Secrets From the Parenting Trenches

Raising two little boys to develop into responsible, generous, and kind young men is a daily work in progress. Let me share some secrets I’ve learned in the past eight years.

by Christa Melnyk Hines

Sitting in a bathroom in the middle of the night with the shower running to create steam helps a baby suffering with croup. The steam is also a great way to get a 3 a.m. facial.

Boo-boos don’t hurt as much when you stick an Avengers Band-Aid on them.

A parenting strategy that works with one child might not work with another.  

Teaching kids to say please and thank you matters.

Keep your favorite photo of your child nearby to remind you of his inherent sweetness, especially when his behavior is driving you a little crazy.

You may have to ask for your meal to go sometimes, but taking children to family restaurants helps them learn social graces and boundaries in public places.  

Going outside for fresh air while your spouse takes over the bedtime routine is a sanity saver on rough days.

A glass of wine works, too.

And chocolate. Dark. For your heart.

You’ll discover which of your children has the worst gag reflex when your new puppy gets really sick in his crate.