Role Mommy Confessions

My 2012 Bucket List Challenge

Happy New Year Role Mommies! Now that's it's 2012 I hereby declare this a year of getting things done. And that means, no matter how busy I am, I will not neglect this blog or you dear readers. So in order to stay true to you and me, I vow to post at least once a day on our site. Your daily dose of Role Mommy will come in many forms - essays, photos, videos and podcasts.

So what's on tap for today? Simple. Here's my 2012 bucket list filled with my plans, hopes and dreams for the year ahead. I'll be blogging about each of my bucket list items throughout the year so let's see if I reach my goals and if you have some bucket list ideas of your own, feel free to share!

1. LOSE 15 POUNDS - I can't say this enough times but this is the year that I slim down and fit into the rest of my wardrobe.

2. GET BACK TO SINGING - I don't know about you, but I am happiest when I'm performing. So in 2012, I plan to do more of it - even if it's challenging my kids on XBox to "Glee" and "Michael Jackson: The Experience." Seriously, though - here's to a more musical year for me.

3. TAKE DANCE LESSONS OR DO MY DANCE CLASSES AT MY GYM - I've been watching all those stars trim down on "Dancing with the Stars" and I am ready to do the same!

4. READ 12 GREAT BOOKS - One book a month - it's not that tough but it's going to be done and guess what Role Mommies...you are invited to join me! We'll be announcing our first book this week so get ready to read, discuss and be inspired.

5. GET PUBLISHED IN A TRADITIONAL WOMEN'S MAGAZINE - I say this every year, but this time, I really mean it. While I hate rejection, it's time to throw caution to the wind and finally land a story! Hey, you never know...one day it could turn into a column - dare to dream!

6. TRAVEL, TRAVEL, TRAVEL - My kids are at an age where they can truly appreciate the world around them. Here's to some great vacations in the year ahead that we can enjoy as a family and remember for life.

7. CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE, CELEBRATE - We've got my daughter's Bat Mitzvah, my parents' 50th wedding anniversary in 2012 so I'll be busy planning all the festivities. January is the month for invitations and flowers so I'll be back soon with a post about fabulous invites for tweens.

8. TAKE CARE OF MY HEALTH - I've already made all my doctor and dentist appointments for the year. I have to put my health first in order to make sure I am always there for my family.

9. SEE MY GIRLFRIENDS MORE - I am so ready for a few girls' night outs with my good friends. Sometimes, you have to take a break from your busy life in order to re-connect with the people who have been there for you in good times and bad.

10. SUPPORT OTHERS DREAMS WHILE ACHIEVING MY OWN - That's a tall order but I always manage to take my eyes off the prize but this time around, I'm going to be laser focused on making sure I do my best to help others while moving forward in my own life.

So there you have it. Do you have a bucket list for 2012? Let us know some of your hopes and dreams - you never know...we may be able to help you achieve them!

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions on 01/02/2012

Forgive me Readers, For I Had Blogger's Block

When I started out blogging several years ago, I never thought I'd be doing it for six years. Sharing stories, opinions about books, toys, strollers, you name it, but at the heart of it, I was excited to find out about new things and share them with my friends, the readers of this blog, fellow bloggers and perfect strangers. At the heart of it, I figured, I'm just an every day mom giving my honest opinion about topics in the news, movies I had just seen, books I had read and more. I created my blog to make people laugh and at times, to encourage them to try new things. At the heart of it, Role Mommy exists because it's a place for me to do what I love while raising a family.

The problem with blogging is sometimes, you have writers block and instead of posting something boring or lame, you decide to take a breather until inspiration strikes. That's what happened to me. I've been working full time now for about eight months while balancing Role Mommy and Project You and frankly it's been tough. I want to write, but I also want to read those books (just finished the biography of Steve Jobs btw, and it's a must read for any budding entrepreneur or dreamer), spend time with my family, veg out on the couch or just hang out with my cats - wait I can do that while I blog.

When you work a lot, sometimes the things you love most get neglected and for that dear readers, I am sorry. I promise not to do that again! If you're a writer and facing the same brick wall - you can't seem to think of what to write about each day, here's a personal challenge that I plan to try:

1. Tell one story a day: It could be a conversation you had with a close girlfriend; a holiday shopping find; a meal that you whipped up from scratch; a photo of your pet or your child doing something really silly. If you find the one nugget of your day that you think others will find interesting, funny or informative - then go for it. Even if your mom is the only one who reads it, at least you know you're capturing every day of your life in a way that is meaningful to you and possibly to many others.

