1st World Problems

 How much of parenting is just trying to get ahead of the problem? Every time I think we have a handle on what is going on in the world, some new chaos arises and we are in information mode again.  I have always been open with my kids no matter the issue, and I have shared my opinion and encouraged them to have and share their own. A healthy discussion with differing viewpoints where no one gets angry is always the goal. As the issues seemingly become more personal and hot button-type topics, the discussions and information that is talked about and the research done into why it matters and how it matters is getting to be more frequent.  There are certain benefits to living this close to America. In the past, it was good to know that they would protect and help us should something go sideways war-wise. It was good to have them as our main trade partner. We have the longest demilitarized border in the world with our southern neighbors, and that is something that we should b...

 Let's talk about misconceptions.  Today (the day I am writing this) is May 5th. You may know it also as Cinco De Mayo.  Until my kids went to Spanish bilingual schools I thought this day was meant to be filled with tacos and margaritas. Any reason to have tacos and margaritas is ok by me. And to be truthful, I didn't really do any research into what the day meant. I just bought into the general thought that it was simply what it seemed to be on a superficial level.  When they hit school and started learning about the histories of different countries and what days are important to them, we hit the truth about May 5th.  On May 5th, 1862, a group of vastly outnumbered (and under-armed) Mexican soldiers fought and beat a force of French soldiers at the Battle of Puebla. Outside of the city of Puebla, most of Mexico barely recognizes this day. Eventually, this day gained relevance in other places, and instead of a day to recognize a wartime victory, it has become a ...