In-laws

“My mother-in-law is a complete nightmare,” said my friend for the fifth time in the same conversation. In response, I gave a sympathetic smile and a few words of encouragement, and then thought about my mother-in-law. The “monster-in-law” sentiment can be an all-too-common scenario for many, and I feel fortunate …

I’m sorry, but what the hell is up with parents that choose not to trick their kids into believing Santa Claus exists?!? A lot of my mom friends are not perpetuating the Santa Claus myth and I’m surprised, like really? Its super fun as a parent to play along in …

I’m a firm believer in a grandparent’s role in their grandchild’s life. I believe that it’s vital that they know them and that they spend time with them to create that special bond, after all, those are our parents. I only got to meet 2 out of 4 of my …

My son, husband and I moved to Reno from Connecticut in late 2014. We returned to my husband’s home state the day before the 150th Nevada Day celebration and, more importantly to our then 4-year-old, the day before Halloween. Having left Connecticut without jobs lined up and a mortgage still …

Social media is a frightening place these days especially as we enter into an election year.  As a columnist, any opinion that I express is always met with some agreement and some disagreement.  Respectful debate is enlightening and can even help us learn how to get along even though we …

Thirty-two years ago I met a boy and fell in love. The same night I met him, I met his mother, who immediately welcomed me into the family. After a few years, the boy and I fell out of love, as often happens in young relationships. His mother and I …

November is National Hospice and Palliative Care Month which is a time to honor hospice physicians, nurses, therapists and social workers who make a difference for the patients and families they care for. Hospice caregivers who selflessly serve the community’s aged, disabled and dying are celebrated during this month for …

Grandparents can be a wealth of information when it comes to the care and feeding of kiddos, but they can also be a source of headache and frustration. Last year’s arrival of my newest little has definitely reminded me of the varied nuances and interactions between parenting and grandparenting. We’ve been …