girls will be girls :: Elizabeth McGuire

First Days

Posted on August 25, 2014 by ewm | 9 Comments

Today my oldest child started middle school and my youngest started kindergarten. Go ahead and ask me how I’m doing. If you were here in person you wouldn’t have to ask because my red, blotchy eyes say it all. My middle child, however, is earning Golden Boy status because the only mama drama he has generated lately are tears of…

The Club pt. 2

Posted on August 15, 2014 by ewm | 4 Comments

A few months ago I wrote about the book club I share with my 11-year-old daughter and the countless gifts it has given back to both of us. The club keeps my daughter connected to friends who share her passion for stories, and it keeps me connected to my child and a wonderful group of tweens. Since the essay ran,…

The club

Posted on April 30, 2014 by ewm | 27 Comments

When I originally offered to help with my daughter’s first book club, it was as a simple show of support for my 7-year-old bookworm. Flash forward 4 years and nearly 50 books later, the club has become one of the most valuable volunteer gigs of my parenting career. Our group was started in 2nd grade by a friend whose…

The I.O.U.

Posted on February 28, 2014 by ewm | 2 Comments

“Mom, I love you. And I’m sorry if I’m being annoying right now.” Actually, you’re not being annoying at all. “Well then I will apologize for the future times when I’m annoying because usually when that happens I don’t much feel like apologizing.” * * * Need more zen in your life? Subscribe here! And if you were a subscriber…

Anatomy of a milestone

Posted on December 17, 2013 by ewm | 6 Comments

The intern

Posted on October 16, 2013 by ewm | 12 Comments

Overheard at the office… Mom, I’d like to discuss my terms and conditions. Meaning…? Meaning even though I’m an exceptional daughter, I’m doing this for extra money. $5 an hour. Mostly filing, sorting, labeling, that sort of thing. What about sick days and vacation? You’re a freelancer, sweetheart. Dang. * * *

Unscientific Method

Posted on January 28, 2013 by ewm | 5 Comments

Problem: Is it possible for parents to help their child with her first Science Fair project without having a nervous breakdown? Hypothesis: No. Considering the combined parental baggage of perfectionism, overly optimistic time management skills, three kids, two jobs, and various other non-optional duties such as grocery shopping and showering. Procedure: Start early! Make a plan! Buy adorable radish seeds…

Thank you?

Posted on December 11, 2012 by ewm | 12 Comments

Mom! I love that new shirt! Thanks, sweetie. You know Mom, I love how you dress. And I love that you aren’t too pretty to be a Mom. I mean, all frou-frou and what not. Your style is…what’s the word I’m looking for? Cool? No, that’s not it. Give me a minute…

I mean, seriously

Posted on November 17, 2012 by ewm | 7 Comments

Things that are “RIDICULOUS” to a precocious 10-year-old girl: • Dad standing outside the shower telling me to hurry up. I am hurrying! • Every single boy in the 4th grade. Except maybe two of them. • In that Backyardigans episode my little brother watches, the Olympians are playing basketball when the sport wasn’t even INVENTED until like the 1890’s…

10 Truths About Hosting Your Daughter’s First Slumber Party

Posted on October 6, 2012 by ewm | 14 Comments

1. If tears are not shed the week before the party, you aren’t trying hard enough. If your daughter is old enough for a slumber party, you are experienced enough to know the emotional build-up to any birthday is a tragic, unavoidable reality. This is particularly true for monumental celebrations (Hello, remember your 40th?) and especially brutal when a party…