Dear Kid,

Do you ever read Seth Godin’s blog? I don’t read it all the time (sorry Seth), but when I do read it, I tend to agree with him.

Earlier this week, Seth posted a blog on saying “No.” (Here’s the link.)
Not the Nancy Reagan “Just Say No” kind of “No” and not the “I don’t care for any more kale, thank you” kind of “No”—although come to think of it, he probably mean those kinds of “no” too.

Seth was talking about not doing things that you won’t be proud of in the long run.

My favorite line (it will not surprise you) is If you need to hide it from your mom, reconsider.

The Mom-Test is an excellent way to weigh your actions.

Because if you need to hide something from your mom, chances are you aren’t too proud of it.

And if you’re not too proud of something, perhaps you shouldn’t have done. Or do it.

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

Once again it is Taking You Back To School Day, and once again I am conflicted.

Most of me is so proud of everything you’re doing in college. You are turning out to be an incredible person and a wonderful man.

A part of me is sad that you’re leaving. We never seem to have you home long enough. As I tweeted the other day, Fact: it is a wonderful thing when you genuinely like your kids. And we genuinely like you and enjoy having you around. We miss you when you’re gone (not so much the part where you torture your sister, but still).

An even smaller part of me just wants to grab another cup of coffee and hide under a blanket pretending today isn’t happening. Can’t say I’m particularly proud of that part of me, but it’s there.

Have a great semester, kiddo. We love you very much.

Love, Mom

Dear Kid,

Sometimes I just assume you know I love you.

I’m pretty sure you know. But it’s important to say so every now and then.

Today I’m saying it out loud. (If you’re ok considering “in print” to mean “out loud”.)

I love you, kiddo.

And I’m proud of you.

And I am very lucky to be your mom.

(This is the part where you hug me.)

Love, Mom