Category Advice

It’s Mine!

​What parent hasn’t heard those words?  A red-faced child plants both feet firmly, sticks out the lower lip, and what can charitably be called a “hissy fit” erupts.  Ownership is at stake! As children we are not natural givers.  We…

Becoming a Good Dad

Dr. Mike Dawson has been the Chief Learning Officer for Springfield Public Schools since 2015. He is also married to Dr. Wendy Dawson and the father of three great kids: Emma (17), Jack (13), and Christian (11). “Each,” he says,…

The Annual Christmas Crisis: Part 2

“Why can’t you just help out with the wrapping?  I did everything else.” “I don’t know why you have such a bad attitude about helping with the Christmas tree. This could be fun, if you weren’t acting like a big…

It Happened “On Accident”

​Betty Clendening was a force to be reckoned with and our son was experiencing the full extent of her indignation. The two of them stood in front of my desk – Mrs. Clendening with her hands on her hips, Andrew…