Parenting

We’re All Lousy Parents. The Trick Is To Not Suck Too Much

March 25, 2013 Parenting

I’ve had conversations with other parents recently that highlight a fear we all share: Despite our best efforts, we’ll scar our children anyway. Mood music:  Don’t Tell Me [What Love Can Do]Van HalenBalance Most of us can point to examples of things our parents did to scar us for life, and we’re horrified to find [...]

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Why I Skipped #ShmooCon — Again

February 16, 2013 Family

Like last year, a lot of people have asked me why I’m not at the ShmooCon security conference in Washington D.C. After all, it is one of my favorite events. Mood music:  Stay FrostyVan HalenA Different Kind Of Truth Simply put, it’s too close to the RSA Security Conference in San Francisco the week after [...]

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It’s All Fun and Games Till Someone Breaks an Elbow

June 25, 2012 Parenting

Duncan is sporting a pink cast on his right arm again, the result of a tumble off my bed last week. He was horsing around with Sean and took a spill over the side, landing on his elbow and fracturing it. Mood music:  Them BonesAlice In ChainsDirt Duncan went flying when Sean put up his [...]

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Your Hollow “Personal Responsibility” Argument

June 18, 2012 Parenting

I agree we shouldn’t count on government institutions to take care of us, that we need to take personal responsibility for our lives. But sometimes people use that as an excuse not to right wrongs. Take the case of the Methuen, Mass., student with a nut allergy. Mood music:  You Must Be BlindBlack Label SocietyMafia My [...]

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Fatherhood Saved Ozzy, Eddie & Me

May 4, 2012 Addiction

Yesterday I watched the “God Bless Ozzy Osbourne” documentary, which focused heavily on how his addictions maimed him and his family over four decades. Though my addictive behavior pales by comparison, it still struck a chord. Mood music:  DreamerOzzy OsbourneThe Essential Ozzy Osbourne What hit me deepest is how Ozzy finally decided to get real [...]

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For A Girl Recently Diagnosed With Crohn’s Disease

May 3, 2012 Children's issues

The daughter of close friends just found out she has Crohn’s Disease. She’s suffering a lot right now, and I know exactly what she’s going through. This post is for her. Mood music:  The Way It IsTeslaThe Great Radio Controversy Hello, my young friend. I’m sorry that you’re hurting so much right now. I was [...]

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Strong Too Long, Or Weak Too Often?

April 23, 2012 Addiction

There’s a saying on Facebook that depression isn’t a sign of weakness, but simply the result of being strong for too long. Somewhat true — though weakness does feed the beast. Mood music: I’m feeling it this morning. I’ve always taken a certain level of satisfaction from my ability to stay standing in the face [...]

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The Wit And Wisdom Of Sean Brenner

April 21, 2012 Children's issues

Today is Sean’s 11th birthday, and we’re all very proud of him. In honor of this special day, I share with you some of my favorite Sean-isms. Mood music: –Heard in the bathroom: Sean singing to no one in particular, “Your butt’s too big to be real…” –Me: “I missed you Sean. I love you.” [...]

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Small Victories

April 15, 2012 Coping tools

Duncan and I took my father on a little walk around Deer Island yesterday. Dad still struggles from the stroke he had last year, but days like yesterday I admire his fighting spirit. Mood music: I’ve been reluctant to take him on long walks, mainly because I don’t want him taking a nasty spill on [...]

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When ‘Helicopter Parents’ Get Easter Egg On Their Faces

March 26, 2012 Children's issues

When I see something like this news story about a cancelled Easter egg hunt in Colorado, I have to wonder what we parents are doing to our kids. Mood music: According to the article from The Associated Press, “Organizers of an annual Easter egg hunt attended by hundreds of children have canceled this year’s event, [...]

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