So get ready to laugh again, be inspired and much more. Role Mommy is my passion, my outlet, my place to be me, so hope you enjoy what we've got in store for you in 2012 and if you have a story to share, please do - we'd love to hear from you!

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions, TV on 12/31/2011

Jason Lee Chats with Role Mommy

Rolemommy sat down with Jason Lee reprising his role as Dave, father to the Chipmunks and Chipettes in ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED opening in theaters this Friday, December 16th to discuss weight loss, filming and giving your kids a little space.....

RM We really enjoyed the movie, how did you feel about Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked? Was it different than the others?

Jason reveals "This one, I think it's the best one personally. I think it's very focused. It's sharp. It's tight. I think Mike Mitchell did a great job as a director. Certainly I had the most fun. The second one, Alvin and the Chipmunks The Squeakquel, I could only do a little bit in the movie. The first one, Alvin and the Chipmunks, was great. Now, the relationships are solid with the boys and Dave and everything's just kind of tight and in. And it's been years of doing this now, so everything just worked for this third one, I think, in a slightly elevated way."

RM Do your children ever ask you where the chipmunks are, or do they have any issue with that illusion?
Since Jason's son is now 7 years old but in the past he didn't want to ruin the magic of moviemaking, "When I was filming the first one, Alvin and the Chipmunks, my son very much thought they were real and so I tried to keep him away from the set. But, the couple of times that he did come to the set, I would have to say, "Oh, the chipmunks are on a break," or "They've gone back to the hotel or something to get massages." Well, now he knows it's all computer. My daughter (age 3) probably doesn't care one way or the other."

RM: When you did the first one, Alvin and the Chipmunks, did you envision that you'd end up doing three, or did you have any idea?

Jason was honest, "No. No, because some movies work and some don't. You really never know. And then, the second one and then they said there would be a third one, and there probably will be a fourth one, I think."

RM: Do people ask you to do the, "Alvin?" They do but does he oblige?
Jason laughed, "I do. Yes. It's strange, because it's just me yelling Alvin. It's not like Homer Simpson. The guy who plays Homer's voice, who puts on the voice. It's just me yelling Alvin, right? It's certainly really adorable when the kids recognize me on the street and say, "Are you Dave?"

RM: Without sounding insulting, we asked Jason if he lost a lot of weight when you were in Up All Night. Did he just grow or does he have some sort of new routine?
Not insulted at all (Phew!), Jason let us in on his little secret, "Yes, I changed my lifestyle. I gave up a lot of things and started exercising. I used to smoke cigarettes and, we all like our wine and beer and things like that. I gave all that up and I just got on a very strict diet and started exercising, cycling and running. And I dropped about 35 pounds. Just trying to be a little bit more fit and healthy. I'm 41 now and I have kids and I want to keep working. And I like being able to be fit enough to be diverse as an actor."

RM: With your year old, how much room do you give him?

Jason reveals, "I think the greatest success I've had as a parent is treating my kids like they're my friends, in that I kind of look at it like they're just like us but smaller, and they have points of view, feelings, opinions. They have things to say. They get upset and frustrated just like we do when things don't go our way. My son is very mature for his age and he's very much his own little dude. And he comes to me and says, "Dad, I'm having a hard time with this." And I say, "Okay. Well, let's talk about it." I think if you open up dialog with your kids it does enormous things versus sort of just treating them as kids. And all of those weird things that have trickled over from generation to generation from my mom's era, which was kids are to be seen and not heard, all that weird stuff that still has trickled over into this generation even. I try to do everything but that. And as a result, we feel like we're a part of a family, a group. And it's not like we're up here and the kids are down here. And it's done a lot for their character, absolutely.

Well we think that Jason Lee did a great job once again as Dave Seville in ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED opening in theaters this Friday, December 16th. It's rated G and fun for the whole family! For a sneak peak, check out the trailer below...

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions, Role Mommy Movies, TV on 12/13/2011

42 Things to Do When You're 42

In my ongoing quest to do what I love despite work, family commitments and not enough hours in the day, I've decided to come up with 42 things I'd like to accomplish over the next year.

