Recent posts about Family on Typepad

Dear EK: This is common behavior for someone with advanced dementia, but it’s one of the many situations where caregivers can feel helpless. We don’t want to see a person whom we love distressed, and we view the idea that they are seeing their deceased parents as distressing. Sometimes, though, they find it comforting, so read on. Read more

Eco-Sleeks are names that reflect the natural world whilst having a slick contemporary sound. Bell tones, strong vowels and clear consonants mean they fit in well with current fashion (think Ava, Noah, Theo) and bonus points if they have a... Read more

...We shouldn't have to justify our choices to care for our adult loved ones or go on a rant about how we are trying to fulfill what we see as our responsibilities. Yet we often do. A MetLife study, as reported on NPR's "The True Cost of Caregiving," Read more

It's August, the boys have already been in school for a week, and my productive Mondays have returned. Ahhhh. I am welcoming back my calm energy for rhythm and creating that seems to vacation elsewhere every summer. I love the... Read more

...My employer allowed me to take vacation time by the hour, so I hoarded every bit I could for use during emergencies and for medical appointments for those in my care. I shopped as though I was preparing for a disaster, buying multiples of anything my loved Read more

Dear AL: My uncle developed aphasia after a string of strokes, so I understand how this breaks your heart. You want your dad to know it’s all right that he’s having trouble. You want to help. Mostly, you want him to stop blaming himself. These words from my book illustrate Read more

weather chart / movable animals / handwriting cards / animal lengths / insect tracing / read/draw/write I recommend following Marissa at Missy Montessori as she shares lots of classroom activities that can be used at home - without needing specific... Read more

...So, how do we start? The best way to begin is by examining your attitude toward and thoughts about yourself and your current situation. Lasting progress can’t be made by glossing over underlying issues and ignoring reality. We’ll start with a series Read more

It used to be that when I went back to the climbing gym after a hiatus, my arms would proclaim their unhappiness emphatically over the next couple of days. Once in particular I was so sore that I couldn't lift... Read more

The average cost of a simple home renovation is $15,000. Around the country, the areas that receive the most renovations are the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. Meanwhile, many homeowners build entire structures as attachments to the main house. Regardless of... Read more