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Dirt & Noise

A blog by a left leaning mom of 2 boys

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parenting

Be Someone’s Safe Person

Ilinap · March 18, 2015 ·

  "Mommy, even though it's a different time now than when you were a kid, I don't think kids today would say if they are gay." And so began one of our typical car pool conversations. Mac Daddy and I have always been candid with our children. We talk about myriad … [Read more...] about Be Someone’s Safe Person

Tags: children, kids, love, Mac Daddy, motherhood, parenting, responsibility

Text Support

Ilinap · January 27, 2015 ·

It's no secret that social media takes some nasty swipes at our self esteem. The braggart parent can make us feel small and unaccomplished. Those women who praise their kids ever loving gloriousness all the damn time make us swell with angst. Or is it just me? My head tells me to … [Read more...] about Text Support

Tags: children, friendship, motherhood, parenting

North Carolina Task Force Takes On Testing

Ilinap · January 15, 2015 ·

  Image credit: D Sharon Pruitt There are pitter patters of change clicking through school hallways. The test refusal tide is swelling in places outside of New York. Parents' voices are finally resonating. Teachers pleas are taken seriously. And administrators are … [Read more...] about North Carolina Task Force Takes On Testing

Tags: children, community, education, North Carolina, parenting, responsibility, school, values

Family Dinner Time Above All

Ilinap · November 24, 2014 ·

There is one thing that is sacred to us, family dinner time. I joke that I have the least scheduled kids in America. And believe me, I hear all about how it's a disservice to my sons to not have them participate in traveling teams and perform in recitals. I've been told they will … [Read more...] about Family Dinner Time Above All

Tags: cook, family, food, parenting, thankful, values

10 Ways Having a Tween is Like Having a Toddler

Ilinap · October 8, 2014 ·

Spontaneous combustion is highly possible, also known as a temper tantrum. There can be screaming and crying for (apparently) no reason. You still have to remind them to wash hands, brush teeth, and flush. At least one article of clothing is ruined on every play … [Read more...] about 10 Ways Having a Tween is Like Having a Toddler

Tags: children, kids, motherhood, parenting

My Son Wants to Be Kim Kardashian When He Grows Up

Ilinap · September 25, 2014 ·

My son asked me how Kim Kardashian got rich and famous. I didn't really know what to say. The answer is both simple and complex. She has a raging mom who pushed her daughters into the limelight. The family searches to overcompensate for some sort of emotional cocktail of … [Read more...] about My Son Wants to Be Kim Kardashian When He Grows Up

Tags: America, parenting, pop culture

Mom Counterpart – 15 Things I Wish My Middle Schooler Knew

Ilinap · September 20, 2014 ·

I just turned 46. I was 10 years old when I started middle school. Those middle school years still taunt, tug, and tease me. I was a runt. I was smart, shy, and socially awkward. Oh, so awkward. Lord, I shudder at the thought of it. I was the ugly duckling who didn't think her … [Read more...] about Mom Counterpart – 15 Things I Wish My Middle Schooler Knew

Tags: Bird, children, motherhood, parenting, school

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Progressive, mom, writer, reader, traveler. Believe in good manners, home cooking, spending $ on experiences, not things, Oxford comma. ENFJ.

There are certain shades of limelight that can wreck a girl's complexion. - Holly Golightly
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