1. Take my mom to Spain for an unforgettable birthday celebration....Check! We're heading off in a few days and can't wait to spend time with my amazing mother.
2. Lose 15 pounds - no this time, I really mean it.
3. Get back to singing more than just once a year.
4. Play tennis with my husband on a regular basis.
5. Take my son away on a special trip.
6. Plan my daughter's Bat Mitzvah and not get stressed out along the way.
7. Girlfriend retreat with my closest friends.
8. Get published in one women's magazine.
9. Put the gadgetry away when I come home from work.
10. Tell my husband and kids that I love them very much - even though they sometimes drive me nuts.
11. Read at least 10 great books.
12. Go to at least 5 movies by myself.
13. Take my husband to see the Book of Mormon
14. Plan to return to Jake's Resort in Treasure Beach, Jamaica
15. Plan a mediterranean cruise for my entire family to take place in the next two years.
16. Re-connect with old friends.
17. Call my old friends more often.
18. Don't let work stress get to me.
19. Learn yoga and clear my head for once.
20. No more Diet Soda!
21. No more splenda!
22. Enjoy drinking water
23. Attempt to jog 1 mile on a treadmill
24. Attempt to jog 1 mile on a road
25. Take dancing lessons with my husband.
26. Get back into fitness classes at my gym
27. Throw one dinner party where I actually cook and don't cater in.
28. Be comfortable wearing a bathing suit this year.
29. Bat Mitzvah Botox...or Knee Fat Lipo - that is the question?
30. Finally learn how to ski.
31. Travel more with my family - travel less without my family.
32. Surround myself with positive people and purge the pessimists once and for all!
33. Be candid with people who truly piss you off.
34. Pay it forward to givers.
35. Stay away from takers.
36. Volunteer my time to causes I feel truly passionate about.
37. Encourage my kids to give back to the community.
38. Smile more, stress less.
39. Do what I love, love what I do.
40. Convince loved ones in my life to take a leap of faith and do what they love too.
41. Be a cheerleader for those individuals who are truly making a difference in this world.
42. Write about what I love.

So there you have it. Here's hoping I can stick to my birthday list. Have any things you'd like to accomplish this year? Feel free to share!

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions, Role Mommy Recommends on 10/23/2011

Good Grades or Good Manners?

This week, I attended an incredibly eye opening event hosted by NBC Universal called "Power of the Purse." The brunch, which took place during advertising week in New York City was targeted to moms and featured one of my favorite Role Mommies of all time...Sarah Jessica Parker. SJP was on hand to react to findings of a new study about what is truly weighing on the minds of today's busy moms.

While the survey shared many important results - including the fact that moms want to be accurately portrayed in the media and feel we're not or that fathers secretly long to switch roles and become stay at home dads, the statistic that struck me most was the fact that 77% of moms surveyed said they'd rather have a kid with good manners over one with good grades. Even SJP has this to say about her own son, James Wilke:

Untitled from beth Feldman on Vimeo.

As someone who went through life striving to achieve good grades while having good manners along the way, I have to admit that as a mom, I have witnessed embarrassing behavior from my own kids and from other children too. When either of my kids do something that is inappropriate or rude, we call them out, make them apologize, or take something away from them so that they know we're not going to stand for that behavior. However, most moms I've seen simply cave in so that they don't have to deal with their kids' despicable behavior.

Just last week, I was waiting for my daughter to get a haircut, as a woman walked inside with her three children. The kids' ages ranged from 3-6 years old and as I sat trying to read a magazine, the whine factor was driving me nuts.

"Mommy, why can't I get something? I never get anything," wailed a three year old boy.

"What do you mean sweetheart? We just came from the supermarket and I bought lettuce and bananas and all kinds of good things for you and your sisters," his mother responded.

"But you never get me anything!" He wailed louder and then burst into tears.

Never get you anything? For Pete's sake, you were in the supermarket with your mother. Every time you step into a store doesn't mean you're supposed to get something!

Fast forward to another incident when a mother confided that she didn't want to take her daughter with her to an important event because she knew she would just be annoying, would complain about being there and frankly, she just didn't want to deal with her attitude.

Seriously?

Now don't get me wrong. I've been in those situations when my 12 year old doesn't want to spend time with us, but at the end of the day, we still make her go. And you know what? When she does, she actually has had a pretty good time. The more we cave into our kids' demands, the more we are going to find that we are truly raising little monsters. Entitled kids who tell us to jump and we bow to their every demand and ask, "How high?"

Frankly, I don't want to play that game anymore. I want my kids to do the right thing. To respect others. To look out for one another and to stand up for those who aren't being treated right. But the more that parents continue to put up with the whining, the demands and complaints without sending them to their room to reflect on their deplorable behavior, the more that behavior will only get worse. Fast forward just one decade and watch what is currently unfolding in the workforce.

