On Raising a Doctor

“I saw someone die today, Mom,” my daughter told me on the phone, her voice four octaves higher than normal, like she’d been sucking on helium. “Where are you?” I heard street noise in the background. “I’m on the 101. I’m driving home from the hospital.” Again, her voice was...off—too high, too cheery. “I saw … Continue reading On Raising a Doctor

Raising Kids without Religion

My husband and I raised our children without religion. We gave them no religious identity (as in claiming to be Christian or Jewish because of our parentage). We are both devout atheists, and I use the term devout with purpose. We don’t believe in a higher power, or any gods, or even the possibility of one. We are … Continue reading Raising Kids without Religion

Empty-Nesting IRL

I’m no longer, and will never again be my kids’ demigod... I wanted kids for as long as I can remember. Have 2. Adopt 1. I was absolutely sure I could raise them better than my mom [and dad]. I’d give them ground instead of ripping it away with critical judgments. I’d show my love … Continue reading Empty-Nesting IRL

Jobless America

https://open.spotify.com/episode/3twfyST4SJL8zsLJ3kD6uO?si=ZHdYwRM3RJ2CJCQo3pwy9w Took a family vacation to Yellowstone last summer. After a day of exploring the spectacular park, we ate dinner at Canyon Village, a sprawling commercial development in the mist of the natural wonders. The kids wanted some souvenirs so we stopped in the gift shop before eating. The clerk at check-out was a kid, … Continue reading Jobless America