How Being a Boy Almost Killed Me (If My Parents Had Known, They WOULDA’ Killed Me!)

How Being a Boy Almost Killed Me (If My Parents Had Known, They WOULDA’ Killed Me!)

When I was growing up, I could have died. Real bad. A whole bunch of times. And my parents never knew it until now. (”Hi mom and dad!”)
Oh and don’t feel so smug about your kids. Chances are you won’t find out until 20 years from now about the numb-skulled, death-defying craziness your child is [...]

October 13th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Ain’t Nothin’ But a Twin Thang! (Sibling Rivalry x10…and what to do about it)

Ain’t Nothin’ But a Twin Thang! (Sibling Rivalry x10…and what to do about it)

I have an identical twin. His name is Phil. Mine is James (”Jimmy” way back when, Jim now). So there was no cutesy name stuff happening, thank God. No Jimmy and Timmy, Billy Bobby and Bobby Robby, or Skeeter and Peter. One small grace in an otherwise graceless situation.

Many people would say to us [...]

October 11th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Two Tykes on Trikes Cross Highway on Quest for Quisp and Quake! Parenting and Nutrition

Two Tykes on Trikes Cross Highway on Quest for Quisp and Quake! Parenting and Nutrition

The plan was perfect:

Snatch spare change from around house (steal from mom’s purse if necessary).

Drive tricycles to grocery store which was far away (2 miles).

Purchase Quisp and Quake cereal because mom wouldn’t buy sugary cereals for us.

I was 3-years-old when I hatched this scheme. Admittedly, I did have an accomplice, my identical twin brother Phil [...]

October 6th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Do All White People Like to Hate Their Parents?

Do All White People Like to Hate Their Parents?

Do all white children hate their parents? One blogger who hit the big-time seems to think so.Christian Lander, (white guy) author of the humorous blog, “Stuff White People Like” is now the author of the top-selling book, Stuff White People Like: The Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions. In that book he [...]

October 5th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Teen Plans Mother’s Murder to Pay for Breast Implants? Families in the News Part 3

Teen Plans Mother’s Murder to Pay for Breast Implants? Families in the News Part 3

“FOUNTAIN, Colo. — A Colorado teenager hired men to kill his mother so he could use her money to get breast implants for his girlfriend, police said.”

It is reported that this precious 18-year-old son, Nikita, planned to have mom killed, sell her car, and use money in her bank account to get his girlfriend breast [...]

September 28th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

The "Pre-Perfect" Parent

The "Pre-Perfect" Parent

I am 46 and I still battling my middle school nemesis–acne. This keeps me in touch with the whole teen experience and sometimes makes me question God about the unfairness of life (Why God, WHY???). Though I love taking skinventory as much as the next TEENAGE guy…gets a little old at 46.
This added to the [...]

September 26th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

"A Dog + a Little Girl + An Automatic Car Window = Family Nightmare" Or "What You Gonna Do When Life Poops on You?"

"A Dog + a Little Girl + An Automatic Car Window = Family Nightmare" Or "What You Gonna Do When Life Poops on You?"

It was an ordinary day. We had no reason to think it would spiral into a nightmare for my 8-year-old daughter, Kristin–and for our chronically shabby, ungroomed schnauzer named Frosty (Frosty’s a she by the way).

The family was packed into the Blazer, making a rare trip to Frosty’s groomer. Lined up on the backseat are [...]

September 24th, 2008 by jkochenburger 

Family Time or Family Crime? What’s Your Legacy?

Family Time or Family Crime? What’s Your Legacy?

I am a big fan of parents making sure they pass on to their children solid life skills and an honorable legacy. Good stuff.
But what about when one’s life skill and legacy is…um…crime? (And one is not very good at it–cause one is caught, convicted and sentenced?) Turns out that gets passed down too.
A recent [...]

September 23rd, 2008 by jkochenburger 

The Family That Beats Up People Together…Stays Together?

The Family That Beats Up People Together…Stays Together?

In Baton Rouge, Lousiana an 18-year-old and his 53-year-old mother, were arrested for a recent road rage incident that ended with the severe beating of a 70-year-old man. Apparently, the young “real smart” guy knocked an elderly man’s front teeth out and caused such injury to his mouth that it took 40 stitches to [...]

September 20th, 2008 by jkochenburger