Posted by  April O'Rourke, Lakeland, FL on 08/11  at  11:05 PM

I sometime wonder why everyone is always saying let go of the dreaded housework.  I am a single mother of two small girls Sabrina (5) and Courtney (2). My house is never what you would call a wreck and I don’t seem to have any problem keeping it picked up.  In fact my girls keep their room clean and happen to know that it is just expected of them.  I lead by example and knowing that I clean up after myself they seem to follow suit.  I don’t stay up extremely late or get up extremely early in order for this all to take place. My children are very routine oriented and expect their day to take shape in an average way.  If the example is to just let it go until tomorrow, what really are we teaching our children other than procrastination.

Posted by  venetta bingham colson, palm harbor, florida on 05/10  at  10:51 AM

I was Super Mom to my two children, Julian and Stephanie, who now are 28 and 24 respectively.  I learned multi tasking when there wasn’t even such a word.  You have to let go of that dreaded house keeping.  There will be plenty of time to do that later.  Just love your kids, enjoy them, and use your time with them as your relaxation.  They grow up very fast and if you take my advise of love, enjoy and relax, they will always stay close to you and be the sunshine of your day.

Happy Mother’s Day

Posted by  SHERYL MOWATT, RIVERVIEW, FL on 04/12  at  09:19 AM

HI FRAN:
I RECENTLY MOVED FROM NYC IN OCTOBER OF LAST YEAR, AND I AM ADJUSTING. I HAVE NOTICED THE SAME ISSUES, BUT MY HUSBAND WAS IN A SITUATION LIKE THAT IN NY, SO YOU MIGHT FACE THIS ANYWHERE YOU GO. I AM ENJOYING IT,TAMPA THAT IS, AND THE REASON FOR US MOVING TO TAMPA IS BECAUSE OF OUR CHILDREN. SO, IF I WAS YOU I WOULD NOT LET THAT STOP ME FROM DOING WHAT I REALLY WANT TO DO.

Posted by  Fran Henry, NYC on 03/19  at  03:03 PM

Hi Clarisa:
My family is relocating to Tampa from NYC. We are first time parents and at the risk of sounding cliched, want a better life for our son. Recently we visited Tampa and decided to stop for breakfast at a restaurant. On approaching our table, this dad was having breakfast with his 4 year old daughter, When she saw us she blurted out “look at the BLACK baby daddy”. I know that that one incident should not overshadow my outlook of Tampa and its residents but it has. Clearly we as parents must know that our prejudicies, biases are manifested in our children and we must teach them to be more accepting of others regardless of race. I am trying to think positively and am hoping that this incident is an isolated one.