If you've been working for more than two decades like me, I'm sure you've begun to notice that there's an entire generation of college grads today who have some of the worst manners I have ever experienced. Raised with a sense that they could do no wrong, many of today's millenials continually question authority or blatantly tell their bosses that they don't agree with the direction they've been given. Sure, we've had years of experience under our belts, but in the eyes of many kids who came of age in the world of Mark Zuckerberg, we are dinosaurs who have no clue. Frankly, many of these kids have bad manners who are singlehandedly taking down successful businesses with their laissez faire attitudes. If they don't like a job, they quit within a matter of months. If they don't agree with their boss, they will argue until they think they've been heard. And if they believe they have been treated poorly, they will gossip and complain to anyone who will listen.

I don't know about you, but frankly, I don't want to raise a child who disrespects authority, has no regard for others and is so ego driven that they never look out for anyone but themselves. I want my kids to get those good grades, but more importantly, I want to raise my children just like Sarah Jessica Parker - I want them to be good citizens.

I do have to say that this year, I had a really nice conversation with one of my son's teachers. We were at "Meet the Teacher" night and it just so happened that my daughter had the same teacher just three years ago. I remember her being lovely and supportive and my daughter truly enjoyed being a student in her class. As we gave one another a hug, she said something that truly made me smile.

"I don't know what you're doing Mrs. Feldman, but all I can say is keep doing it. You're children are such nice kids. It's truly a pleasure to have them in my class."

Now if that's not an instant A, I don't know what is.

Posted in: Blogger Buzz, Role Mommy Confessions, Undercover Mom on 10/08/2011

Why My Butt Gets Bigger During Baseball Season

Once upon a time I went to the gym. I roller bladed. I took hip hop classes. I even went to weekly Weight Watcher meetings. That was before baseball. You see B.B. (before baseball) or B.S. (before softball), I had at least six hours in the day to do the things I wanted to accomplish on a weekend. From hitting the gym, to getting a mani/pedi to food shopping (yes, I'm one of those people who happens to like to skip out on my family as I peruse the aisles of our local supermarket), I had the world at my feet. And then my kids took up team sports. And life as I knew it was never the same.

Now, every weekend is like ground hogs day. I wake up to find out if I'm going to get a few more hours on my side only to learn that my daughter has a double header in Hastings while my son has to be somewhere about 10 miles away at the same time. I can honestly write a word problem about our weekend ball game travails:

If you have two children and one has a baseball game at 11am and the other has a game at noon but must be at the ball field for practice at 11:30am, how do you make it to both fields to watch them play? Answer: You don't.

So back to my butt. Ever since my kids have been playing ball, I head to the bleachers and plant my buns there for hours at a time as I yap away with moms. As I unconsciously start snacking on my son's cheetohs, or polish off the rest of the Mister Softie cone that my daughter doesn't feel like finishing, the damage done to my posterior during fall ball is quite embarrassing to say the least.

Sure, I start out every year thinking this will be the season I make an effort to lose at least 10 pounds and then I just don't. I mean, how can you when you spend half the day on the bleachers, then the other half running to another ball field, picking up lunch or snacks for someone, eating those snacks and then collapsing in a heap after you've been out baking in the sun?

I guess I need to get motivated and start doing some clenching exercises while I'm on the bench. Or better yet, maybe I should ride my bike to the field and tell the kids to carpool with someone else. Either way, I will not let my butt be held hostage by youth baseball. It's time to take a stand. Or better yet, just stand up and stretch.

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions on 09/16/2011

Hoochie Mama

As the parent of a tween who is thisclose to becoming a teenager, I have to say, I am afraid. You see, my daughter, who inherited an incredible figure from my sister-in-law is about to experience her first ever Bat Mitzvah party without us. Her official rite of passage begins this evening when she heads out to a camp friend's party on Long Island to dance the night away with her friends.

I guess I should be thrilled that she's growing up and getting the chance to assert her independence. But that means that the faster she matures, the more I have to worry about what she plans to wear when she's out on the town without us.

Case in point. At tonight's special event, she selected a fitted one shoulder purple mini dress that looks amazing but is incredibly sexy. And at 12, I really don't want her giving off that impression to boys or to their parents who always cast a disparaging eye at the child that's dressed a little too provocatively for her age. I'm not saying that the outfit is trashy - it's actually really pretty but it definitely makes her look incredibly mature and as a conservative dresser, it totally takes me out of my own comfort zone with my child.

