She’s going through a phase.

As a mom and stepmom of three tweens, I have been thinking a lot about this phase. But you might be surprised to learn that I haven’t been applying it to them, instead I’m the one who has been going through quite a phase these days.

Have you ever heard yourself say “Why do I have to do everything?” Instead of perpetuating a never-ending cycle of housework, frustration and regret, consider asking instead, "What could I do if I stopped trying to do everything?"

We were all looking forward to my stepdaughter's birthday celebration. Isn't that the way it goes with kids? They plan and we plan, and we all get excited to celebrate that they're another year older. But then the plans changed. Read how we salvaged the day amidst changing circumstances.

After about 24 hours of fever, chills and debilitating aches, I was plagued with the guilt that the kids were all watching too much TV and eating too much pasta. In addition to feeling miserable, I also got bossy, crabby and ridiculous. I didn't know how to take a sick day.