“We’re excited that The ‘Perfect’ Parent is joining this year’s list of award-winning products,” says Julie Kertes, NAPPA General Manager.Thanksgiving of 2009. My kids were home from school. It was my son’s first time home as a freshman in college and my daughter’s last time at home as a senior. I had plenty to be grateful for! My husband, Harry, and I had full blown “empty nest” syndrome for the few months prior and this Thanksgiving we were truly thankful! Harry and I were also in the process of updating and perhaps upgrading our curfew rules for my son’s…
Tweet“Mama, Jackie, Saira, Carina, and I have decided that we will all be Belle for Halloween this year! I’m so excited. Can you order my outfit now?” asked 8-year-old Jasmine on Mother’s Day. “Everybody wants to be Belle, sweetheart. Why do you want to do what everybody else is doing? You should be different and pick something unique,” answered her mom. “Dad, I’m going out of state for college,” declared John at the end of his junior year. “I’ve changed…
Tweet“I can’t believe how big my kids are all of a sudden.” “I’m sad they’re not babies anymore.” “My son’s first word was spoken on Mother’s Day—and it was “papa.” I’ll never let him live that down!” “I remember the day that I became a mother like yesterday. My son was the sweetest gift I ever received.” “This is my 14th Mother’s Day! Yikes, my kids are growing up way too fast.” “By next Mother’s Day, my daughter will…
TweetMy daughter was eight years old when “secrets” became a thing in our family. Nitasha would tell her dad a secret and ask him not to tell me and vice versa. We were all caught up in this—including her grandparents. There was one weekend, though, that one of her secrets had broader implications. When I picked Nitasha up from school on a Friday afternoon, she whispered, “Mom, I want to tell you a secret! But you have to promise…
TweetIt’s been quite the ride for Tools of Growth since September 14, 2014. Publishing my book, The Perfect Parent was like giving birth to a beautiful first child. As a first-time author, like a first-time parent, I did not know what to anticipate. I had no preconceived notions about what would happen next, and I consciously decided not to read blogs or “what to expect” advice for new authors. I just jumped in with a heart full of passion. As most…
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