Tag: family

  • Morning Ritual: Still Not Funny, Dad

    Mornings during the school year were something of a production for me. I wasn’t exactly a morning curmudgeon, but I wouldn’t have called myself a ray of sunshine either.  My brain tended to boot up about ten minutes before my alarm—though, truth be told, it was never really off. At night, it just gave me…

  • “What’s in a Name?” A Late Show Monologue for the Mispronounced, the Well-Meaning, and the Forever Traviesos

    You ever notice how the first day of school feels like the opening scene of a courtroom drama? The teacher walks in with the roster, everyone’s watching, and the tension is thick. And it’s all fun and games until they pause. Squint. Tilt their head. Take a long sip of coffee like it’ll give them…

  • Built By Hand

    Built By Hand

    There’s something to be said about working with your hands. The whole DIY thing—patching a leaky faucet, sanding down a splintered door, fixing the fence before it falls over—doesn’t get the credit it used to. These skills were once passed down like family recipes or last names. Now they’re slipping away, replaced by apps, services,…

  • Echoes of Our Heritage

    Echoes of Our Heritage

    Some of my favorite memories aren’t found on big stages or at fancy events. They’re in backyards — folding chairs circling around a grill, kids chasing each other barefoot on the grass, elders sitting in the shade telling stories that we’ve all heard a hundred times and still love to hear again. It’s in these…

  • Start with the Right Question: A Reflection on School Discipline and Parental Support

    It’s never easy getting called into school because of your child’s behavior. As a parent, it can feel frustrating, embarrassing, or even unfair. But in those moments, the most powerful and productive question a parent can ask is: “What can I do to help correct my child’s behavior or misconduct?” Unfortunately, that’s not always where…