Parenting Advice from The Sopranos?
by Mari Walker on
I was a high school senior when The Sopranos debuted 20 years ago. I lived in the middle of nowhere, Oklahoma, and didn’t have basic cable let alone access to HBO to see the cultural juggernaut as it was airing for the first time. ... Read full article
Daniel Tiger, Where Have You Gone?
by Mari Walker on
I don’t mean to alarm you, but have you checked Amazon Prime lately? All but the first two seasons of Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood (DT) are no longer available with your membership. Cue the preschool crew sobs!... Read full article
Suit Up, Mama!
by Mari Walker on
You’ll never consider my body bikini-ready or beach-worthy. I’ve never had six-pack abs or been a small person, even in my younger, pre-kid days. I have a soft, squishy tummy; big, strong thighs; big everything.... Read full article
My Dream Role: Being the “Yes” Mom
by Mari Walker on
Once upon a time, in a life not so long ago, I got a chance to play the role of a lifetime: the “yes” Mom.... Read full article
Oh Snap! Preserving Childhood Memories with a Weekly Email
by Mari Walker on
My husband and I have a running joke that I have a Swiss cheese memory–nothing dangerous, but I don’t retain things the way he does, including some memories of life events. It doesn’t take much to jog my memory, and of course, plenty of less-than-des... Read full article
My Heart Walks Around Without Me: A Girl Scout Camp Experience
by Mari Walker on
Parenting through the elementary years seems to be a gradual release, letting go of the demands (and some of the rewards) of mothering small children. Part of me welcomes the release, and I want nothing more for my daughters than to soar into fulfill... Read full article
A Christmas We Didn’t Expect Might Be the One We Need
by Mari Walker on
2020 has been a year we didn’t expect, so a Christmas that looks different will fit right in. In this upside down season in an upside down time, some of the Walker family’s holiday traditions can remain intact. I’m not entirely bah-humbug and am look... Read full article
Raising Readers One Book at a Time
by Mari Walker on
A recent Baby Center email for my seven year old (yes, I still open them to read about her development!) had the headline, “How to Encourage Reading.” I laughed and read along, knowing the advice doesn’t apply to me just now.... Read full article
Halfway Thru Her Childhood
by Mari Walker on
Nine years ago, my baby girl came bursting into the world, sliced out of me in inelegant fashion. Her first moments included pooping on the doctor, craning her strong neck around the room, and in general, seeming ready to take on the world. This girl... Read full article
Disney Rookies: Should We Book a Trip?
by Mari Walker on
Second graders are prone to hyperbole, or at least mine seems to be. However, she may be pretty close in thinking everyone but her has been to Disney World. Of course, I know that can’t possibly be true, but I do feel the allure of the magic mouse an... Read full article