Dear Kid,

I can sleep all the time because I don't have a cell phone or reality TV. DearKidLoveMom.comWe have a new season of Project Runway (I know this is meaningful in your life). I can’t say I’m completely addicted (I won’t bodily harm someone for interrupting the show) but I am enjoying.

The secret recipe for reality TV is simple. Take a bunch of (high strung) outspoken individuals from diverse backgrounds, throw them in close quarters, add a hefty dose of stress, season with a time-based challenge (preferably one that deprives them of sufficient sleep), and wait to see how people react. Roll camera.

Real life works similarly (but without the cameras). We’re often under stress. We’re often handed challenges and not given sufficient time or resources to figure things out. We’re judged partly on our results and partly on our poise, grace, and professionalism throughout.

While we (generally) can’t control time frame (you want it when?) or resources (you want me to build it with three toothpicks and a roll of Scotch tape? Really?), we can control our attitude (can do!) and our behavior.

Whether the cameras are recording every snarky comment or not, how you act makes a difference.

Love, Mom