My daughter happens to share the same taste as her grandmother, whose favorite store is Cache and completely supports her decision to slip on a sexy outfit and show everyone what a knockout she is. The only problem is - I don't want my 12 year old being a knockout or hoochie mama just yet. I want her to be 12.

Thankfully, I did manage to convince her to wear a wrap with her sexy dress and even purchased a more conservative outfit for the parties she'll be attending in our neighborhood. I know I can't necessarily lay down the law and tell her she can't wear something because she looks too good in it but as her mom, I do have to look out for her safety and for her reputation. She's a great kid - but sometimes a sexy outfit could cause more trouble than its worth. Perhaps I'm overreacting but all I can say is I'll be eager to find out how her evening plays out. My hope is that she'll dance around in footie socks with her camp friends laughing and jumping around like the little girl she still is. So boys - please stay away from my sexy daughter - at least for a little while longer.

Ah the joys of parenting...whoever said it gets easier is obviously not the parent of a tween...

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions on 09/02/2011

If I Were a Tattoo...What Would I Be?

Now that the summer is in full force, I've been noticing an increasing trend in my area. Tattoos. Big burly men who could qualify for contestants on "The Biggest Loser" sport them on their arms, their legs and their bellies. Ridiculously fit men who look like "The Situation" from "Jersey Shore," have them all over their arms, legs and backs. Surprisingly, the muscle men always avoid desecrating their most prized possession...their six packs.

And let's not forget women. I've seen rose tattoos on ankles, hearts near someone's butt crack (okay, yes, it's weird that I looked but it's like a bad car accident...you just can't look away). I've seen an ink charm bracelet on someone's wrist and ankle - although I would have taken the sparkly kind over the painful version any day of the week. And I've seen birds, names of loved ones (including grandmothers), a memorial tattoo and so many more that last night, I had a dream about being kidnapped and strapped into a chair at a tattoo parlor.

While I am pretty skittish when it comes to allowing a creepy bald guy use a drill to engrave my Grandma Dora's initials on my arm, if yours truly were ever forced to get a tattoo, here's a few options I think I could live with...

1. Hydrangea Bush - Just yesterday, I told my husband how thrilled I was with how beautiful our hydrangeas are looking this year. The purples are so rich and lavish that I would be proud to leave our home each day sporting a replica of our treasured bush on my arm.

2. The Ann Taylor LOFT logo - Instead of the salesgirl asking me each time I visit whether I want to open a LOFT account, I would simply flash her my LOFT logo and she'd know that I am truly one of their favorite shoppers. I'd do the same for Ann Taylor but I think the lettering is a little long for my arm. Better yet...maybe I can do a tattoo of shopping bags - one with LOFT, another with Ann Taylor and a third with White House Black Market.

3. A Volkswagon EOS Convertible - Since that's what I'm dreaming about for my next car and probably won't get it (the trunk space is too small for our family), I can at least wear it proudly on my arm or leg. Or, I could always do a VW "Punch Buggy" that could change colors every time my kids punch my arm.

4. A rendering of a woman getting a pedicure - Since I can hardly find the time to get my nails or my toes done, this would be the next best thing. It could almost serve as my personal to do list - look down at my tattoo of the lady being pampered and immediately head to Sophia's Nails.

5. Re-create My Favorite Hotel of All Time...Le Sirenuse in Positano - My husband and I went there on our honeymoon nearly 15 years ago and since jet fuel prices are out of the stratosphere, I probably may never go back until we hit retirement and our kids send us away for our 50th anniversary. Rather than conjure up memories of our romantic five days in southern Italy, I could wear it proudly on my butt cheek where it would serve as a reminder to my husband that it's time to take me on a really romantic vacation.

So there you have it...I've bared my personal tattoo collection with you. Have any imaginary tattoos you'd like to share?

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions on 07/10/2011

Children Under Three Not Admitted!

I have to come clean about something on the Role Mommy front. Now that I am a mom with kids who are well behaved at restaurants, movies and libraries, I have to say that parents with little ones who erupt in places they shouldn't be in the first place, really irk me.

Case in point: This afternoon, my husband and I took our nine year old son to see Kung Fu Panda 2, which incidentally, is just as funny as the first film and features even more enjoyable characters this time around. We'll share our review in a separate post, but for now, let's focus on the topic at hand - bringing toddlers and babies into an environment where they just don't belong.

