When I say “poop talk,” I am not talking about modern parents’ tagline for kids saying things that are unacceptable and/or inappropriate.
I am talking about “poop talk,” as in talking about poop.
Like descriptions. Detailed descriptions of poop.
Color. Size. Dimension. Liquidity. Aroma.
And oh, my… the little nicknames for it. I […]

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I’ve had several people (both men and women) over the past couple of days respond to my “Hey, sweetheart” blog.
The “woman” conversation started something like this:
“Read your blog. The one about the name ’sweetheart.’ I don’t mind ’sweetheart,’ but I absolutely HATE _________ (this is where all kinds of tags are listed).
Tags such […]

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Ah, manners.
It is said that manners sweeten truth and add beauty to old age.
This is true. And in my experience, I have found this true of older gentlemen.
Now of course this statement does not discount the fine manners or matters of etiquette of younger men… but again, I speak from my own experience.
The “sweetheart” […]

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It’s been awhile since I’ve had to watch my language around children.
That’s not to say I’m adverse to swearing… in fact, my husband and I always encouraged in our children the art of seeing humor in colorful language - in the appropriate context, of course.
But with my grandkids at the age now that they’re veritable […]

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(You can find Lessons #1 through 7 in the 10 QUICK RULES FOR RAISING DAUGHTERS WHO WANT YOU IN THEIR LIVES AS KIDS, TEENAGERS and ADULTS series here.)
LESSON #8: HUMOR IS EVERYTHING
“Jane, you ignorant slut.”
Something I say often and emphatically to my daughter, Jane. And I’ve been saying it for years.
Why?
Because it’s funny.

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Language development in children is one of the most fascinating processes imaginable.
It is something that cannot be planned, hurried, coerced or forced. It sometimes comes in phases. It can appear virtually overnight. But it can never, ever be purchased.

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