. I believe he meant nine. Nine rolls.  By the time our entrees came, [Read More]

The Summer After 16

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While my oldest turned 18 this month and just graduated from high school, I wrote the piece below two years ago when I watched him turn 16 and get his driver’s license. That summer I came to refer to as “The Summer After 16” and it was a hint of things to come now that [Read More]

The One about Teens and Thank You Notes

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As I shared in my last post, my teenage son graduated from high school this month. It was a milestone event and he was showered with appreciation (okay, money) from family and friends to honor his achievement. I’m so thankful for everyone’s well-wishes! One of the things he didn’t learn in high school, though, was [Read More]

The One about High School Graduation

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My son graduated from high school last weekend. What a whirlwind leading up to the big day! Although COVID modified some end-of-the-year events, there were still plenty of activities to close out my son’s senior year. Activities like: Prom (yay!) AP exams (boo!) Cap and gown pick up Senior skip day (yup, he skipped) Senior [Read More]

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JENerally Informed