While laughing out loud during the film, we started to hear some whining noises coming from the front of the theater. As we tried to pay attention to Po and Master Shifu, the whining began to turn into full fledged crying. Now if this were a four or five year old who was acting out during the film, I totally would have given the parent a pass. But this minor, who was throwing a tantrum during one of the funniest animated films of the summer, had to have been under two years old. In fact, I'd be surprised if she was more than a year.

Now parents, I know you want to keep your older kids entertained, but bringing a baby into a movie theater when you know full well they are like ticking time bombs who can explode at a moment's notice? I've even seen adults bring their toddlers along to late night movies - figuring they'd fall asleep while their mom and dad caught the latest R rated action film to hit theaters. Big mistake.

Here's the deal parents of babies and toddlers: If you can't get someone to watch your child while you take their brother or sister to see an animated film, then wait until it comes out on DVD or order it on pay per view. Trust me, when they finally do reach the age where they can sit still in a movie theater, you too will be annoyed like everyone else when you see a parent bring a baby into the movie that you paid good money to watch without any interruptions from the audience.

Personally, I feel that movie theaters should not allow parents to bring children under the age of three years old into a film even if it's rated G. Movies cost a boat load of money and when you bring your little one into a theater and they spontaneously combust, you've just ruined the experience not only for yourself, but everyone else. In fact, we were tempted to hunt that woman with the baby down and ask her to give us our money back. By the time the film had ended, she was nowhere to be found.

As for restaurants my advice is simple - stay away from romantic restaurants until your child is at an age where they won't throw their food or scream every time you attempt to have a conversation with your spouse. Better yet, find a sitter and go out without them. They'll be happy because they're not confined to a high chair and you'll be psyched because you'll actually have some time to yourselves. If you can't find someone to watch your child, then head to a kid friendly restaurant with decent food (our personal fave is California Pizza Kitchen), give them crayons and a placemat and have them go to town.

Trust me, the movie and restaurant experience gets better as your kids get older. The only thing that gets worse is having to decide whether a film is appropriate for your child - but that's a can of worms we'll tackle another day.

Now it's your turn. Do you mind when people bring babies into movie theaters or quiet restaurants?

Posted in: Blog, Role Mommy Confessions, Undercover Mom on 06/11/2011

12 Things I've Learned from 12 Year Olds

Now that my daughter has reached her 12th birthday and we're less than 365 days away from the day she officially becomes a teenager, I've been thinking a lot about what it's been like to be her mom. I have to admit, attempting to be the parent of a tween has had its moments. There are times where my daughter and I have conversations as if we were best friends and then, an hour passes and we're arguing over homework, quizzes and projects.

I'm trying my best not to be that controlling parent that inevitably turns her child away from wanting to ever confide in her and yet I also want her to know that she can't walk all over me just because I'm trying to make sure she's happy.

After throwing her a birthday party with more than 20 kids at our house this past weekend, I have learned even more from her 12 year old friends. If you're the parent of a tween - see if you relate:

1. 12 year olds spill lots of things. Though they're no longer three years old, when it comes to a home party, 12 year olds still spill chips, soda and the chocolate crunchies that you find inside a Carvel cake on the one rug you have in your house.

2. 12 year olds need to be educated about the benefits of recycling. Case in point: I purchased 60 cups for the party, had about 20 kids attend and each kid used at least 3 cups and left the previous drinks filled to the brim and I was left throwing out all the cups. If that's not a word problem, I don't know what is.

3. 12 year olds will text one another even though they're in the same room. If they leave the room and head to another location, they will text even more. It's like having walkie talkies - without the talking part.

4. 12 year old girls will scream at the top of their lungs if they are in a room with more than a dozen of their friends.

5. 12 year old boys are much calmer than girls and will gravitate toward a gaming system if they get bored with girls screaming at the top of their lungs.

6. 12 year old girls will say mean things to each other. Hopefully, they will have friends who will call them out on their negative behavior and get them them to realize that being mean is totally uncool.

7. 12 year old boys who experience physical bullying will hopefully stand up to adversity or align with friends who look out for one another.

8. A 12 year old girl will have her heart broken by someone they really like.

9. A 12 year old boy will have his heart broken too.

10. A 12 year old will start taking exams that are really tough and will suddenly realize that if they don't study, they're academic success is not going come easy. The same holds true with sports, music and art. Practice truly makes perfect.

11. A 12 year old girl still longs to be a child even though her body is developing and she's facing the pressures of being a teen.

12. A 12 year old needs their parent for important moments in their lives and wants them to disappear when they want to hang out with their closest friends.

Posted in: Role Mommy Confessions on 04/10/2011