Love list! This article. // Teaching my last cooking class this weekend before school starts. // Watching Nina muddle cherries and mint from the garden to make herself some cherryade. // Avoiding whining and over-tired conflict by parenting through song. Example: Nina is on the verge of throwing a fit because we asked her to pick up her room and caught her shoving everything under her bed; we’re on the verge of responding by collecting everything up off the floor and taking it to the thrift store. Instead, we turn to the lyrics of Ice Cube to give her fair warning, “you better check yo self before you wreck yo self.” We all laugh our asses off, she asks for help (rather than petulantly demanding it), and we all live happily ever after. True story. // spicy maple-tamari glazed tempeh // I’m making a top(!) secret(!) cookbook of family favorites for Nina and the husband, because they still don’t quite realize that they’re going to have to make dinner every weeknight for themselves, and quite possibly me, too.

I have a favor to ask. Is there any way you could ask the educators at Wait’s school for the resources they use to promote conflict resolution? (That’s obnoxious teacher talk. I like your way better. Work their shit out.) This is something I’ve gradually instilled in my own 3rd/4th grade classroom but I’m always looking for more ideas because every single year has its unique kids with their own unique ways. One size does not fit all and it feels like I’m starting from scratch every year. Many thanks if you are able to do this. No worries if you can’t. :)