Experienced Bad Mom

Not Just a Bad Mom, But an Experienced Bad Mom

Why This Mom of Teens Can’t Shop Alone

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Flush with cash from my recent birthday, I strode through the mall.  I had no strollers to push or play spaces to visit like a decade ago when my kids were little. Nor was I dragged into stores selling overpriced joggers or anything with emojis and sequins like last week while shopping with my teen [Read More]

Ok Gen X: Thinking about the 70s and 80s

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Last fall my teenage son started using the phrase “Ok Boomer” just about every day. “Hey, don’t forget to take out the trash,” I’d say. “Ok Boomer,” he replied. “Time to go to church! Let’s get in the car,” I’d mention. “Ok Boomer,” he replied. Like most Gen Xers, I was offended by his reply. [Read More]

The Christmas Breaking Point

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“Do you think he’ll like it? I’m really worried he won’t’ like it,” my twelve-year-old daughter asked me from the doorway. I jumped from where I was sitting in front of our family computer. I closed down a window where I had been tracking a gift for her. It was shipped late, and wouldn’t make [Read More]

Give Your Teen the Gift of an Experience This Holiday Season

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Did you watch Gilligan’s Island growing up like I did? Then you’ll remember Thurston Howell the Third and his wife, Lovey. I was channeling my inner Thurston and Lovey last year when I wrote this holiday post below for Your Teen for Parents. That’s because the site wanted a list of experiences that you can [Read More]

7 Reasons Why I’m Giving Thanks for My Teenagers This Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is a holiday that gets better as the kids get older. Sure, those turkey drawings traced around pudgy preschoolers’ hands were sweet. So was hearing my elementary schooler talk about the first Thanksgiving at Plymouth Rock. And watching the little ones dine at the kids’ table at Grandma’s house was adorable, too. But Thanksgiving [Read More]

Take a Walk in Detroit

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My family of four took a walking tour of Detroit last month. It was fun and educational. If you come to Detroit, here’s why you should take a walk, too. More than bad headlines Before the Detroit Youth Choir rocked it’s way to 2nd place on America’s Got Talent this year, you didn’t hear many [Read More]

I’m the Mom Who Doesn’t Want Summer to End

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It’s that time of year. Social media is flooded with pictures of kids going back to school. And usually there is at least one viral picture or video of a mom dancing gleefully or lounging with a cocktail beside the pool while the kids are off to school. I get it, I do. I’m not [Read More]

One Mom, Two Kids, and Oreo Cookies

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It’s summertime and my kids are a tween and a teen. Which means that my life looks like this now: Yup, gone are the summer days where we blew bubbles, drew with sidewalk chalk, and enjoyed days at the pool or lake. Don’t get me wrong. My kids still want to enjoy a fine summer [Read More]

Why My Teen Won’t Be Getting a Summer Job

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When I say my teen won’t get a job this summer, I know what you’re thinking. He’s lazy. Or I spoil him. Or teens today are so entitled. But the truth of why my teen won’t get a job this summer is much more complicated. I can tell you my son, who is turning 15 [Read More]

To My Teenage Son: What I Really Want for Mother’s Day

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Dear Son, I know better than to expect a handmade card from you this year. Or a necklace made out of macaroni noodles or a stone painted with the words, “Mom, you rock!” After all, you are in high school. I will always treasure those cards and gifts from when you were younger, but what [Read More]

Happy Now

JENerally Informed