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

  • On March Madness 2013

    The 14 y.o.: My homework? Well, I have to revise my poem for Honors English. Review the questions for The Raven. Um… My biology packet is done. And I have…

  • On Phone Calls with 6 Year Olds

    {Phone rings} The Mom: Hello? The 6 y.o.: Hello? The Mom: Hello? The 6 y.o.: Hello? The Mom: Hello! The 6 y.o.: Heeeyodelayheehooooo!!! The Mom: Is this you, Lil C?…

  • On Sibling Rivalry

    The Mom: Big C, YOU are the eldest sister. One day, hopefully a long, LONG time from now, daddy and I will be gone. The relationships you build today with…

  • On Scribblenauts

    The 6 y.o.: Mom? How do you spell ‘bear’? Like the animal, I mean. Not naked skin. The Mom: B-E-A-R. The 6 y.o.: Hmm. Mom? How do you spell ‘honey’?…

  • On Erudite Posters

    The 10 y.o.: I need to create a poster about a book I’ve read. I’m thinking about the Fablehaven series, but I’m afraid a lot of kids will do that…

  • On Coke

    The Mom: So thinking about the raw elements and supply chain to produce the Coke can, the sugar syrup and factories needed to make Coca-cola, then distribute it to stores around…

  • On Auditions

    The 14 y.o. {wailing}: But it’s NOT FAIR! My little sister gets a callback but I don’t? What kind of masochistic director does that to sisters? We’re just kids for…

  • On Parent-Teacher Conferences

    The 10 y.o.: Dad – I have a note you need to sign and return for parent-teacher conference in March. Apparently my teachers feel it is ‘appropriate’ at this time to meet…

  • On Pizza

    The 6 y.o.: I’m STARVING! What’s for dinner? Never mind. Whatever we’re having, I don’t like it. What’re we having? The Dad: I made Cottage Pie. The 6 y.o. {inflates…

  • On Inventing Things

    The 14 y.o.: I have a test tomorrow in world history on inventors. Guys like Galileo Gallelli, Rene Descartes, uh, Sir…Kevin Bacon. The Mom: Sir Francis Bacon? The 14 y.o.: Yeah. Him.…

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.