Real Advice. Real Life.

Straight-talk advice on marriage, parenting, work and the everyday crossroads of life. From a longtime wife, mom, and marketing VP who’s been there. Welcome.

Category: Parenting

  • I haven’t eaten a lot of my lunch. Does that mean I haven’t spoiled my dinner? The 4 y.o.

  • On Earth Day

    The 4 y.o.: I don’t like the books you got me on Earth Day. They’re all green. Plants. Trees. Grass. I hate green. The Mom: Why don’t you like green?…

  • On G-men

    The 12 y.o.: Mom! There’s a large black SUV parked across the street next door. And now a guy in a suit and sunglasses is taking pictures. I think he’s…

  • Which one is R2D2? Who’s the guy in black? What do the red robes want to do with the robots? Why does Luke need a robot? Is he going to…

  • On Classical Music

    The Mom: It’s called “Morning” and it was composed by Edvard Grieg as incidental music for the Ibsen play Peer Gynt. Isn’t it pretty? It always reminds me of spring.…

  • On Career Options

    The Mom: What do you want to be when you grow up? The 4 y.o.: I don’t know. It’s so hard. I’m so good at SO many things. Hmmm. I…

  • I want a volcano alarm clock so when it goes off with a huge BANG, everyone wakes up! The 4 y.o.

  • Menu Plan for the Week of 4/17 to 4/23

    Sunday 4/17 B/ Scrambled Eggs, Whole Wheat Toast L/ Pasta w Ham in Cheese Sauce; Haricot Vert S/ Trail Mix D/ Sweet & Sour Meatballs; Corn/Asparagus Medley; Yellow Rice  …

  • On Flying

    The 4 y.o.: Mommy, I’ve never been on an airplane ride. The Mom: Oh my goodness – you’re absolutely right. Well we have to do something about that. The 4…

  • On Ordering Birthday Cakes

    The 8 y.o.: I want a milk chocolate birthday cake. With white chocolate butter cream frosting. The Pastry Chef: What would you like on top of the cake? Is there…

Scarlett of Suburbia shares personal opinions and general life perspective for entertainment and informational purposes only. It is not professional, medical, psychological, legal, or financial advice, and no columnist-reader relationship is created by reading this site or sending a message. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified professional. Submissions may be published, edited for length or clarity, and shared anonymously.