The Cool Mom

I'm pleased to report that despite the sweltering heat blanketing much of the nation, my oldest son's friends have decided that I am a "cool" mom. Who among us doesn't want to be the cool parent? It's not because I let them party or otherwise do inappropriate stuff at my house. I think it's because a) I always have good food around and welcome them to serve themselves (which they do!), b) because I let them know how much I appreciate it when they clean up after themselves, and c) because I talk to them, find out what they're interested in but don't try to be their friend, just an interested adult.

With all of the work and struggle that goes into parenting, these brief moments when you get kudos from your kids make it all feel good.

So stay cool, and choose happy.