Labor Day is a bittersweet time for many of us. We have to stuff our kids' feet back into proper shoes, tame our sunkissed hair and resume a proper standing in society as Little Johnny's mom or dad. The New York Sun reported on Dead Summer Walking. The journalist asked me how I felt about summer's end.
"It's like death," I said. Then again, there are moments of joy as I remind myself my children can only grow older when there is a future. And there is no future without endings and beginnings. So I bite my lip and rejoice in the appreciation of the day.
Speaking of appreciation -- for those of you struggling with your children's poor habits, the Appreciation Station seeks to reinforce positive behavior through rewards, treats and a general appreciation of the
good things our kids do. I found myself getting annoyed with my kids and reacting badly when my son spilled water all over some papers on the table (that should not have been there!). Then I noticed how my daughter started treating her brother badly, too. I apologized for lashing out, then suggested they be patient while I had a conference call.
They both earned a token and my deep appreciation for their waiting. It is a fabulous tool you can fill with whatever you like. They start you out with stickers, coupons and gift certificates, but you can fill them with your own notes and treasures. It came just in the nick of time as school begins and the leaves fall. Appreciation goes beyond the summertime to every day. For that I am very grateful.










