I have recently decided to start talking with my kids about some of the more serious and pressing issues in our world. Kids are, after all, people (and not just any people, but the people who will be building our future!) and I think that it's wise to give them an opportunity to understand what's going on with other people in the world. So, each weekend, I come up with a "Big Topic" to discuss. So far, we've talked about gay rights, bullying, and immigration issues. I've been completely impressed by the way my kids have tackled these topics and been able to think about a whole spectrum of possibilities. It dawned on me that very often, as parents, we tend to not give our kids a chance to think about the big problems and issues in the world. Sometimes, this comes from a desire to protect them, too keep them innocent and unburdened by the confusions of the adult world. Sometimes, it comes from an assumption that they "won't get it" or find these big problems boring and overly complicated. However, I believe that it's important for us to give kids the benefit of the doubt and let them explore the bigger issues in life.

Let me take a moment here to say that talking *with* your kids is very different from talking *to* your kids. When you talk *to* your kids, you take charge of the conversation and the direction in which it goes. Talking *to* your kids is how we adults implant them with our own values and ideas, and while that has a place in parenting (talking *to* your kids about stranger danger, for instance, is a grand idea!) it doesn't encourage our children to be independent thinkers who are willing to voice and determine their own opinions. Talking *with* your kids is a skill that some parents can really find quite tricky, and understandably so. What if your kids feel very differently about a certain subject than you do? What if they totally support the concept of gay marriage and you don't?

Well, folks, I'm here to tell you that your child is an individual, not a copy of you or anyone else in their life. they are completely unique and completely entitled to their own opinions and thoughts. Showing them that you respect their differing opinions and accept their analysis on a subject is the healthiest thing you could possibly do. Of course, as an individual with your own thoughts and opinions, you're welcome to argue your point, but you must keep in mind that they might well turn it down... and that's ok.

So what's the point of of discussing things with your kids if there's the risk that you might not agree? The answer is simple. Your kids will surprise you, and you will get a chance to see their brains at work tackling things you didn't imagine they would grasp. So far, our "big idea" discussions have made us all closer and more aware of our opinions and standpoints. It's been brilliant to see the kids go through their own thought processes, it's amazing to see them thinking and pondering heavy topics... and sometimes, the things that come out of their mouths will blow you away. From the mouths of babes, as the old saying goes - and let me tell you, the big topics can sometimes be so simple when viewed by a child.

I'm overjoyed to announce to you all that my beautiful and talented stepdaughter, Jersey, has decided to take her passion for crafting to the next level. That's right, ladies and gentlemen, she's started her own blog! She's decided to focus her efforts on her toy-making projects, of which there are many. With two baby brothers, she's constantly coming up with new and fun things for them to play with from items she finds around the house.

She hopes you will stop by and visit her blog, leave her some comments, and share it with your friends!

You recognize this plate, right?

Making omelettes is maddening. They always rip apart or stick to the pan. They are flimsy and annoying and, in case you hadn't noticed, one of my least favorite things to cook. However, they are one of my favorite breakfasts... which has always resulted in my determining to try cooking them, failing miserably, and potentially throwing a frying pan across the kitchen.

Well, this morning, as I lay in bed thinking about the potential things I could make for breakfast based on what supplies I had in the house, I had a brainwave. Parchment paper! Parchment paper could be the very tool I needed to solve all my omelette-making woes! I developed a plan, hurried into the kitchen, and yea verily, I succeeded!

So now, I will share with you all how to cook flawless omelettes that look as good as they taste!

So today I wanted to share with you all a little peek into the excitement that is feeding my baby boy. I know that if you've had/have babies of your own, you know what I'm talking about and you've seen this before, but take a moment with me now to relish it. The start of self-feeding is a beautifully messy thing that is met with anticipation and dread of the clean-up process after every meal. (It took us more than a month to figure out life would be easier if we put an old towel under the highchair during feedings. I admit to even using tin foil sheets under the highchair once or twice too!)



So what are some of your favorite memories of feeding your little ones? What are you most looking forward to feeding them? When did you notice (s)he started developing specific tastes? Share your stories in the comments!